LITTER, halternecks, flicked hair, aviator glasses, embroidered denim, lip gloss and even hot pants are the latest trademarks of the Seventies to be enjoying a revival of fortune.

Seventies chic is the defining look of the summer, captured perfectly by pop princess Kylie Minogue who dons teeny-weeny hot pants, a skimpy shoulderless top and a mane of Farrah Fawcett hair in the video to her latest song, Spinning Around.

Even in music, the sounds from the Seventies seem to be finding a new audience: just consider the rapturous reception given to David Bowie at Glastonbury this year.

And the latest trend to re-emerge from the decade of aesthetic amnesia is the scooter. Along with the Space Hopper and Chopper bike, the two-wheeled scooter was the must-have toy of that decade. Today, the 21st century scooter comes in a portable pack-and-go format ideally suited to commuters and Seventies children who are still young at heart.

But talk of a Seventies revival is misleading. Let's face it, the decade has been having a revival for longer than it existed.

I remember going to Seventies discos all through the Eighties, and flares, wedges, and other styles from the era have come and gone on a regular basis.

Our renewed interest in the Seventies is just the latest stage in a very long love affair with the decade.

Just why we love those ten years so much is a question to be posed in a new TV series beginning on Saturday on BBC2.

I Love The Seventies is the ten-week strand celebrating everything from fashions and fads to films, TV, music, sport and the celebs of the decade.

But what explains our loyalty to the ten years which brought together the good, the bad and the ugly of popular culture in a kaleidoscopic mix which has yet to be rivalled?

York businessman Steve Gibson thinks he knows the answer. "It was fun," he says. "England was also at its best at that time: ruling the world in fashion and music. We still like to think of that time when everything was fun and carefree."

Steve and wife Lynn run the two Kaos shops in York's Gillygate, hiring and selling Seventies outfits and clothing. They also run Skoota in Church Street, which sells lava lamps, fibre optic lights and other home accessories from the Seventies.

"The cult of the Seventies continues to be so big because of the style and glamour of it all," says Steve.

"Fashion is now reflecting the Seventies with bright colours, swirly prints and handkerchief tops - even hairstyles are going that way."

Although Kaos sells all sorts of fancy dress costumes from different eras, those from the 1970s are by far the most popular, says Steve. "People just love going to parties in Seventies style. For one night only they can go all the way, with wigs, lots of glitter and long eye lashes."

Steve, who opted for a Seventies party to celebrate 25 years' marriage to Lynn, says it's an experience not to be missed. "If people have never had a Seventies-night experience, they haven't lived. It's a scream from beginning to end."

But it's not just clothes which are being inspired by the Seventies, adds Steve.

"A lot of items we have in our homes come from the Seventies. There has been a resurgence in lava lamps and fibre optic lamps, and that chrome look from Ikea is a retro look from the Seventies - it's not new.

"And the bright colours which are around in bars and offices like the Slug and Lettuce - oranges and purples - are the colour of the Ford Escorts and Cortinas of the 1970s."

Such is the enduring appeal of the decade that other revival movements, such as that to bring back the sounds and styles of the Eighties, stood little chance of success.

Steve believes the love affair shows no sign of waning, despite imminent challenges.

"The look from the catwalks is power dressing and big handbags - but they will really struggle to convince people who prefer to wear tight tops.

"The Eighties was a very dour period with everyone trying to out do each other. The essence of the Seventies was 'let's party'."

I Love The Seventies begins on Saturday, BBC2 at 8.55pm