Fashion forward? Back in 1968, fashion designer Michael La Mendola put on a show of "Clothing for the Emancipated Man." The organizers of this New York fashion show might have wished they could fast-forward through any recollection of it.
 |
| "Clothing For the Emancipated Man", in a New York fashion show, January 9, 1968 |
The sign of the show announced the partnership between designer Michael La Mendola and Hess department stores, a Pennsylvania-based company that built a reputation on carrying luxury brands. While some of Mendola's outfits could be said to predict British punk styles of the '70s with big prints and kilts, others—like this psychedelic, low-cut jumper—look a little outlandish in retrospective.
So if the men could be emancipated from stifling expectations, why couldn't the clothes be freed too? That's just because his styles still seemed ahead of their time.
 |
| A model in an evening kilt-trouser in the "Clothing For the Emancipated Man" fashion show, New York, January 9, 1968 |
 |
| A model in leisure leopard-like outfit in the "Clothing For the Emancipated Man" fashion show, New York, January 9, 1968 |
 |
| A model in silk jersey print pajama leisure suit in the "Clothing For the Emancipated Man" fashion show, New York, January 9, 1968 |
