A report in the Fashion and Style section of the New York Times makes it official: the 19th century is the current big trend. Seriously. Apparently fashion is looking backward, and what's trendy today are designs with their roots in the 1800s.
As the Times puts it:
As with home design, where curio cases, taxidermy and other stylish clutter of the Victorian era have been taken up by young hipsters, many of today's popular men's styles have their roots in the late 19th century. There are the three-piece suits once favored by mustachioed Gilded Age bankers; the military greatcoats and boots of Union officers; and the henley undershirts, suspenders, plaid flannel shirts and stout drill trousers worn by plain, honest farmers.
The article notes that "obsolete hobbies" such as wet-plate photography are "finding new enthusiasts." And deer hunting with muskets is even catching on.
As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about the 19th century, I'm amused, and even happy, to hear all this. I love the 1800s, and would like to think everyone else does.
But of course I'm also skeptical, and part of me just assumes that the trend seekers are passing through, picking up on some things that seem fascinating before losing interest and finding something else to obsess over. But, for however long it lasts, it's nice to know that the 19th century is trendy.
Comments
I agree, and let’s hope more become interested in the history behind the fashions. Thanks for an informative and entertaining series of articles.