THE CYCLE OF FASHION: TREND TO TRENDY

I don't necessarily follow trends, or at least I don't buy things solely because they're considered 'trendy', but everything is inspired by something else. Whether that be a rehashing of a previous look from decades past, a re-imagining of a time, place, culture, song, scene, movement… Fashion is cyclical, so to say one doesn't 'follow' trends is futile. 

(Image via Tumblr)

Think back to 'The Devil Wear's Prada'; Miranda Priestly chastises Andrea for thinking that her sartorial choices were exempt from the influence of the fashion industry, when in fact her cerulean jumper represented millions of dollars, countless jobs and a journey from designer to clearance bin. Like I said, everything comes from somewhere. An abstract thought spun into material existence. 

With the end of another set of world wide fashion weeks, the internet is filled with new trends and 'ones to watch', soon to be filtered down to the high street - which for an everyday clothes horse who can't afford (or even imagine) dropping the equivalent of a house deposit on a dress, is crucial. The high street's re-appropriations are our ticket to sartorial enlightenment. However, there is a difference between a trend and being trendy. 

Throughout my own perusal I have noticed recurring themes at the current shows, for example statement bows heavily featured at Moschino and Sibling, accentuated waists seen at Gucci and No. 21 and the continuation of the midi length skirt as seen… everywhere. These are trends that will be selected, dissected and will appear imminently in your favourite 'fast fashion' stores (I'm thinking Zara and H&M). Once there, and with a heavy dose of mass appeal, these 'trends'  will become 'trendy' - which rather confusingly, will mark the end of said trend for some (much like when die hard fans label their favourite band 'sell outs' for garnering popularity.) 

(Sibling SS15)

(No.21 & Gucci via ManRepeller)

Let me explain further. A prominent trend as of late is all things 90's - which is rather strange considering that it is often *fondly* described as 'the time fashion forgot' - featured in many shows and seen on the likes of starlets, namely the youngest Jenner, Kylie. What culminated was a mash up of all things lumberjack/ Winona Ryder circa all of her hits and a dishevelled Courtney Love, that exploded as the new 'trendy type'. 

There are definite aspects that I enjoyed from this resurgence, namely the button through flimsy dresses, ditsy florals and chunky platforms but whilst stuck in this sentimental haze I got carried away. I saw a plastic link chocker - my mind awash with childhood memories - I bought one. I put it on with a wave of Spice Girls nostalgia, remembering those inflatable backpacks and the theme tune to 'Sister Sister'. However this wistfulness soon evaporated as I realised that what I had thought to be 90's cool had actually been repossessed by the Post Millennium tween set. I felt like I was trying to fit in with a crowd that by all questionnaire standards, I was two age demographics away from. 

(Image via Tumblr)

I believe fashion should never be try hard and it should also never be a means of disguise and whilst a necklace isn't quite as transformative as a whole disguise, I didn't feel like myself. I had fallen into a trend and been spat out 'trendy'. I was an accidental wannabe. I pinged the necklace off immediately and flung it on to my jewellery rack where it now forlornly hangs. 

(THE offending necklace as worn by the youngest of Jenners)

After that I decided on a more subtle nod to 90's trimmings. I opted to buy a rainbow, beaded concoction similar to a bracelet that I had previously owned as a youngster and wouldn't you know it, is spookily reminiscent of the beaded fringing seen cavorting down the runway at Preen's latest showing. 

The fluidity of fashion: inspired by memories as a project of rejuvenation. An ever-turning cycle if you will. 

Wonder what will be renewed next...