Carnaby Street, miniskirts and topless models – incredible pics reveal how London sparked the Swinging 60s
INCREDIBLE photos show London at the height of the Swinging 60s as the iconic music-and-miniskirt movement hit the capital with a bang.
The stunning pictures show live models being used in shop windows with only signage protecting their modesty.
In others, crowds are seen gathering round to grab a peek — and a notice explains that the police shut down the raunchy shop.
Other striking shots, from the website Retronaut, show three models and their bicycles being led away by police.
And hip youngsters grin as they enjoy their newfound fashion freedom — with one woman picking out a new dress.
In the mid to late 1960s the phenomenon known as the Swinging Sixties took over Britain.
It was a youth driven cultural explosion encompassing, music, fashion and art.
The capital became known as Swinging London — with Carnaby Street and the King's Road being the centre of attention.
The post war baby-boomers had come of age and with the end of National Service in 1960 and a post-war economic recovery they had more freedom and disposable income than their parents.
The contraceptive pill had also arrived in Britain at the beginning of the 1960s fuelling a sexual revolution.
All manner of creative people flocked to London turning the gloomy, grey post-war city into a colourful, stylish place full of optimism.
Mary Quant led the fashion revolution, with the mini skirt, publicised in magazines, worn by the models Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton.
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The successful boutique Biba opened its first shop in 1964 after being a mail order store.
The Beatles also opened the short-lived Apple Boutique in December 1967.
All the while the soundtrack was provided by the likes of the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks and the Beatles.
Time magazine's 15 April 1966 issue featured London: the Swinging City, cementing its reputation.
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