So much has changed in the world of fashion since 1950. Or has it? Remember the silhouette that defined the age? Cinched waists, high boat necks, full a-line skirts that flattered every woman's figure were the staple of the decade. The look was sported by such iconic figures as Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, for example. Who can forget that basic black dress or the woman who wore it?
Audrey's looks were effortless, understated, yet unforgettable. She had an ease about her which could not go unnoticed. Swing dancing into the 60's, discoing through the 70's, head banging through the 80's and 90's, it seemed as though these looks would be confined to the dustbins of history, a vague but charming memory from a bygone era.
Yet, in her New York Times article "This Old Thing? Actually, It's New," Kate Murphy made it official: vintage is definitely making a come-back. She outlines the resurgence of popularity for vintage clothing and the steady influx of designers leaping in to meet the desire. Sites such as Shabby Apple, Modcloth, ShopRuche, and sites that cater to small businesses such as Etsy are experiencing increased attention and are expanding. Nostalgia has been dragged out, dressed up, and worn all over again.
The signs are everywhere. Consider some examples from Carolina Herrera's recent "Ready-to-Wear" Fall 2011 Collection that hit Fashion Week in New York last month:
Photo courtesy of Style.com
Photo courtesy of Style.com
Carolina said she designed this collection with the "real woman" in mind; nevertheless it still merited comments such as "lush simplicity" from the critics. We'll take it. Although less flashy than the usual collection to make it down the runway, somehow the easy color palette and uncomplicated lines still retain a sense of timeless elegance that is flattering. Then again, how can one go wrong when they channel their inner Audrey?
Women, moreover, are longing for a more feminine look and enjoy the thrill of feeling girly. Many women feel confined to a hectic lifestyle spent largely in a small cubicle. For them, the experience of putting on a dress and jaunting around is a welcome respite from the daily grind. Perhaps the trend is also influenced by the show 'Mad Men' or it could be that individuals are instinctively longing for a simpler time. With the economic downturn, many women could be experiencing the need to prioritize and downgrade; in the process, feeling more attracted to clothes that are make them feel good, are uncomplicated, and are flattering. With so many other entities to address, why spend excessive amounts of time fretting over clothing?
Whatever the reason may be, according to the predictions of many fashion designers, the vintage vibe will be around to stay for a while. What welcome news!
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