Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Flashback: New York City Fashion, 1969
By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 9, 2010
Modified Sep 9, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 7
By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 9, 2010
Modified Sep 9, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
During the summer of 1969, photographer Vernon Merritt III strolled around New York City documenting the fashion of the time for LIFE magazine. At the time, Merritt said: "New Yorkers have such charm, savoir faire, call it what you will. And it's a general thing—all the way from Harlem down to the Battery." His focus was mostly on the younger set, noting "New York City is a costume party for the young this summer, a party that is taking place outdoors, on the streets and in the parks."
The photographer hailed from Alabama, and upon seeing this trash-filled alley said, "At one point, about midway through the story, I began to think that New York might really be a nifty place to live, that the redeeming features outweighed all the drawbacks. Then I realized I was reacting more to the people I was photographing than to the city itself." Oh well, it's cleaner now, and just as nifty.
Tagged
1969
fashion
flashback
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 19, 2026
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Arts & Entertainment
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years
By
Hannah Frishberg
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .