By Sheza Khan
Historical events cause big cultural shifts. These changes notably manifest themselves in the art people create and consume. This phenomenon is not new, a semi-recent example being the relationship between postmodernism as a philosophy and mod fashion in the 1960s. Historical influence in areas like fashion and music can range from obvious to subtle when evaluating trends from the latest decades. The early 2000s and 2010s are good examples of this.
The tragedy of 9/11 took a great toll on America and sparked various changes. Fashion designers realized that financial stability is not promised in the industry. The number of fashion shows rose as well as the concept of affordable luxury. Designers wanted to emphasize patriotism in their clothing through different trends like denim, which became acceptable as casual or professional. Brand names and logos were printed on clothing to create a feeling of unity between Americans. After the 2008 recession, people started seeing affordable luxury as tacky and tone-deaf.
The recession also impacted the music people listened to in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Electronic and dance music became popular due to escapism. People wanted to listen to upbeat music during a time of calamity. When talking about the Black Eyed Peas’ new record in 2009, Will.i.am said, “It was a conscious decision to make this type of record. Times are really hard for a lot of people and you want to give them escape and you want to make them feel good about life, especially at these low points.” During times of depression, fashion and music tends to become more experimental and “out-there.”
The most recent event that has devastated America is the pandemic. COVID brought more than just disease; the economy has suffered greatly. Because of these events, one can infer that music and fashion are going to provide escapism again as they did during the last recession. It isn’t far-fetched to attribute the rise of genres like hyperpop in 2020 to current events. Hyperpop is upbeat, fast-paced, and sometimes dizzying. It’s not surprising that people want to listen to that genre of music while they’re stuck inside their houses. Fashion has also changed as a result of the pandemic. Experimental styles influenced by the 60s and 70s have started to become popular again, a good example being platform shoes. Quarantine has made leaving the house a big occasion, so it’s understandable why people enjoy going all-out with their outfits. Fun fashion and music make reality seem a little less bleak in times of stress.
Society may dismiss subjects like fashion as girly and dumb, but fashion trends provide insight into how the public reacts to different events and changing times. Fashion and music are evidently a way to cope for many people. The current pandemic seems like it will make a significant difference in the culture of the coming decade. When restrictions are lifted, expect to hear fast-paced music and to see eccentric fashion trends.
Sources:
NPR Staff. “How Sept. 11 Remade Fashion World.” NPR, 8 Sept. 2011, http://www.npr.org/ 2011/09/08/140291051/how-sept-11-remade-fashion-world. Accessed 11 Mar. 2021.
Vecchio, Lauren. “The Fashion Industry After 9/11.” Anjé, 11 Sept. 2018,
http://www.anjeclothing.com/blogs/newsletter/the-fashion-industry-after-9-11. Accessed 11 Mar. 2021.
“The Music That Defined The 2010s | Mic The Snare.” Youtube, uploaded by Mic the Snare, 21st February 2020, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMbmdnaj6t0
“Is HYPERPOP The Future of Pop? | Mic The Snare.” Youtube, uploaded by Mic the Snare, 23rd November 2020, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooAuteRHyD0
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