Is Fashion Cyclical, And Is A Trend Ever Really New Or Original?

Is fashion cyclical? Are new trends always going to be created from old ones that have long been and gone? Therefore, is anything in the fashion industry ever really new and original, or are trends and pieces/collections created always originating from generations gone by? This is an interesting discussion and debate that doesn’t really have a black-and-white answer.

The Illusion of "New" Trends

New trends are constantly being created by high-end designers and high-street brands. This year is seeing the rise of trends such as ‘third millennium,’ maximalism, the return of zebra print, and sportswear. At first glance, we’d think these trends are new and original. However, if we dissect them, we can ask ourselves whether this is truly the case... 
Both macro and micro trends can be seen throughout the generations. Once something has been created, it seems to come back around at later dates – even if it takes a while for it to get there.

Examples of Fashion Resurgence

From Victorian-inspired fashion, to y2K looks, from Regency-influenced gowns, to plaid and punk-esque dresses, all of these have been (or are going to be) huge trends. It makes us start to wonder about fashion generally, and whether things are ever really new or are simply borrowed from decades gone by – especially when it comes to the Regency period and the 90s/early 000s. Staples of both of them are constantly being revived throughout different trends, their respective popular natures’ never wearing thin.

Key Fashion Staples from the Past

Think pastel colors, square necklines, elegant draping, and simple styles of dresses for Regency. For the 90s and 00s, think micro everything, graphic tees, leather jackets, and baseball shirts. We can spot these staples in a multitude of trends. The rise of the zebra print and sportswear are obvious 90s and Y2k vibes. Whilst the colours and styles of the Regency period are seen in other trends to come like dress trends specifically, and designers that are using the staples of this period in their designs. (Think Chanel.) 

Personal Reflection on Fashion Cycles

Personally, I know my wardrobe consists of staples from many decades of fashion. My parents have given me hand-me-downs spanning multiple decades such as the 70s, 80s, and 90s, because of the trends that were around when they were young and their parents were young. It’s an interesting idea that the trends of today are ‘new’ and ‘different’ when they seem like hand-me-downs from other generations that are continuously being recycled and renewed.  

The Possibility of Breaking the Cycle

Again, there are no strict right or wrong answers here. There are certainly arguments to say that there are trends that can break out of the cyclical nature of fashion – especially with the rise of AI, and how that could make for more progressive and innovative, unique designs and therefore trends – but it’s also easy to see that the trends and staples of the fashion industry are deffo created and repeated from the past, and constantly tweaked to feel new even if they aren’t necessarily new.