ABBA members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad dominated radio airwaves back in the 1970s – but the Swedish supergroup is still as relevant as ever in 2023. Following up their smash hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, the band released a brand new album, titled Voyage, in 2021 – their ninth and final studio album. This weekend, they’re also up for four major Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album of the Year, as well as Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for one of their leading singles, “Don’t Shut Me Down”.
Ahead of ABBA’s grand appearance at the Grammys on Sunday, Vogue is taking a look back at the Swedish group’s best fashion moments over the years. Photos from their heyday in the 1970s prove they’ve always been the masters of coordinated group style. While performing on stage, the four members have always shared a penchant for the dramatic – often synching up on groovy suits, bellbottom jeans or disco-ready spandex catsuits. There’s a reason there’s a whole Broadway musical (and movie) set to their music; the group has a large roster of hits and an even longer list of statement outfits to go along with them.
ABBA in 2022Photo: Getty Images
Many of their fabulously retro looks were designed by Owe Sandström, their go-to costume designer at the time. “I wanted [their outfits] to be like pieces of art, more than just costumes,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “My inspirations came from everywhere, from all over the world. Kimonos in Japan, the northern lights of Scandinavia. The latin boleros and flamenco pieces in Chiquitita and Fernando.”
While it’s easy to look back on their 1970s clothes as a time capsule, many of their pieces – including the flared denim and frilly blouses – couldn’t feel more current, especially as designers such as Celine’s Hedi Slimane constantly look back and draw from the decade. Log onto TikTok and not only is ABBA’s music constantly being used for trending sounds, but many creators are also playing into their ’70s style, too (remember that beauty trend on the app where everyone was recreating bouncy, voluminous, ABBA-worthy curls?). ABBA is the gift that keeps on giving – and we simply can’t wait to see what they wear to the Grammys on Sunday.
Below, 19 glorious ABBA photos to enjoy.
