THE 1970s: FASHION: PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Laura Ashley, an English designer known for her floral patterns and colors, begins to influence American fashion's return to femininity in the late 1970s.

American designer Scott Barrie shows his simple and elegant satin slip dress in the spring of 1978. With its deep-slit hemline that showcases the wearer's legs, this dress combines the fun of the mini with the comfort and sensibility of longer skirts.

In February 1976 Liz Claiborne forms and soon becomes famous for her simple and affordable line of women's sportswear.

In 1978 designer Perry Ellis opens his new line of men's clothing, Perry Ellis Sportswear.

In 1976 former model and star of the hit television show Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett-Majors makes news with her feathered haircut.

In July 1975 First Lady Betty Ford removes historic mid-nineteenth-century wallpaper from the White House dining room. Installed by Jacqueline Kennedy, the wallpaper depicted Revolutionary War battle scenes that Ford thought were "kind of depressing."

American designer Rudi Gernreich somewhat cryptically declares in 1971 that "the fashion industry as we know it is dead. Today fad equals fashion."

American designer Halston incorporates his design line into Halston Enterprises in 1973, and the business becomes worth $12 million.

Designer Holly Harp, known for her simple yet unconventional clothes, opens her own wholesale line in 1973.

In 1974 Newsweek magazine declares Lauren Hutton Model of the Year.

In 1977 Diane Keaton stars in Woody Allen's Annie Hall dressed in clothing designed by Ralph Lauren and launches a new, slightly rumpled men's look for women.

In March 1971 Sen. Edward Kennedy's wife Joan Kennedy greets her dinner guests in satin hot pants, announcing the newest trend in Washington fashion.

In 1970 architect Robert Nash of Washington, D.C., becomes the first African-American to be elected president of the American Institute of Architects.

In 1975 second lady Happy Rockefeller oversees the re-decoration of the vice-presidential mansion. Rockefeller makes news when she chooses a thirty-five-thousand-dollar designer bed, equipped with stereo lamps and telephone, for the master bedroom.

New York button manufacturer N. G. Slater's smiley-face button becomes a spontaneous hit, earning over __BODY__ million in 1971.

Yves St. Laurent finally gains financial control over his famous design house in 1972 after waiting for over ten years to buy out his financial backers.

In 1971 Japanese designer Kenzo Takada introduces Oriental features into the fashion scene. Fuller short skirts, kimono sleeves, shawls, and draped clothing mark the growing influence of Japan on American design.