ABSTRACT

In 1972, the primary fashion statement consisted of setting off casual clothes with touches of camp or swank. While the craze did slack off somewhat during the winter of 1973-1974, glitter tops have remained a fashion fixture, albeit on the fringes of the mainstream, into the 1990s. Most clothing stores continue to stock them as a sideline. Though generally priced for the jean wearer's budget, premium lines were also available, such as Right Bank Clothing's 'America' top. Clothing manufacturers attributed the craze to the inflationary economy, which made a bit of glamour at moderate prices attractive. By fall the trend had spread from the junior-sportswear division to all sectors of the clothing industry. These sweaters, T-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved shirts exhibited a wide array of designs include: festooned with rhinestones, sequins, silver threads, gold sparkle dust, and paint; abstract designs in an Art Deco vein; representational images; words and numbers for funny messages.