Photographs - Rotsen C. Agreda and Jedro Cawaling

Fashion Backward Stepping backward into style is the new trend this season

Sharaine Ghail P. Taaca

With the dawning of the new normal, a wave of fashion trends emerges, bringing back to life the smart and sophisticated designs from all over the world that have resurfaced at the forefront of the fashion industry. Now, the world of fashion is dominated by trendy smart jackets, shapely pastel-colored clothing, and fashionable face masks.

THE FASHION THAT WAS

As with the old music, films, and literature in the 21st century, we have witnessed several fashion trends resurfacing. When preferences and generations are inspired by prior decades, it’s no surprise that some of our current fashion innovations are a jumble of fashion trends.

Everything you liked (spaghetti straps and fanny packs) or despised (knee socks and bucket hats) in the 1990’s is officially back and better than ever. Even though the decade ended 30 years ago, these famous designs continue to resurface, demonstrating how transformed the fashion world is.

Another set of styles is resurfacing from one of the most influential fashion eras, the 1980s. Denim that was torn and acid washed, chunky heels, and off-the-shoulder shirts and skirts dominated the decade. The 1980s were a wonderful age of over-the-top shapes, teased perms, and saturated hues, and they were probably the most daring time in contemporary fashion history.

Moreover, not only is Star Wars making a comeback, but so are bohemian vibes, bombardier jackets, and sweeping patterned palazzo trousers from the 1970s. Although it may be exactly what your parents wore as adolescents, 1970s fashion is predicted to be larger than ever. The counterculture movement of the 1960s had a strong impact on the 1970s days, which were full of good feelings and psychedelic mashups. With its worldwide bohemian ideals, bright patterns, and wild materials, the clothes of the time represented this well.

The iconic gogo dancers inspired footwear—white knee-high boots— will transport you to the 1960s. It looks great with a patterned short dress or skirt, a rollneck, or a pair of quirky leggings. Keep it shiny and tight for an appealing touch this season or go for a slouchy style for an effortless vibe.

From outstanding to fascinating fashion crazes taking over current fashion seasons, it’s all about perfection and beauty. We get to explore beyond the most opulent and exquisite options that are likely to draw people. Crop tops, denim jackets, flannel shirts wrapped around the waist, high-waisted jeans, overalls, chokers, and platform shoes are among the current trends. Although these styles were popular decades ago, they have been reintroduced with modifications to make them more appealing.

FAST FASHION ON THE ENVIRONMENT

In the way we convey our spirits, the joy we feel inside, and our ties to Mother Earth, fashion was created to make us feel as though we were a part of nature, linked and cradled.

The fashion industry has a large effect on the earth leaving a big and an observable growing consumer awareness of the impact of our expenditure decisions that accounts to some environmental threats.

According to the Young Champions of the Earth, presented by United Nations Environment, the fashion sector is the world’s second-largest water consumer, consuming enough water to fulfill the requirements of five million people every year, and it contributes to around ten percent and almost 20 percent of global carbon emissions.

Nevertheless, the benefits of the five Rs of fashion such as reduce, reuse, re-wear, repair, and resell bring numerous and discerning outcomes to this industry. Even when we learn about the awful effect of consumerism on the planet, people and animals, decluttering has been a practice for many years although it is still a challenge for some.

“This is vital in reducing your fashion footprint, with thousands of tons of clothing ending up in landfills every day. Not only will you reap the benefits of the savings you will accrue and the space you will create, but a big bonus is the decision fatigue you will avoid along the way,” shared Marie Kondo, a well-known personality in the field of decluttering and minimalism.

The fashion industry has a catastrophic environmental effect. Just behind the oil sector, it is the second greatest polluter in the world. And with the sector growing, environmental impact is on the increase. But these concerns can be mitigated by underscoring the importance of raising awareness and making a change through our simple approaches and ways. Resurfacing fashion is one.

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer. People, on the other hand, need to be more mindful of the environmental impact of our garments. We may celebrate our individuality by sharing, reusing, redesigning and repairing clothing, recycling, selling, and donating it,” shared Omar Itani, founder of FabricAID—a business that works with vulnerable communities and refugees to collect, wash and sort clothing.

DRESS SUSTAINABLY

You don’t have to toss something away just because it rips or a heel breaks. It all comes down to changing your mentality and looking for a long-term solution that benefits you, the environment, and the community. Buying from thrift stores would be the simplest approach to escape the dangers of fast fashion. Creating a greener wardrobe is a simple but significant gesture in the battle against climate change, like carrying a reusable shopping tote or refusing a plastic straw.

Sustainable, vintage, and circular fashion has begun to take shape especially in the Philippines, mostly spearheaded by women. Kelsie Callanga of Pavia, Iloilo, founder of Hiraya, a preloved and thrift clothing store. Callanga said that as a seller and a fashionista, she wants to realize aspirations via fashion, but sustainably.

“Thrift and the use of used or preloved products may be viewed as part of our Sustainable Development Goal 12 of ensuring sustainable consumption and production practices. Thrifting helps to minimize our carbon footprint, chemical pollution, and water conservation. It’s a great way to reduce waste creation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse,” shared Callanga.

Realizing that “secondhand,” “quality,” and “affordable” can all be used in the same phrase is a game-changer - one manpower, but Hiraya’s major objective is to truly fulfill aspirations through sustainable fashion. Dream of dressing up in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner and less costly manner but with an expensive appearance encouraging them to thrift and save.

“I’d like to draw attention to the concept of thrifting and its positive impact on the environment. It’s also a shift toward eco-fashion and long-term fashion. Plus, it’s a lot less expensive than a fast fashion brand,” she said.

By supporting local and buying preloved and thrifted shops, we also help and support these small business owners just like Hiraya. We encourage and support people’s aspirations and passions, and it is a huge benefit to us. You are not only helping the environment, but you are also contributing to the realization of a dream.

Current fashion trends are frequently cyclical, drawing inspiration from previous decades and rearranging it to suit present tastes. Fashion will always be a constant reflection of current events in society, representing its people’s culture, ideas, and personalities.

Published: April 25, 2022