Out with the old. In with the new. Or maybe not. “What goes around comes around” is the best way to phrase the world of fashion. It is always evolving. Like all trends, certain clothing pieces eventually become less popular… so, basically, they die. Although some phases may make a quicker return than others. The nineties craze is making a serious comeback into the current day’s clothing trends, and I think that all of us fashion fanatics are totally here for it. From colourful crop tops to baggy mom jeans, your staple piece could be nineties born – and you don’t even know it. Being a 2000’s baby, I am intrigued by the industry and how people expressed themselves through their outfits before I was alive. Has it had any influence on my clothing style? So, let’s take a blast to the past.

The nineties were the perfect time to be a young and talented designer, with all of the major fashion brands entering the scene. Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Miuccia Prada, and many more designers hit their peak during this period of time and quickly established their name. Chanel’s Spring 1994 Runway showcased pastel tweed suits partnered with chunky rappers chains. These elements being the complete embodiment of today’s group of Instagram models aesthetics. Chokers, bum bags and silk slip dresses have all revolved. Calvin Klein utilizes today’s models to recreate their vintage campaign shoots. Today, you can relive the nineties garments through crop tops – they are a must-have. A midriff exposing top paired with baggy mom jeans is an iconic statement bred from the past. The chic combination is an easy to throw together look.

A fresh wave of feminism was reflected in these nineties runway shows with the late Gianni Versace’s Fall 1992 Collection, controversially named ‘Miss S&M’. Versace was at the very peak of his creative powers during this time and used them to his advantage. The bondage theme of his pieces were aggressively sexual. The dark metallic bodice straps were complimented by gold embellishments and didn’t leave much to the imagination. As you can imagine, a lot of discussion built up around Versace as this was during the time of the AIDS epidemic and he was both praised and frowned upon. Designers such as Versace helped women prove that what they wear does not define them and it gives a “look but don’t touch” quality about their body, which some feminists today commend. The bondage theme lives on with current celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Kat Graham recreating the look at high-profile events.

Nowadays we associate the term ‘supermodel’ with women such as Kendall Jenner, Ashley Graham, and Gigi Hadid. But the supermodels of the nineties were their own breed. For example, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were the leading figures of the industry. Kate Moss’ sleek allure sits her in the throne as the ‘Queen of nineties fashion’. Her grungy yet minimalist looks resonate with current trends and is more relevant now than ever. Moss’ infamous yellow silk dress controlled magazines for days on end. The “yellow dress” mania is still prominent today with stores like TopShop endlessly trying to recreate the look.

Although it can be fun to fill ourselves with nostalgia and compare the fashion industry and the circle of its life; we must not forget how far the modeling industry has come along in the representation of their fashion models. The world of fashion and modeling do sadly come hand in hand, and it is always important to remember that it is definitely a good thing that not all traditions stay. As a whole, the modeling corporation is positively modernized and invites different ethnicities, body sizes, and sexes into the business, which hasn’t always been so diverse. From plus-size models being introduced in the seventies and people who suffer from skin conditions such as Winnie Harlow proudly strutting today’s runways. However, I am aware that, even in this day and age, significant strides still need to be taken to ensure complete diversity. Whether someone feels like their best self in an oversized jumper or in a vinyl dress which envelopes their figure – fashion has always been a fun accessory to your life and an outlet for us all to convey our unique personalities. And I hope that will never change.

By ABBY REID