There is a frequency to the seasons, styles, tides, markets, etc. Look closely and find other ups and downs in life, such as my weight. Everything is cyclical in our known universe, from macro to micro-processes. Balance is a necessity of existence. Fashion is no different. How many times does fashion repeat itself? Are you hanging on to any styles you “Know will come back in vogue”?
Would you take a trip through time with me and spark memories of fashion?
- 1960s While some experimented and contemplated the universe and existence itself; the 1960s ushered in an era of life and fashion independent from today’s cultural and social assumptions or projections. There was a refusal of anything orthodox. The bralette was part of this bohemian unembellished movement. The “Hippie Look” is linked with the 70s, but started in the 60s.
- 1970s The polyester decade of the 70s began with hippie style in vogue which developed into glam upon the arrival of disco. The women’s sexual freedom movement was embraced on the runway by designer Yves Saint Laurent with a collection. Platform shoes, bright colours, millions of sequins, and black lace dominated the end of the decade.
- 1980s I still love the variety of music from the 1980s but I didn’t understand the neon in the beginning or pastels at the end of the decades’ fashion. In iconic movies, actors wore jumpsuits and drove sports fashion with headbands, leg warmers, and spandex. Punk and Hip-Hop had their divergent styles emerge. Some designers like Ralph Lauren and Perry Ellis returned to classic 40s and 50s style, dubbed the “Preppy Look”.
- 1990s The original Supermodels of Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington kicked in the door to the 90s. Holdovers like leggings and oversized sweatshirts were still popular with junior women. Minimalism of earlier decades began its resurgence in fashion with Kate Moss. Grunge, with leather and plaid, was the predominant “fashion” and “style” in minimalism going into the 2000s.
- 2000s The speed of the fashion industry in the 2000s accelerated to a pace where runway model-inspired fashion could be purchased in department stores. Celebrity T.V. characters from One Tree Hill, and The OC had a marked effect on fashion. There were plenty of tracksuits and streetwear to be seen. Various sub-groups helped shape fashion in this decade, such as; hip-hop, emo, and bohemian.
- 2010s Sport, exercise, and workout gear became relaxed everyday wear. Athleisure was the style in the 2010s. However, grandiose and extravagant wild fashion was hitting the runways as Gucci returned to bold finish and colours. Consumers and businesses similarly began to look at efficiency and sustainability. Another change came along in 2019.
- 2020s The outbreak presented overall minimalism in a fashion that harkens back to the 90s. That 90s fashion was borrowed from the 60s simplicity. I am ok with bohemian fashion. How about you? Simplicity is comfortable. Being economic is smart.
Simple, economic, and smart are not where the industry should lead us. It should take us to the extremes of experiences, giving us more options. We can make our own subdued and diluted combinations.
