I've been reading this book today in the library. It suggests that this period, 1945-70, was an age of anxiety which strongly affected art and design. It was a time where science and technology could shape the future. I have been floating amongst articles about new and innovative fabrics in preparation for my dissertation and some of these images show that the ideas were thought up decades ago!
In 1966 American designer Diana Dew had already begun incorporating lighting into clothing. Her electroluminescent dress used a portable rechargeable battery to illuminate the the plastic lamps.
'If a girl wants to flash for ten hours, she'll have to get a bigger battery.' Diana Dew, 1967.
Katy Perry in a LED dress Havaniana flip flops
By the end of the 60's the science lead space age fashions were replaced by flower power and the hippies. Designer Rudi Gernreich who was very closely associated with futuristic fashionin the decade reflected the drastic shift in trend in his 1970 collection for Harmon Knitwear accessorising models with guns, dog tags and army boots. He also suggested a future where, 'Fashion will go out of fashion.'
Futuristic fashions of the 50's and 60's died out because they were regarded as having catastrophic effects on the environment. Rejection of synthetic fabrics, space exploration and science dulled the mood in a space age future.
Pivitt says that many designs in the book show anxieties not only about the future but possible nuclear war or alien invasion. They were protective garments.
Recent fashion historians have increasingly turned their attention to the relationship between fear and fashion. Further reading:
The Supermodern Wardrobe, Andrew Bolton
Techno Fashion, Bradley Quinn
'Both assert links between a sense of urban unease, a need for shelter and the evolution of hi-tech garments.'
Safe: Design takes on risk - exhibiton by Paola Antonelli 2006
Machines that became us, James E. Katz