Fashion is a form of expression, aligned with our world’s everchanging culture. Within fashion, a cyclical nature is growing more apparent in recent years. For example, fashion from previous decades is repeating itself, posing the question as to what extent our culture is completely cyclical. Equally, fashion has become a form of expression: a depiction of our characters and personality. The fashion industry embraces this concept, thus demonstrating the ways in which new and old trends can be explored.
Hurtwood House is quite a unique place in terms of its freedom of choice - especially in clothing. Due to the fact that there are no uniforms, people feel that they can use their everyday outfits as a form of expression, thus making a statement about themselves and the way they view the world. However, it has become apparent that boys in Hurtwood are more restricted in terms of what they can wear than girls. For example, boys are not allowed to wear ripped jeans as it seems to be an indication of rebellion and disrespect. On the other hand, when girls do so it’s seen as a fashion choice rather than a form of questioning authority. Could this therefore show gender bias and misandry that the society in Hurtwood displays?
Hurtwood house lends itself to all types of fashion due to its relaxed dress code and atmosphere of freedom and expression: we see all genres and styles of fashion at Hurtwood. A decade of fashion that is returning is the 70s. Its retro vibe, including anything from flares to a tan caramel colour scheme is prominent in today’s style scene. Dungarees, also a 70s trend, arguably have always been in style. Most commonly in recent years, we are seeing materials used for dungarees aside from denim, giving rise to the corduroy trend with a pre-established association to creativity and the arts. Corduroy is seen very commonly at Hurtwood as it is a 70s trend we see married with other trends, like dungarees and flares. Another trend we see are the bright and bold patterns and colours of the 70s re-emerging, once again often in combination with other fashion aspects of the decade.
Another decade that is undeniably resurfacing? The 90s. Vintage stores that many people shop at right now lend themselves so well to the fashion trends of the 90s. For example, the typical small-sunglasses paired with a bum bag and bucket hat festival look made a prominent appearance in the 90s. Often this look is combined with brands and labels from the 90s classics to more modern brands. Another 90s trend that has undeniably reappeared is camo, often in the form of cargo pants. In addition to this, we have seen the reappearance of animal print, particularly leopard print. Prints and patterns of the 70s and the 90s are not only very similar, but also back in trend at the same time. Fashion encourages bold decisions- what better way to embrace this than bold patterns?
In these instances, we see a reflection of the culture of the times they reflect. Even societal response to fashion and clothing follows some form of cyclical nature. Arguably, societal criticism in terms of fashion is not always cyclical: often, criticism is indefinite and undeniably prevalent.