OLD GEN CHIC
So many young people fear the inevitability of aging, and in a city that fuels some of the most prominent fashion movements, many of our most influential candidates are often overlooked. We see the inescapable reality of aging: Hair falling out, muscles weakening, and memory fading for some, but because of appearance, we ignore how related the youth and the elderly are. The problem in itself surrounds the fashion industry which works to profit off of selling unrealistic body images, youthfulness, and our exaggerated desires that can only be attained for so long and only by a small sector of our population. This leads us to the attention that surrounds young influencers and trust-fund children who fill up the streets of the most well known areas in New York. These areas notably represent the fashion industry's most unrealistic expectations of style while they pluck their wardrobes from the niche areas of the internet that promote fast paced trend cycles and a flock mindset derivative of our lack of personal style. The unforeseen result of this exponential increase in fashion trend cycles is that nothing is really “trending.” We can see that with the resurgence of many decades, genres of styles, and the creation of really specific “aesthetics”. Through this it is evident that we are recycling trends of past generations, in a way creating our own. Because of this, I find that we can take examples from older generations on how to find our own personal styles.
The older generations are often neglected for their unappealing slow paced and stagnant lives as a representation of their loss of youthful spirit. The truth is, many young people tend to ignore some of the most fascinating people among us because we confine them to the singular idea that they are removed from what we think is cool. The older generation is universally overlooked, but like most things in New York City, they come as some of the most interesting and dynamic people. Those who come to New York with hopes of seeing some of the most obscure and creative forms of fashion look to the younger generation; the so-called future. The information highway, or online world, has sped up the process of trend cycles, making it impossible for the average person to stay involved in fashion without being ostracized by those who can afford to renew their closet every 2 months. As an avid people watcher in a city filled with some of the most interesting people, my noticings of those who are so easily captivated by the simplest of things in the way that many older people are inspire me most. The fashion industry leaves very little room for anyone over the age of 40 even as the majority of the people that can afford what is being targeted to young people aren’t young people. I find online trends to lack creativity and not accurately represent what fashion actually is. When I sit and watch older people and what they’re wearing, I see a level of timelessness and class. Their style seems almost effortless and often like a considerable representation of what younger people try to achieve with their own styles. Many of the trends that we see worn by youth today are styles I have watched the older generation wear for years before – even those unaware of popular trends. Maybe it is the fact that we are newer to this world, but regardless, the exclusion of the original inspiration from the fashion industry disgraces their influence.
When looking at the influence New York has on fashion both in the media and online, the older generation stands out because of how constant their style is able to stay, regardless of how trendy the neighborhoods in New York you enter are and how quickly the trend cycles persist. If there's anything to be said about the way we interact with longer lasting businesses and creations it is to look towards family businesses that have withstood the test of our generations fast paced and impatient ways. Visiting and experimenting with new spots and restaurants is refreshing and fun, but reminding ourselves and others of the classic New York experiences is also really important.
To understand what I’m talking about, it only takes stepping outside and taking some time to watch people to uncover and take inspiration from the many different styles represented by EVERYONE around us in the city. I do encourage you to explore stores that have withstood the inevitable volatility of New York, often owned by the older generation that represents the small part of New York that hasn’t converted to being a part of what is now “one big mall.” I hope the character and charm these businesses have will inspire you.
Town Shop Lingerie and Bra Fittings est. 1888
Frank’s Sport Shop (since 100 years!)
Dave’s est. 1963
J.J. Hat Shop est. 1911