F or those who have lived longer, repetition of previous decades can seem charming. Another generation revisits what was considered groundbreaking while seeing it as representation of the current voice of the times resonates as a harmony of shared values. And yet, those who care to observe the details know that minute differences in retro expression can illustrate how the adopted looks actually call in slightly different motivations.

The 80s took inspiration of volume from the 50s, where postwar excess was celebrated as an antidote to the years of rationing. allowing that generation to rediscover the joys of revived supply lines and rekindled abundance. The push for consumerism was "full on" and yet the cold war sentiments meant shielding us in structured and plush volume.

The height of the codl war standoff that the 80s hosted brought back those same fears, stoking revived inspiration in the last decade facing similar concerns while in the midst of a major consumerist push. the luxe excess took to a new level, supported by again structured armor of rigid textile and subsequent shoulder pad buildup.

This time the volume returns. the economic excess and whispers of instability of the late 80s also brought legendary creativity which collections continue to reference. But after years of form-fitting and body-honest fashion, our armored structure has given way to volume sans pads. If the 80s was self-reliant defensiveness, this time we take the protective volume and let it soften. The protective pads are gone and we let it all slouch. We allow ourselves to lose composure as we swim in comforting volume, akin to when, in our adolescence, we take comfort in wrapping ourselves in our protective parents' garments to play "adult". 

We shamelessly and artfully let ourselves get swallowed. We recapture our innocence in our infancy, recreating those days of dress-up when we knew we were cared for and protected yet were allowed to playfully participate in the little understood yet inspirational role of our caregivers. We feel safe, yet touch base with being grown up. 

Will we grow out of this is not the question, but how and in what direction should be. For designers, they are already thinking about that as we approach closer to the pivotal point just as we did the last century.