We have all heard the phrase "fashion repeats itself" and while that's often a cliche, does a culture or era as a whole ever repeat itself as well?
The 90s trends of chokers, baby tees, ripped jeans, and flannels have made a comeback, but besides the fashion from almost 20 years ago, the culture has become part of our everyday lives. We have seen revivals and reunions of our favorite 90s television shows and films; even obscure and cult favorites like the television show "Twin Peaks" which is being revived and is scheduled to premiere in 2017.
True crime programs based on the trial of O.J. Simpson and the murder of JonBenét Ramsey have re-sparked public interest almost 20 years later. If you head to any store, you'll find t-shirts depicting popular 90s fictional characters, recording artists, and icons who have regained notoriety through this revival.
The 90s has also inspired nightlife in cities around the country. A local venue in my hometown of Fresno, CA hosts a "90s Night" every few months, and the line to enter grows each time. People of all ages (well, over 21) attend, dressed in 90s attire ranging from flannels around the waist to Britney Spears-esque school girl outfits, and hoop earrings (a timeless accessory, in my opinion) to listen to the music of Tupac, Biggie, No Doubt, and Nirvana, and have a great time where for one night, they party like it's 1999.
But when a culture repeats itself, does it come with just the styles and trends, or do the political and social influences come with it as well? We have a Clinton running for president once again, and racial issues are as prominent as ever, echoing the riots that ensued after Rodney King's beating by the LAPD made international headlines.
Have we let our culture regress as well?
Or is this a wake-up call telling us that history is repeating itself and maybe we need to try harder to prevent these things from happening again and again like a cycle. It's more than just bringing certain trends back like chokers and plaid skirts, and it becomes dangerous territory once society begins to once again fall into these patterns despite any progress, if minimal, is made.
As I'm planning my outfit for the next 90s night this month, I'll think about the 90s as not only a culture that has made a comeback through clothes but what the 90s were truly like. I was only 6 years old when the new millennium came along, and though I don't remember exactly what life was like for everyday people struggling to find their place in society and the social injustices that were going on then and now, I know that it is a trend we don't and should not go back to.
