TIMELESS

ELLIE BARCLAY

@ELLIE_BARCLAY 2020 brought us inside in an extreme way but ultimately made us nostalgic for past views – The old is looking new, vibrant and fresh once again.

Fashion design is cyclical in nature, resurgences of vintage trends are bound to happen, yet the term ‘’Timeless’’ is somewhat ubiquitous, representing the iconic silhouettes of historically popular designs in a culture that is always changing.

Over the past two decades, fashion design has cycled through numerous trends, some more influential than others, including 70’s monochrome dressing, Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress, 90’s grunge, Burberry’s iconic check and Yves Saint Laurent’s tailored two-piece, famously worn by Nicaraguan social and human rights advocate, Bianca Jagger in 1971.

Although today’s revival of these traditional styles may look outwardly different, its essence is more or less the same as that of previous iterations. Comfort, beauty, and a voice that transcends through the years. Anything with a strong character of its own, seems to be what people are craving today.

Of course, it should be noted that this is not a 21st century phenomenon – In 1970, even a young Yves Saint Laurent sent models down the runway in rehashes of his mother’s 40’s evening gowns.

Rehashing vintage wear offers a way forward via the past. Allows us to enhance the original craftmanship using modern techniques and knowledge.

While a year of ordinary has seen our daily wardrobe streamlined, a desire for escapism and expression have never been so apparent – More and more people are finding themselves over minimalistic designs and instead searching for a

little more drama.

So where to kickstart our imaginations? The runways of course. Driven by substantiality and innovation, the looks presented on the runway in 2021 force us to look beyond the standard, towards vibrant patterns, hues, dimensional textures and artfully constricted frills. it becomes the new normal for fashion. Looking through the lens of nostalgia and sustainability, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, renewed, sustained and enriching the lives of those who adorn them.

Vintage is not a trend. It is timeless.

Most notable, Zimmerman S21 saw frocks coming long tiered, pouffed and corseted – reminiscent of those worn during Louis XIV’s reign by courtiers. A hallmark of our past and a statement of nostalgia.

A big shift has also occurred over the longevity of our wardrobes, the commitment to live a more sustainable lifestyle has taught many how to fall back in love with their ‘retired’ clothing – Inspiring us to shop vintage, upcycle, care more and know how to make the clothes we love last longer. With these changes in consumer behaviour even major luxury brands are giving throwback pieces a grand second change.

Coach’s Spring 2021 collection was styled with items from seasons past to make a statement about longevity. Balenciaga doubled down on their material sourcing with ninety-three point five per cent of the “plain materials” in their SS/21 collection being either “certified sustainable or upcycled”. And most draw dropping, MiuMiu announced “Upcycled by MiuMiu” an exclusive collection of 80 one-off dresses, refashioned from antique pieces, dating from the ‘30s to the ‘80s which have been carefully sourced from vintage stores and markets worldwide.

Seeing society finally embrace our history can only be a step in the right direction, particularly if