"Fashion is always of the time in which you live." Coco Chanel.
The 70's are dead yet the Jazz Age is back?
As much as I love the glamour and razzmatazz of high waist trousers, pencil skirts, church hats, gloves and blazers, I can't help but wonder why we innately recycle what's been done and steer from inventing something new?
Sure, the catwalks and billboards wow our eyes with ostentatious costume drama- shame we can't walk to uni or our local supermarket in bat wings, or tonnes of eye make up (unless impersonating Lady Ga Ga of course).
What draws us to reliving a certain era at a certain time?
Earlier I posted an interesting discussion re the correlation between the economic climate and fashion trends. On the surface, there doesn't seem to be a link but let's really think about it for a minute.
During the 1940's we faced war, the invention of velcro, the slinky, the microwave, the frisbee, the development of commercial television, the first general purpose electronic computer, film noir, and Bambi!
In terms of fashion, rationing saw restrictions on silks, furs, nylons, rayon, wool and leather. Floral patterns flourished when granny and great granny were made to wear their curtains (literally).
In the name of all things patriotic, many would wear khakis, army greens, navy's and grey's. In a dare to be different, some would wear 'atomic prints' otherwise known as geometric patterns and shapes. Metal rations hindered buckles and belts. Also, let's not forget while the men were away, the women holding the fort couldn't always afford to oil a tank or shoot down a plane in ball gowns. Trousers and wedges soon replaced dresses and thanks to a shortage in rubber, heels and stockings were on the way out.
Now let's look at today. Our computers have become tablets, commercial online television is predominant, film noir has a new found respect...I cannot justify the Velcro, but you get my point!
Moreover, we're facing a war and our economy is in an 'interesting' state to say the least. Everyone is cutting back one way or another and I must say my curtains would make for a very nice number.
Are we unoriginal for recreating what we already have or through fashion are we merely reflecting the state of the world we live in?
I have my opinion. What's yours?
Get involved with the discussion via facebook, twitter, blogger, linked in and ideas tap.
Blessings,
Nadia Gasper for Caramel Rock.
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