I have watched practically every movie from the 1960’s. My grandmother was a huge movie buff and each time she came to stay with us, we did a weekend movie marathon. While all of these movies were way before my time, I thoroughly enjoyed watching each of them. My gran, was especially partial to Shammi Kapoor and I can honestly say, I have seen every single movie he has ever made. Seeing how I love clothes, what stayed with me most was the fashion. What I absolutely love about the 60’s fashion is that there is an elegance to it that we can’t seem to replicate. From the main leads to the people in the backgrounds, each dressed with a kind of sharpness that is very pleasing to the eye. No sloppy untucked shirts, pallus falling or garish embroideries. There is a cleanliness in its lines, from the neat little beehive hairstyles to the winged eyeliners, it all fell into perfect place.
These then are my personal favorite looks from the 60’s
Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) - Saira Banu
I was about eight years old when I saw this movie and I remember thinking she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She practically glowed through the entire movie. The sarees too were spectacular. You could take any of those looks and wear them today. Monochrome sarees, subtle embroideries, scoop neck saree blouses and elbow length sleeves – all hallmarks of the looks of the time. It was both elegant and beautiful. She was one of the first heroines to wear the beehive updo with a winged eyeliner.
Sangam (1964) – Vyjayanthimala Raman
Released in the mid 60’s, this Raj Kapoor masterpiece had some interesting fashion moments of both traditional and western. Soft sarees with sleeveless blouses, chokers, bouffants and eye makeup, elegant and understated. The prize of course is Vyjayanthimala herself, who is stunning throughout the movie.
Waqt (1965) - Sadhana Shivdasani
In addition to the tight fitting churidars of the movie, this was beginning of the trademark Yash Chopra heroine. Pastel chiffon sarees, sensuously draped with minimal jewelry and the trademark bouffant.
An Evening in Paris (1967) - Sharmila Tagore
Shot in Paris of the 60’s, this east meets west is a fantastic fashion feast as well. Stylishly draped saris with sleeveless blouses and little details like bows on the back, make the styling of this film stand out. Sharmila Tagore as the main lead, skipping around town, with her chic bob and pearl choker is as desi meets ‘Jackie O’ as you can get.
Bhramachari (1968) - Mumtaz Askari
Perhaps one of the most iconic looks for Indian cinema, if not the iconic look. Mumtaaz in the orange double draped saree took the demure saree and made it tone of the sexiest look of its time. The tight hip hugging drape with the tiny narrow pallu worn between the breasts was a complete twist on the regular. We even saw a recreation of this iconic look in the film Teri Meri Kahaani (2012) starring Priyanka Chopra.