Retro Revival
Source: Faraha Faeaz
We might call it old-fashioned, but trends from the late 1900s are making more of an impact on our lives than we’d like to admit. Music, fashion, film – these are types of classics that remain prevalent in our day-to-day life.
Songs that scream nostalgia
“Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive”, you must be familiar with that catchy tune by the iconic Bee Gees. If that doesn’t hit home, what about Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! or Careless Whisper? Believe it or not, these oldies are still highly streamed decades later due to current trends on the internet. If it weren’t for the countless memes on Tiktok, I never would have come across any of these tunes.
Remember when the Rickroll was all over the internet? I can’t even listen to Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley without picturing the comical dance. If you search the internet, you’ll find that Rickrolling even has a definition of its own: an Internet meme involving the unexpected appearance of the music video. These memes typically start off with random clips, like a slice of bread or Peppa Pig. Followed by the unexpected appearance of the legendary Rick Astley.
‘Rickrolling’ first started in 2007. A good 17 years later, and the joke has yet to expire. The original music video has garnered a whopping total of 1.5 billion views. That is about one in five people on this planet! A video so simple – an iconic yet ordinary dance with the setting of an anonymous bridge in London (which is now named Rickroll on Google Maps)
This is a perfect example of how music from the 1900s is “stayin’ alive” till today!
Fashion: Never go out of style
Source: InStyle
Apart from music, one striking topic that comes to mind when the term ‘vintage’ is mentioned, is fashion! From denim to bell-bottoms, there are so many antique vogues that remain popular today. On the other hand, some may argue that there are more differences than similarities.
Fashion trends in the 1900s were full of twists and turns. At the start of the 1970s, accessories like headbands and chokers were the go-to choice for women. Whereas men were still rocking bell bottom pants – you probably only see those at circuses these days.
Trends then drastically shifted to disco-inspired styles. Entering into the 80s era, the media earned a more prominent role, with outfits heavily-influenced by TV shows and celebrities. People paraded around in bold, neon colours. Designer wear also became a more favourable option.
To what seems like an ancient and exotic era, the fashion we wear today are just alike. Casual streetwear has recently been fused with the vintage aesthetic. Take your Dr. Martens loafers or mini skirts for example. Antique fashion will remain in our hearts.
Movies & Films
Films from the late 1900s are not exactly popularised in today’s generation. Most aren’t a fan of the slow pace or poor visuals.
Although, there are still several films that are commonly viewed today, like Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Top Gun.
The film industry back in the day produced the best of simplistic films. This might be an unpopular opinion, but movies in the past were not afraid to cover darker and more mature themes, which are now perceived as too controversial or politically incorrect.
These themes add to the realism, making films more bold and unique. The bizarreness provided an adrenaline rush for viewers, making them hooked from the start.
Movies today still produce the same effect, just differently.
Similar to songs, films are often remastered. In other words, the storyline and concept is kept, but with added technology to improve the quality of the film. For instance, Stephen King’s IT or Dune.
Besides these, some movies continue making sequels decades after, like Indiana Jones or Ghostbusters. Both of which have been critiqued and deemed “not as good as the originals”. Though a lot of these movies have strived in the industry for many years on end, they may no longer make the cut and will be unheralded sooner or later. Can these films be salvaged?
Source: Faraha Faeaz
Verdict
The two eras seem so juxtaposed, yet so similar. Answering the question, yes, the old era is back better than ever. In fact, it is now fused into current hip trends.
Then derives the question: are the comebacks in favour of our generation? The line between the pros and cons is rather grey.
When it comes to wardrobe options, the old-inspired aesthetic always makes a good addition. However, when it comes to songs or movies, truth be told, they are on the brink of obscurity. In a way, it is sad to see these trends, that once held such sentimental value, come to an end. Maybe it’s time we say goodbye to the 1900s era…
