Today's Icons Who Stayed True To Their Hippie Roots

The Hippie or Hippy Movement began in the mid-1960s amongst youth or young adults from the ages of 15 to 25 in the US and the UK. Although the root word ‘hip’ meant in-the-now, fashionable and fancy, the Movement redefined the term to suit their new purpose. This new group of young persons would adopt and initiate new methods of dress, attitudes, religious and spiritual practices, eating and health habits, musical tastes, convictions and morals. This new wave of hippies was very health-conscious and ate little to no meat and abstained from eating foods from animal sources. As a result of their health conscious attitude, many took up recreational activities and sports such as swimming, cycling as well as yoga. Their mode of dress was also as eclectic as their lifestyle. The hippies wore bohemian chic apparel in bright colours, vibrant patterns whilst being adorned in jewellery replica of the peace sign. Overall, the mind-set of the 1960s was to promote peace, love and harmony through the use of experimental drugs, influential music and lifestyle practices. The Hippie Movement came on the heels of years of activism which further propelled their message of peace.

Celebrities such as Lisa Bonet, Jane Fonda, Joan Baez, Shailene Woodley, Jared Leto, Mary- Kate and Ashley Olsen were born after the initial boom of the movement however; their mind-sets and life practices mesh perfectly with that of the original 1960s hippies. Most of these icons are known activists who have lent their fame to many causes. Most notably, Shailene Woodley, star of the Divergent movies, has been a constant environmental activist in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline and was even arrested whilst protesting on the site in October 2016. She has also joined other projects to sensitize young persons on the pressing issues within society. Older icons such as Lisa Bonet and Jane Fonda have embodied their hippie roots through their sense of style. Bonet is known for her relaxed attitude and bohemian style clothing. Her hair is worn in loose braids that fit into the norm of the hippie look. Her acting career shows heavy influence of the Hippie Movement.

Another such icon is Lady Gaga, who is known for her active role in the LGBT and Women’s Rights Movements. Not only is her activism parallel to the ideals of the 1960s hippies, her music centres on the messages of love, peace and acceptance, and has been used as the soundtrack for the many movements that she has endorsed.

One of the most famous hippies, Janis Joplin, exemplified the hippie lifestyle. She was one of the performers at the original Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 and was a pioneer in female performers in that era. Her attitude to this day shows her understanding of the hippie nature in all of its forms. It is very easy to identify the artists and icons that have been influenced by the Hippie Movement of the 1960’s, as they continue to use the various characteristics of the movement in their personal and professional lives.