Oscar-nominated Michael Wilkinson, costume designer for American Hustle, had his work cut out for him in creating looks to evoke the evolution from the rebellious 60s to the newfound individualism of America in the 1970s, specifically the latter part of that decade.
"It was apparent that they were really using clothes to affect the way people thought about themselves in the world," Wilkinson explained in a recent interview. "They were reinventing themselves all the time and dressing up to be the people they were aspiring to be."
Pieces featured in the film include vintage Gucci, Halston, Bob Mackie and Diane von Furstenberg, the latter celebrating 40 years of her own iconic wrap jersey dresses in the "Journey of a Dress" exhibition currently at the May Co department store building in Los Angeles.
That spirit of being relaxed in your own skin was an undercurrent that was reflected in the clothes of this period, from tactile fabrics such as denim, suede and jersey to a preference for more earthy colours and prints taking inspiration from sub-trends such as the peasant look popularised by Yves Saint Laurent and Biba.
