Whilst today’s fashion, society, economy, culture and technology influence our lives and our decision making, so too does history. We often look not only to the last decade, but the last century for inspiration. How often when viewing trends in fashion, décor, architecture and weddings do we experience a sense of déjà vu?
When craving glamour and sophistication why shouldn’t a bride look to the art deco fuelled 1920s.
Or for relaxed bohemian tranquillity, the 1960s hippy weddings are still a huge influence.
In today’s weddings we see nods to the disco floors of Studio 54, the sophisticated waiter service of 1950s country clubs and the romantic garden weddings popularised in the1970’s by President Nixon’s daughter Tricia.
As we review our history, we can marvel at the changing fashions and how these often evolved from the ever-changing sociological and economic climate of the time
How the formal but gentile and romantic fifties, gave way to the liberation of the anti-establishment movement of the sixties when weddings moved outside, receptions were more relaxed, dresses flowed freely, and cakes were a rainbow of colours and flavours and floral decorations.
Women finding their voice, professions and ideologies in the seventies made statements not only in the workplace, but in their choice of fashion. As women began to protest in society, this show of strength carried over to their wedding day – shorter dresses, shorter veils and shortened vows…..no more honour and obey for these ladies!!!!
And so, as today’s couples feel a sense of connection to the mood of a particular time in history, an event, a decade, a Grace Kelly, a Jackie Kennedy, a Princess Diana, then it is no surprise that fashions of the time can still be relevant.
Perhaps we yearn for a simpler time, an escape from the noise and technology of today, or perhaps it’s the chance to bring nostalgia and sentiment bang up to date.
However we choose to acquire, adapt, personalise and learn from history, our ideas continue to move forward and evolve, creating a new history for tomorrow’s generation……and beyond.
