T his blog enjoys sharing observations regarding how the world becomes translated into something as seemingly innocuous as a garment. The influences are numerous largely due to the volume of information we now have a our disposal, a fact repeatedly shared in articles from time to time if for no other purpose than to remind you of the process. Designers intuit the influences that seem relevant, with the leading creatives balancing between the familiar and the new to show us the way. It is a delicate balancing act that cultivates the right level of trust with prescience that all good artists possess, communicating effectively via the mastery of their chosen media. 

Part of this astuteness is being aware of one's environment. As we find ourselves deep in 80s/90s retreads, the socio-economic conditions centering around oil amidst the climate of united protest lean also into 70s territory. 

The 90s found a new generation that had not experienced the 70s first-hand and was fascinated by the freedom of that era that was being explored thanks to the sexuality exploration the 80s brought forth as a trend. At this time, much of the vintage clothes had disappeared as the 80s purged the landscape of clothes from that era as irrelevant. This is coupled with renewed interest in body consciousness plus rebellion from years of oversize fashion. Add the scarcity of 70s cuts and the market was ready to revisit similar cuts and fits without concern of vintage impeding on profits while satisfying the collection of conditions that welcomed this retro revisit.

This is further enhanced as we find science closer to cures for some of the more virulent diseases as well as increasing control of a major killer that connects with our carnal activities. The AIDS epidemic brought an end to the era of free love, but as we get closer to reigning it in, the barriers to sexual exploration loosen much in the way they were in the 70s. Current behaviours are bordering on the almost dangerous as we get cocky about the assurances our advances are promising. And, the sexiness the 70s and 90s embraced may find its way back as we see more advancements close a chapter on what held back our sexual exploration with a wardrobe to match.

Another aspect invited the 70s return. The realism we now embrace, further celebrated in social media (and noticed recently by Style.com) is another aspect the 70s was known for, seeking to be more natural as the current generation looked for authenticity that was eschewed by the generation before. 

All this brings us to the renewed aesthetic that competes with its opposite, the sweeping, architectural drama that is also enjoying its place in fashion. And as our information age support those influences responsible, the dynamics of multiple looks and trends is well-reflected in our wardrobes as it is in fashion publications and the world that we find online.

Yet it is that vast world at our fingertips that is nebulous and complex that drives us to simpler times, and fashion reflecting this perception continues, offering what we desire on dichotomous fronts. Ironic that, as we ask for technology to make our lives easier, we find ourselves reliving the past to reclaim what our creations cannot yet provide: satisfying simplicity. Notice the word "yet"? I thought so.