Future Nostalgia

     

As a designer I look to the past for vintage inspiration, so the subject of nostalgia is quite intriguing to me. Every so often I try to envision what will trigger nostalgia for people in the future about this past decade. Sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when you’re in the middle of a situation. Certainly there are silhouettes that emerged this decade that will define the looks of the era. The all around “trimming of fat” provided cleaner looks. Velour tracksuits, leggings, hipster style, plastic rimmed glasses and tailored suits are all staples from the 2000s. But what will really be remembered or stand out to others and us in the future is unpredictable. Some trends may be relatively short lived, but be a stand out in the people’s minds about the era.

     Another factor to consider is how much mass retailing and fast fashion has changed. It is easier and cheaper than past decades to keep up with current trends.  Retailers like H&M, Forever 21 and Charlotte Rousse have made it possible for consumers to get the latest trends for affordable prices. These clothes of course have a quick turnaround and are very short lived, which is fine since these consumers want the latest style anyway. The system leads to a “trickle-up” pattern, which refers to where the trend began; street to the runway vs. runway to street.

     

     In the early 2000’s a new means of marketing involved “cool-hunters”. They would go out to find teenagers who were innovators and ahead current trends. The cool hunters would take their photos, compile the information and images and sell them to companies for thousands of dollars. This type of marketing continues today along with other very consumer influenced tools like focus groups and surveys. This has changed the way trends begin. Also, the fact that the 2000s mark the first decade of the social media influence on fashion increases the rapid pace at which trends unfold, disperse and disappear.

     We may not be able to predict what our era will be remembered for, but it is fun to think we as consumers, and myself as a designer have a greater influence on fashion history than ever before.

Here is a link to an article with a little more insight on the subject.

What staples do you think will be remembered from the 2000s?