Vintage Vibes: The Allure of the Sixties
Outdated electronics make comeback: Television sets and landline phones see surge in demand.
Stylish and chic, Kitty Steiner could grimace on the cover of a 60s fashion magazine. Her home and salon are a testament to a bygone era. But what's behind the enduring appeal of the retro aesthetic?
Steiner, aged 41, dresses from head to toe in the style of the 60s, adorned in vibrant attire, bold accessories, and an elaborate coiffure - much like the women of the era. A time traveler in the world of hairdressing, visitors to her Gelsenkirchen home or her Düsseldorf salon are swept back in time. From the furniture and appliances to the kitchen equipment and decorations, everything screams retirement age - with a soft spot for the 60s and 50s, her life's passion. "I cherish the fashion, the hairstyles, the overall aesthetic appeal of women, the timeless, the beautiful. I also appreciate the furniture, the design, the color scheme, the form," explains Kitty Steiner.
Every nook and cranny of her home is a mirror of the past: furniture, electrical appliances, wallpaper, lamps, pictures, even the bathroom with a metal chain are all remnants of eras gone by. The kitchen is awash in bright pastel tones from the 50s. Hot water comes from an iron age boiler. Induction hob? No way. Kitty Steiner whips up a storm on a vintage 1958/59 kitchen marvel, swearing by its old-school charm.
A glance around reveals a treasure trove of relics from decades past: alongside irons and vacuum cleaners, there are also countless small, original items - cans, packages - dating back to the 50s and 60s.
Black and White Television and Classic Cars
A rotary dial telephone or an old black-and-white TV, these relics of the past are omnipresent in her household. Her closets overflow with 60s wardrobe essentials in shades of yellow, green, and pink. Matching shoes, hats, and vintage jewelry complete the ensemble.
As a Saxon child, she often listened to her parents' old records on her grandmother's record player - Katja Ebstein, the Beatles, or Shakin' Stevens. "That served as the foundation for this fascination," she muses. From the trash, she fished out antiques to collect as a child.
The hairdresser roars through the streets in a VW Beetle - naturally with an old-time license plate. Everyday tasks take a longer time for her, she admits. "It's a bit like decelerating." The cheerful 41-year-old speaks of a lifelong hobby. "I find it soothing because of it."
Nostalgia or Escapism?
Trend scholars question the motives behind retro-mania and the nostalgic wave. "People consciously try to escape the contemporary crisis-ridden reality," says trend theorist Eike Wenzel. In tech-speak: "That's escapism." The retro trend isn't new, having been present since the 50s. Among younger generations, nostalgia can also arise when looking back at the noughties. The 60s, however, seem particularly irresistible to enthusiasts. "Economic growth was relatively stable, science and research were making groundbreaking progress, there was no climate change, and one could look forward to the future," observes the head of the Institute for Trend and Future Research. However, there's currently a resurgence of interest in the 80s and 90s.
Nostalgia waves can be a response to the uncertainty of the current zeitgeist - irrespective of age. Yet, while people may dress, drive, or furnish their homes in true vintage style, Kitty Steiner isn't willing to give up her smartphone, laptop, or the internet. Her husband, Thomas Bosbich, a fan of the 50s, isn't ready to chuck his flat-screen TV either. "There's a modern contraption, and I'm not getting rid of it," he chuckles. Many retro-inspired furniture and fashion pieces are available online, as retro trends are also consumption trends, notes Wenzel. Who says that retro enthusiasts can't be influencers on social media platforms? The 26-year-old Shirin Altsohn (@Shirinatra) has 1.2 million followers on Instagram - with vintage photos showcasing her swinging skirts, wasp waists, and colorful hats.
In Kitty Steiner's hair salon, everything from the hairdryer to the coffee cup is reminiscent of the 60s. Especially the hairstyles. Each customer's hair is transformed into the popular "banana" or "beehive" styles of the era while old Schlager music plays from a charming transistor radio.
Client Silke Schwarz praises: "Of course, the hairstyles are outdated in a certain way. But we relish it." She finds it carries more class, more elegance, and more panache. There are only a handful of professionals who can master these old cuts, she notes. "For our scene, it's a bit unique." Kitty Steiner adores the style of the 60s but takes no steps to emulate the attitudes of the era. "I live in the now," emphasizes the 41-year-old. Even the division of roles at home is distinctly modern. "We live a contemporary marriage, we are equals."
Psychological and Cultural Significance of Retro Trends
Psychological Significance
- Nostalgia and Comfort: Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for the past, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and security. The retro trend taps into these feelings, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort in a rapidly changing world.
- Escape and Identity: In times of uncertainty, retro aesthetics offer a way to escape the present and connect with a perceived past. This connection allows individuals to explore their identity through fashion, music, and visual arts.
- Emotional Connection: Retro trends often involve a romanticized view of the past, which can be emotionally appealing. This emotional connection can be particularly strong for those who did not live through the original era but are drawn to its aesthetic and cultural values.
Cultural Significance
- Cultural Revival and Reinterpretation: Reviving elements of the past can honor cultural movements and reinterpret them in a modern context.
- Fashion and Art: The retro trend influences fashion, art, and design by incorporating vintage elements into contemporary styles.
- Community and Shared Experience: Nostalgic trends can create a sense of community among people who share a fondness for the past.
Contemporary Relevance
In contemporary society, the retro trend is relevant for several reasons:
- Social Commentary: By using elements of the past, creators can comment on present issues, such as social justice and technological advancements, in a way that resonates with audiences.
- Cultural Preservation: The retro trend helps preserve cultural heritage by keeping historical styles and themes alive.
- Innovation and Progress: While nostalgia can be at odds with progress, it also drives innovation by encouraging designers and artists to reinterpret past styles in new and creative ways.
The retro trend encapsulated by Kitty Steiner's lifestyle, as evident in her community policy and home-and-garden choices, extends to her employment policy, with her salon showcasing a 60s fashion-and-beauty aesthetic. The enduring appeal of the 60s, acknowledged by Steiner, is rooted in the nostalgia and comfort provided by this aesthetic, serving as a psychological escape from contemporary uncertainty. The resurgence of interest in the 60s, however, coexists with a growing fascination for the 80s and 90s, suggesting a broader cultural relevance for nostalgic trends.
