FASHION IS AN UNDYING BEAST. We wear it day in and out and beat it to death, and it continues to live and breathe and direct our habits and behaviors.

     If you reflect on the cycles of fashion it is clear that “fashion” is often a mere reflection of a certain time including a period’s widely accepted thinking. One hundred and twenty five years ago on the streets of Aberdeen you would have seen an array of conservative styles including dresses with long sleeves, full length dresses bustled at the back, and a variety of head wear. It was a more conservative time, of course, and covering up was important.

     Those who were the most “fashionable” were members of the so-called middle to upper class, as social and financial status was made visible by the garments one wore. The color palette was very simple in the early 1880’s, featuring mainly black, blue and brown and not much pattern. Patterned fabric was a new craze as the decade rolled on, however, and lower class women could buy fabric and make dresses like the ones they saw in downtown shops.

     The must-have piece for women in this era was the corset. It could give nearly any woman a sleek-looking physique with a delicate or mighty tightening of strings. The thought of this severe constraint makes the stomach of any modern woman hurt.

    Men’s fashion was simpler and did not change at a fast pace. Pieces were functional rather than “fashionable”. Items included a button shirt and trouser for everyday. Also, men could be layered with a vest, jacket, or a tie, depending on occupation or occasion. Style reflected the pillar ideals of society – family, faith, and hard work.

     Today, fashion continues to be a reflection of society. We recognize the profound psychological power that “fashion” holds over people. Mass media wields a huge influence over what is and what is not acceptable. The affluent and famous influence trend-setting as well.

     Fashion is personalized through different styles of clothing and accessories. A need for high-end items has caused manufacturers to create designer-trendy looks at affordable prices. Discount retailers have revamped their clothing departments to offer all patrons items that follow the lines of what’s hot and “fashionable”.

     Fashion today not only reflects the importance of individuality and choice, but also how misleading those characteristics can be. Fashion also determines or identifies a persons’ social status as it did in the past. It is a means of acceptance in some circles, and a means of rejection in others. It has the power to build confidence and self-esteem but also strip it away. In a materialistic society such as ours, fashion is an integral component that lives within us all, to whatever extent we allow it to dictate our lives. In some respects it drives our society and economy. It shapes shopping decisions, occupational decisions, decisions about where we live, whom we live with, and where we vacation.

     So, where are we headed with fashion? One hundred and twenty five years from now what will be fashionable? I am no psychic but reviewing the cycles and patterns, the things that fade and return, I have a few ideas about what could surface. (Or should I say resurface?)

     As the world becomes increasingly technologically obsessed and advanced I foresee simpler fashions, creating sleeker styles and lines. Structure will remain a key element, but there will be a shift to either
extreme of bold prints or no prints. Colors will be bright, with hues of orange, purple, yellow and red dominating. European influences will be stronger than ever, and society will do an up-shift to more high-end designer fashions. Trends named “Cosmopolitan” and “Vintage” will surface. Cosmopolitan will emphasize classic styling with New Age applications featuring smooth lines and smooth silhouettes that make for an upscale appearance. Vintage will not be the traditional “vintage” we have come to expect, but will feature vintage Asian styles, with mandarin collars, Indian prints, and rich Oriental fabrics and patterns.

     I boldly predict the bustle will return, with a Victorian style featuring ruffles, lace and corset tops. On these items look for colors such as light blues, browns, white, bright turquoise and ivory.

     Really, though, who knows what will be “hip” in the future? Short-term fashion forecasts are dependent on whatever is conjured for the runways at fashion shows in Paris. Milan or New York. In the distant future tinfoil suits with stiletto heels and wide-brimmed hats could be all the rage. And would we line up like lemmings in a parade to purchase and wear such weirdness?

     For now we can stand tall in whatever it is we choose to wear, whether you prefer AC/DC tee shirts, Couture, or Bermuda shorts. There’s less pressure to conform, or at least we think there is.