The peacock revolution was a fashion movement which took place between the late 1950s and mid–1970s, mostly in the United Kingdom. Mostly based around men incorporating feminine fashion elements such as floral prints, bright colours and complex patterns, the movement also saw the embracing of elements of fashions from Africa, Asia, the late 17th century and the queer community. The movement began around the late 1950s when John Stephen began opening boutiques on Carnaby Street, London, which advertised flamboyant and queer fashions to the mod subculture. Entering the mainstream by the mid-1960s through the designs of Michael Fish, it was embraced by popular rock acts including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Small Faces. By the beginning of the 1970s, it had begun to decline due to popular fashion returning to a more conservative style.
A wax figure of Jimi Hendrix at Madame Tussauds, London
The mod subculture was influential upon the peacock revolution
Shepard Sherbell, Brian Jones and Michael Cooper (L–R) in 1967, wearing peacock revolution clothing
Carnaby Street is a pedestrianised shopping street in Soho in the City of Westminster, Central London. Close to Oxford Street and Regent Street, it is home to fashion and lifestyle retailers, including many independent fashion boutiques.
Swinging London, Carnaby Street, c. 1966
Irvine Sellars and other boutiques, Carnaby Street, 1968
The Rolling Stones shop in Carnaby Street, 2012
Carnaby Street in 2006