The Most Unforgettable Photos of the Sixties in America

The Swinging Sixties were one of the most notable and iconic decades in history. With a tidal wave of love and harmony invading the American people, a completely new cultural environment emerged, with fashion and style becoming completely distinct from the past. Let’s take a look back at some of the most evocative pictures from the sixties.

Brigitte Bardot

The 60s were a time of total style and glamour, and Brigitte Bardot epitomized both. She was an extraordinarily talented actress who appeared in a variety of movies, including And God Created Woman, Contempt, and A Very Private Affair, as well as a pin-up and style icon.

Beatlemania

It was only in the 1960s that we were used to seeing fans go absolutely ballistic over their favourite celebrity crush or favourite singer, as now. Back in the 1960s, it was pretty much unheard of until one particular band hit the scene—a floppy-haired Liverpool group known as the Beatles. “Beatlemania”, the insane outbursts of the fans, swept the nation and the world.

Audrey Hepburn

It is hard to find a person that captures the glamour and style of the 60s as well as renowned movie star Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn represented the fashionable and quirky style of the decade down to the day, and she is still a strong influence on contemporary culture. Her significant roles in iconic movies such as My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's make her one of the greatest movie stars of all time.

Ballet Bridge

It is truly one of the iconic photos of the artist and the creative heyday of the 60s. This photograph shows the San Francisco Ballet Company performing a stunning composition under the shadow of the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge.

Death-Defying

It's hard to look at this photograph, it looks so frightening! Unfortunately, this isn't a well-trained athlete performing a death-defying stunt, but rather a prison inmate being used for safety testing on a new rollercoaster. These days, using a prisoner as a guinea pig would be unthinkable, but back in the 60s it wasn't such a big deal. Despite the safety net, the picture still looks a bit unsafe.

Gym Class at Beauty Salon

It is rare to see a woman become a self-made millionaire, but legendary businesswoman Helena Rubinstein accomplished the feat in 1967 when she was reported to be the first female self-made billionaire. Despite the fact that she first launched her beauty line in the 1920s, she continues to be an inspiration to women across the world throughout the swinging sixties. Women are seen in the Helena Rubinstein Beauty Salon on Fifth Avenue in New York in this photograph from the sixties. In order to be considered as ladylike and passive, women had to put in the work during the sixties as girl powers.

All Aboard

It is difficult to imagine the 60s as we see it in this remarkably shot image. The image contains everything we think of as the decade—young, enthusiastic, and attractive people having a good time with classic vehicles and vintage automobiles. In this picture, fraternity members from California State University in Long Beach are sitting on a Volkswagen Classic. They are having a great time, laughing, and waving at the camera. This photograph is fundamentally 60s because it features a classic Volkswagen and hundreds of college students in California State University Long Beach.