Text & collage by Mia Kingsley

Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Sandy West & Jackie Fox form all girl 70s rock band ‘The Runaways’ who take position as our ‘Retro Style Icons’ of the week! With centre partings, that 70s wave in their hair, flares in their jeans and raglan T-shirts whats not to like about this American 5 piece?

Starting out in 1975 at the ages of only 15 the band was formed by Joan Jett with the help of producer Kim Fowley. They scouted Cherie Currie in a teen club who became their lead singer after the group made her sing ‘Cherry Bomb’ a song they had written on the spot because Cherie showed up without anything to audition with.

Even though they didn’t gain huge success in the States, Japan went crazy for the band and they traveled all over Europe too. They made 5 albums in total and hold cult status in the world of Rock n Roll, being an all girl band in a genre dominated by men they caused quiet a sensation. They’re age and looks gained them a lot of attention throughout the decade. Cherrie would wear fishnets, corsets and heavy make-up  at gigs, they’re whole style including their lyrics caused a stir in publicity even being labelled as jailbait! Their Album ‘Queens of Noise’ perfectly reflects their own status, will we ever again find a girl group with such attitude? Check out their style below…