The Evolution of Retro-Futurism Fashion

Fashion has always been concerned with the future. It is in a constant state of evolution, looking for creative ways to integrate the past into the present to create future trends. It is in a fast pace forward-thinking innovation that we find one of fashion's most important aesthetics: Retro-Futurism. Retro Futurism is the imagined aesthetic of a distant future– a future of flying cars, space travel, or digital living. This aesthetic is particularly intriguing to explore because our conception of what the future looks like has never been homogenous, and often changes with our ever-evolving cultural landscape. With that let us explore the evolution of retro-futurism and what implications it has for us today

60’s and 70’s

Undoubtedly this is the most recognizable and memorable era of retrofuturism. In the midst of the space race designers looked to the sky for inspiration. Retro Futurism took the form of sleek silhouettes, untraditional textiles (PVC, lycra, and vinyl), and geometric patterns, creating a distinct aeronautic aesthetic. Designers such as Courrèges, Robanne, and Cardin were pioneers of futuristic runways capturing the hearts of youth. This technocentric style found its home amongst a younger audience, as it subverted the well-established and sophisticated styles of traditional fashion houses. It is in this early adoption that retro-futurism finds its beginnings in youth rebellion against the bourgeoisie. 

80’s

After the space race, it was no longer a question of if we can get to space but of what is out there? With the prolific popularity of the Star Wars trilogy aliens were on everyone's mind. While runways maintained the metallics and bold colors of the 60s and 70s retro-futurist aesthetic, the silhouettes turned from sleek and practical to avant-garde. This is most notable in the work of Theirry Mugler who, to this day, maintains a legacy of bold theatrical designs. His designs were alienesque and pushed the boundaries of what we conceived as possible for fashion. 

90’s

The rise in technology contributed to a societal understanding that the future was no longer in space but rather in digital devices. It was here that a great resurgence of retrofuturism happened changing its aesthetic from aeronautic and alienesque to dystopian and cyberpunk. With movies such as The Matrix, the sleek styles and silhouettes of the 60s returned with a darker twist. Adopted as a popular rebellious subculture, techno-chic and cyber-punk were characterized by their minimalism, liberal use of leather, and edgy nature. Designers such as Jean Paul Gautier and Helmut Lang can be accredited with popularizing these styles mainstream. In this decade retro-futurism reflected our ambivalence to the rise of technology and paranoia of challenges accompanying the turn of the century.  

Present

This roughly catches up to the present day, where we sit on a new frontier of fashion. While what retrofuturism looks like now is vastly different than what it has in the past, it still remains a reflection of our cultural zeitgeist and fears held within that. Throughout every decade retro-futurism reflected the pressing public fears (especially held by the youth) whether that was the political turmoil of the space race, aliens, or the rise of technology, it was always reflected on the runway. Because of globalization and the vast amount of societal issues, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what we will look back on and recognize as retro-futurism but I believe it will have to do with climate change. Climate change is arguably the most pressing issue our generation faces and it will require immense innovation not just in aesthetics and silhouettes but also in the construction of materials themselves. Luxury and sustainability are learning to coexist in the current retro futurist scape and it's exciting to think of all the ways fashion can begin working with nature, not against it.

Nergaard, Piper McDonald & Tori. “Retrofuturism Revived: From ’60s Space-Age to ’90s Hacker Chic to Now - Virtual Fashion.” L’Officiel USA, L’Officiel, 3 June 2022, www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/retrofuturism-fashion-history-technology-virtual-space-age-fashion-pierre-cardin-courreges. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.