Time-Travel Chic: Why the '60s Calls to Us Beyond Old TVs and Vintage Phones
Outdated household appliances, including large, boxy television sets and slow and awkward telephone connections, that were once commonplace, are being replaced.
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Meet Kitty Steiner, a fashion icon straight out of a 1960s magazine. Her home and salon are a testament to a bygone era - and she wouldn't have it any other way. But what makes the retro vibe so alluring?
Kitty, radiant in bright '60s attire, afro hairstyles, and vintage decor, exudes a classic, timeless beauty. Visiting her Gelsenkirchen home or her Düsseldorf salon is like taking a step back in time. From the furniture to the appliances and decor, the '60s and '50s hold a special place in her heart.
Every inch of her home tells a story of the past, with vintage electronics, appliances, and even a 1950s pastel-colored kitchen, complete with an old-school boiler. Kitty prefers her 1958/59 stove over induction hobs and embraces the slower pace it brings to her cooking.
Her collection includes vintage items and improbable finds, such as cans and packaging from decades past, gathered from her childhood trash diving.
Classic Cars and Cable Telephones
An old rotary telephone and a black-and-white TV are part of her household essentials. Her wardrobe brims with '60s clothing in bright hues like yellow, green, or pink, complemented by matching accessories, hats, and jewelry.
Remembering her childhoosd in Saxony, where she listened to her parents' old records on her grandmother's record player, set her on this nostalgic journey. She treasures the memories they evoke.
A VW Beetle with an antique license plate is her vehicle of choice for commuting to work. Embracing the slower pace of life, she finds it a calming hobby, a source of joy, and a way to unwind.
Nostalgia or an Escape from Reality?
Trend researchers see the retro trend as a deliberate effort to distance ourselves from the present-day reality. "Retro trends have existed in all time periods, going back to the 1950s. Among younger people, nostalgia can already arise when looking back at the 2000s," explains researcher Eike Wenzel.
For some, immersing themselves in the past offers a welcome escape from contemporary struggles. The 60s, in particular, appear popular, thanks to their economic stability, scientific progress, and optimistic outlook for the future. However, a retro wave can emerge as a reaction to life's uncertainties, regardless of age.
Kitty embraces her retro lifestyle but doesn't shun modern technology, having a smartphone, laptop, and internet for her salon and online shopping. Although her husband Thomas, a fan of the '50s, can't imagine giving up his flat-screen TV, even if he finds it aesthetically displeasing. The 'retro trend' is often a consumption trend, as many retro influencers are active on social media channels and drive demand for vintage items online.
A Timeless Passion for the '60s
In Kitty's salon, every appliance, from the hair dryer to the coffee cup, hails from the '60s. Her hairstyles are elaborate and reminiscent of the popularity of the "banana" and "beehive" cuts back then, accompanied by vintage Schlager music from a pink transistor radio. Customer Silke Schwarz appreciates the unique style, finding it more classy, elegant, and stylish.
Kitty cherishes the '60s aesthetic and lifestyle, but she adopts modern values and equal roles at home. "We live a contemporary marriage, we are equal," Kitty emphasizes.
Embracing the past while living in the present-that's the allure of retro trends, a fusion of nostalgia, visual appeal, cultural significance, quality craftsmanship, and smart marketing that captures our hearts, minds, and wallets.
Considering the enduring allure of retro styles, it's clear that the '60s forever have a special place in our hearts-and our closets.
Photo courtesy of Yuriko Wahl-Immel and Sascha Thelen, dpa.
Additional insights: Cognitive psychology: Familiar visuals and styles trigger comfort and positive associations, driving the appeal of retro trends.Illustration styles: In the 1960s, illustrations often featured mod geometric prints, colorful shapes, and psychedelic typography-all contributing to the distinctive appeal of the era.
Community policy should address the usage and promotion of retro trends in fashion, lifestyle, and home decor, such as Kitty Steiner's preference for '60s attire, decor, and appliances. Employment policy might also consider offering flexible work arrangements for those who wish to embrace a slower-paced lifestyle inspired by the '60s, like Kitty's use of a VW Beetle for commuting.
The appeal of Kitty's retro fashion-and-beauty style, home-and-garden setup, and overall lifestyle is a reflection of the enduring allure of the '60s, which continues to influence current trends and consumer decisions in various industries.
