With the ever-changing trend cycle, in an era when consumers are constantly craving something new, how has vintage not only been able to remain relevant but actually thrive?
Vintage fashion is everywhere right now, whether it be at a highly broadcasted celebrity red carpet, a friend’s wedding, or a school hallway. Now more than ever, vintage is being worn like a badge of honour! The passé narrative that thrift shopping implied having a low income is long gone, and vintage shopping is only continuing to grow in popularity as the years go on. There’s nothing quite like saying, “Thanks, it’s vintage!” after all.
With the rise of social media and short-form content, vintage has become trendier than wearing the latest trends. Seeing TikTokers post their enticing thrift hauls and Instagram accounts dedicated to showcasing archive designer pieces, the beauty of vintage fashion is now being broadcast all over the world - inspiring others to join the thrill. Unlike the rate at which most trends come and go, vintage fashion is here to stay.
Everything that is in fashion today has a heavy influence from the past. Designers will often pull from past collections and incorporate design elements from that time period when creating new lines. As the trend cycle goes, fashion moves in 20-year cycles (although it’s argued to be getting much shorter), meaning that fashion trends essentially move in an infinite loop, always eventually coming back. In other words, any style that can be found new in-store can almost always be shopped secondhand; it just may take a little extra effort to find.
It’s no secret that the world of vintage fashion is like an endless treasure trove. From great deals to designer labels, you never know what you may find while on the hunt! Today, vintage shopping (or treasure hunting) has never been more accessible. Shoppers can find their next vintage gem anywhere from a thrift store to a resale app, and everywhere in between (curated vintage shops, social media, retail sites, etc.) Even celebrities are up for the chase; Kendall Jenner wore an archival 1999 never-been-worn-before Givenchy gown at the 2024 Met Gala (exhibition themed Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion) and shared, “It’s a miracle that we found it.”
Red carpets and celebrity events have quickly become archive-studded affairs, with numerous celebrities and stylists embracing vintage, flagging to the public that vintage is, in fact, cool.
With numerous decades to choose from, vintage fashion allows people to express themselves exactly as they please. In a time when countless garments are mass-produced, people crave styles that can set them apart. By delving into the world of one-of-ones, you’ll likely never be caught wearing the same thing as someone else! On top of vintage and secondhand shopping allowing for an extra element of individuality, it’s undeniably the more sustainable shopping choice.
Just as people love to watch old movies and listen to throwback music, vintage fashion ignites the powerful emotion of nostalgia. The 20-year trend cycle and nostalgia go hand-in-hand, as that’s the general timeline for when children will grow up into adulthood and feel nostalgic for the styles they saw around them as a child. In turn, triggering the desire to partake in the fashion of that era as a decision-making adult. Of course, vintage isn’t restricted to just the 20-year mark; that’s only when it begins.
Vintage fashion opens the doors to a broader world of fashion and style, for all walks of life. From finding a perfect-fitting slip dress to sourcing a designer handbag originating from 1966 - the allure of vintage fashion will forever remain timeless.
Photo Credits:
Creative direction, styling, and photography: Bailey Grant
Model: Iva Novakovic
All clothing and accessories pictured: Vintage & Secondhand
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