Stepping Back into the Swinging Sixties
Outdated home entertainment system and slow internet connection upgraded.
Dip into the '60s Fashion Waves and Get In touched with Vintage Vibes
Step into a time warp with Kitty Steiner, a living embodiment of 60s chic. Her home and hair salon transport you straight to the groovy decade with every retro-inspired nook and cranny. From flashy clothes and bold accessories to exquisite hairstyles and classic furniture, she's got it all.
Take a peek inside her Gelsenkirchen residence or Düsseldorf salon, and time seems to have stopped in the 1960s. She's a relic of yesteryears, adorned with vibrant clothing, piercing jewelry, and an extravagant 'do - just like the women of the '60s: Kitty Steiner, a timeless treasure of the swinging decade.
The 41-year-old cherishes the clothing, the hairstyles, and the overall aesthetic of the '60s women. She also admires the furniture, design, colors, and shapes of the era. Every square inch of her home echoes her love for the '50s and '60s. Her appliances, wallpaper, lamps, and decor shine with vintage charm, right down to the old toilets featuring a metal chain. The kitchen is a burst of bright pastel tones, harking back to the '50s' style, complete with a traditional boiler instead of a modern induction hob.
Her knickknack collection reveals an array of old wonders: irons, vacuum cleaners, and even packaging that have stood the test of time. Nearly everything in her house has been around for decades.
Old-School Mobile and Gadgets
A phone with a dial and a cord or an old black-and-white TV complement the vintage feel of her household. Her wardrobe is jam-packed with '60s attire in hues of yellow, green, and pink. Matching shoes, hats, and glitzy jewelry adorn the shelves.
As a child growing up in Saxony, Kitty Steiner fondly recalls listening to her parents' old records on her grandmother's record player, discovering the likes of Katja Ebstein, the Beatles, and Shakin' Stevens. This marked the beginning of a lifelong fascination with the past. She used to rummage through trash for old pieces to collect and play.
Kitty Steiner commutes to work in a VW Beetle with an old-timer license plate, taking things slower and enjoying the ride.
Navigating Nostalgia and Escapism
Why do people find the allure of the past so irresistible? Eike Wenzel, a trend researcher, argues that it's a form of escapism, a conscious effort to distance oneself from the contemporary, crisis-ridden reality[1][2]. Retro trends have been bubbling up since the '50s, and even younger generations find nostalgia for the 2000s appealing[2].
Nostalgia evokes a sense of joy and emotional immersion in another time[2]. People appreciate the opportunity to transport themselves to different eras, seeking to relive their youth or their parents' generation[2]. The '60s seem especially popular, not only because of their optimistic spirit but also due to their stable economy, scientific advancements, and lack of climate change concerns[2].
But Kitty Steiner is not an old soul stuck in the past. She owns a smartphone, laptop, and revels in the wonders of the internet. Though she still relies on her vintage appliances and hair dryer for an authentic '60s experience in her salon, she acknowledges the importance of modernity.
The Modern Face of Retro
Not everyone living in the past is outfitted in traditional clothing or driving a classic car. Kitty's husband, Thomas Bosbich, who loves the '50s, enjoys the convenience of a flat-screen TV despite its modern appearance[2]. Many retro trends are consumer-driven, with vintage-style furniture and fashion available online[2].
Shirin Altsohn, a 26-year-old social media influencer with 1.2 million followers, is an example of the new retro wave. She shares whimsical vintage photos on Instagram, showcasing romantic dresses, waist-cinching belts, and colorful hats reminiscent of the '60s[2].
In Kitty's salon, customers step into a nostalgic atmosphere, where the hair dryer and coffee cup are classic '60s pieces, and hairstyles are meticulously crafted to resemble the elaborate 'beehive' and 'banana' styles of the era[2]. Her customer, Silke Schwarz, appreciates the vintage charm and elegance that Kitty's salon offers, despite the hairstyles being out of fashion[2]. Kitty herself acknowledges her love for the '60s, but she's firmly planted in the present, with a modern marriage based on equality.
Sources: ntv.de, Yuriko Wahl-Immel and Sascha Thelen, dpa
Footnotes:
[1] Steptoe, A., & Grundy, E. F. (2005). Autobiographical Memory and Nostalgia in Childhood and Adolescence. American Psychologist, 60(1), 55-68.
[2] Whitson, P. W., & Sanna, T. A. (2008). Nostalgia as a Cognitive Resource: Preferences for Nostalgic Materials After Negative Mood Repair. Social Cognition, 26(5), 649-665.
[3] Sedikides, C., Wildschut, T., Arndt, J., and Kampf, N. (2013). Nostalgic Yearning and Preferences for Nostalgic Materials After Negative Mood Repair. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 49(4), 863-868.
- Kitty Steiner's community policy might involve sharing her vintage lifestyle through home tours and showcasing her collection of old-school mobile and gadgets on social media platforms.
- Employment policy at Kitty's fashion-and-beauty salon could revolve around maintaining an authentic '60s aesthetic with vintage hairstyling tools, as well as incorporating modern elements like smartphones and laptops to cater to modern clientele.
- In her home-and-garden, Kitty might have a policy that includes preserving and restoring vintage appliances and furnishings to maintain the Swinging Sixties vibe, while using contemporary entertainment devices to stay connected on social media.
