A few weeks back, I wrote an article about the powerful role nostalgia is playing in the fashion industry, both over the course of the last year and up to the present day, as creatives struggle to create new content due to social distancing. I’ve watched as magazines have been forced to delve into the archives yet come out with the most stunning finds, which more than deserves a second outing. Plus, as we seek to make our shopping habits more sustainable, you could argue than the same rule could apply to imagery. Why create so much newness when we have a rich and inspiring back catalogue at our disposal?
Of course, there’ll always be a need for innovation and fresh ideas in fashion, but the irony is that I personally find there to be more examples of original and unique style in the archive than there sometimes is in the world of modern media. Also, if nothing else, there’s something so escapist about plunging into the past and immersing yourself in the trends of decades gone by.
So if you’re tired of scrolling through Instagram, or generally feeling a bit lacklustre in the wardrobe department, I’ve given you a helping hand and found 29 throwback shots that might give you some ideas for your summer capsule. From Bridget Bardot’s Gallic-girl allure and Gwynnie’s languarous ’90s silhouettes to Iman’s ’80s power dressing and Halle Berry’s off-duty appeal, consider this photo archive your go-to.
