The ‘Archies Core’: A Fashion Utopia that screams 60s Retro glam
A fashion time travel to the 1960s with the Archies. Here is everything you need to know about the retro evergreen style.
With a stellar cast, catchy songs and vivid aesthetics, the Archies became a movie that brings back the golden age of fashion. The newly released Netflix watch ‘The Archies’ is not just a musical sitcom journey but indeed a visual treat for fashion fanatics. The series is reminiscent of the 1960s iconic comic. This immersive fantasia is packed with groovy rock n roll, candy-coloured pinafores and delightful milkshakes.
The Zoya Akhtar adaptation is packed with teenage hues that bring back the retro evergreen style. The Archies world is a fictional narrative universe nestled in vintage fashion. Keeping the old-school aesthetic in mind, the costume designer Poornamitra Singh has created a rustic appeal with body-fitting clothes, prints and frilled hemlines. This fashion utopia is a pastel picturesque much like a whimsy Wes Anderson spirit.
Poornamitra’s ‘Archies core’ is immersed in the Anglo-Indian culture of the 1960s which has a lot of Western sartorial influence. She coiffed the cast of all ages, classes and professions keeping the cross-cultural narrative in mind. Her costume design is a fusion of Indian and European fashion where bobby socks, sweater vests, fluid sarees, pantsuits, miniskirts, and silk brocades concur in a cohesive manner. The ‘Archies core’ also draws inspiration from some of the subcultures of the 60s which includes the Mod culture, the Beatles, and hippies of the swinging sixties. The colour palette is dominated by a wide array of groovy hippie hues. It ranges from soft earthy tones like mellow yellow, pink, mauve, saddle brown, pea green, Tuscan clay, gold, Calliope purple, etc., adding to the idyllic world of Archies.
The Gen Z stars Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor and Dot brought life to the iconic characters Veronica Lodge, Betty Cooper and Ethel Muggs respectively. They graced the screen with flamboyant corset-fitted and polka-dotted dresses. The designer has also incorporated 1960’s iconic quintessentials like plaid skirts, sweaters, pinafores, coloured stockings, Mary Jane shoes, pearl earrings, puffed sleeves, broad collars, kitten heels and many more.
Archies core is a celebration of individuality within the 60’s zeitgeist. Each character is attired according to their distinct persona. Veronica Lodge aka Suhana Khan is a fashionista with an expensive taste. Her glam is an epitome of sophistication with high-end ensembles. Reviving the retro spirit, her wardrobe includes fur-trimmed coats, mini dresses, Mary Jane block heels, bright stockings etc. Veronica’s matte skin, subtle blush, over-the-top eyeliner and lots of lipgloss channel the true essence of the decad. The Archies’ fashion also breathes in the retro glam of the rock n roll era icons like Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and Jackie Kennedy.
On the other hand, Betty Cooper is the classic girl next door who is whimsy yet chic. She is draped in soft colours. Betty’s signature preppy look includes vintage cardigans, waistcoats with puff sleeves, pleated skirts, trousers, Mary Jane flats, Alice headbands, and a tote bag. The classic Betty Cooper look isn’t complete without trendy bangs and a ponytail.
Ethel Muggs is that eclectic and quirky gal in the town. She is eccentric in terms of her looks and mannerisms. Her fashion flair consists of low-key prints, puff sleeves, sweater vests, printed tops, jeans skirts and varied hair accessories. She emanates a countryside girl vibe who is humble and ambitious.
‘The Archies’ boys have also put forth an effortless sixties chic on screen. Agastya Nanda portrays the role of Archie Andrews along with his on-fleek trio — Vedang Raina as Reggie, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton. The boys have been attired in types of denim, checks on stripes, sweater vests, suspenders and newsboy caps. Men are lacquered in pomade to evoke an Elvis Presley sheen.
Archie’s character embodies that high school charm with his side parted curly hair, nautical print t-shirt, tone-down sweaters and varsity jacket relaxed fit khaki pants. He wore a lot of blue, maroon and grey. In contrast, suave Reggie is slightly edgy with his daring fashion choices. His bicep-revealing polos, leather jackets and greased-back hairstyle are a heartthrob archetype of the 1960s.
Jughead Jones has a cool and laid-back persona. He is witty and everybody’s pal. His relaxed style is donned with denim jackets, a crown beanie and an S-shaped shirt. Dilton Doiley represents the genius friend within every friend circle. He embraces a nerdy chic style with sleeveless sweaters, checks and stripes, t-shirts, and signature round eyeglasses. Dilton is spotted onscreen with ’60s Blazers paired with printed pants.
