The Haight Ashbury collection is a modern interpretation of a 1960’s vibe and is inspired by the Artists that defined the Summer of Love.
The Summer of Love in 1967 was more than just a fleeting moment in time—it was a cultural revolution that reshaped the landscape of music, art, and society as a whole. Held in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, this gathering of hippies became the epicentre of the counterculture movement.
At the time many were angry about the Vietnam War, the lack of women’s rights and increasing consumerism. The decade witnessed a surge in political activism, with artists actively engaging in civil rights, anti-war, and feminist movements.
The era's art was characterized by vivid colours, swirling patterns, and mind-bending imagery, often influenced by the use of psychedelic substances. The posters, album covers, and underground comics of the time reflected the cultural shift towards exploration, freedom, and expanded consciousness.
When it comes to the fusion of art and pop culture, few artists have made as significant an impact as Peter Max. It was max’s ‘Be In’ poster that inspired the hippies to gather in New York City’s Central park to immortalize the Summer of Love.
The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was released in June 1967 and tracks like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "A Day in the Life" blended surreal lyrics with groundbreaking instrumentation. The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix were all experimenting with sound, pushing boundaries and creating the legacy that still survives today.
The Summer of Love ended in chaos; by October of 1967 there was a mock funeral called the ‘Death of the Hippie’ held by the few remaining hippies in San Francisco.
Even though the Summer of Love was short lived its legacy still lives on today, not just in the music and art of the period, but in the continued spirit of experimentation and rebellion that it inspired. It is a perfect reminder of the power of art to shape culture, challenge the status quo, and to bring people together in the pursuit of something better.
