There’s a saying that “what goes around comes around.” Come to think of it, many fashion items from the 1990s seem popular these days. Also, old pop songs of the British band Queen have recently topped the music charts because of the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Maybe I see some similarities here. Retrospection means thinking back to a time in the past. What retro trends remind us of the old days? And why are they becoming popular these days? Let’s look into it further.

#1 Film Camera

The new trend of film cameras set off with the Instagram upload of a film photo by GD, a famous singer in Korea. High-definition digital cameras are still being developed these days, and at the same time, vintage film cameras are becoming popular. Their images are low-quality, but the colors and light effects which are hard to imitate with digital arouse emotional reactions among people. Old cameras made in 1980s or even before are sold in the vintage markets. Even though they look like they’re in good condition, we don’t know when they will break, but I think it is one of their charming points. Filter app became popular too. You can easily make film-like photos using these apps.

#2 Fashion

There’s a cyclical nature in fashion industry which makes the return of old fashions inevitable. Nowadays, 9corduroy, leopard print, wide pants, colorful hairpins from 90s are popular. Also, over-fit style and big logo prints, which have been the hallmark of popular brands of 90s, are regaining fans.

#3 Space

Retro styles in interior of popular café are recreating the space to look just like old times. Also, areas with slow economic growth, such as Eulji-ro, are prospering in the flow of retro trends because old buildings with old interior designs still remain there. Vintage shops are becoming popular, too. For example, a vintage shop prepared a special event on Christmas season and sold only vintage ugly sweaters. The event was successful because the shop was full of unique clothes that customers had never seen before.

#4 Music

City Pop has become a new trend in K-pop scene. City Pop first appeared in 1980s of Japan when there was rapid economic growth. Light and bright melodies are the main feature of the songs. In addition, pixel illustrations and effects are used for album concepts, which remind us of old video games.

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Why are so many people strongly attracted to retro trends? People who like retro styles are divided into two groups by generation. People in their 30s and 40s feel familiar with retro styles and accept them with their memories. In contrast, people in their 10s and 20s are learning about the retro styles and seem to use them as a form of individual expression. They create new cultures based on old trends. It combines with the desire to show off through Instagram, and trends are likely to grow more popular because of a few influencers.

Recently, this writer bought the vintage film camera on Ebay because I remembered the disposable camera I used on my trip to Okinawa last December. The film pictures seemed great, so I thought buying one would be a great choice for starting and enjoying a new hobby. I showed my mom my new camera and she was very surprised that it was similar to the model she used in her childhood. I was really glad to have a chance to share something in common with her. Likewise, retro trends sometimes influence one’s hobby or leisure or sometimes make an opportunity to bring the generations together.

Retro stands for something new and trendy among young generations but soon after when people get used to it they will try to look for something different. The journey to find newies will reach a dead end after all and we will finally return to retro. This is why we should keep paying attention to retro trends. They always return.

Cho Suyeon  7osooyon@gmail.com

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