As the city grows and develops, there’s a tangible nod to our history informing our future. Not just locally either – it’s crossing all boundaries. Everything old is new again. We’re in the midst of a total 80s and 90s rewind – music, fashion, styling, television, movies. You’ll be wearing legwarmers and lycra at the gym before too long and think it’s normal. Cassette tapes are making a comeback – cassette sales rose 36 percent in 2017 and 23 percent last year. Remember the pain of having to time hitting ‘record’ to tape your favourite song off the radio? And heaven help us if the DJ came in early at the end (and didn’t he always?).
Cassettes aren’t alone. Vinyl has been slowly and steadily making its way back to the hi-fidelity system in the corner. We were stoked to see vinyl being given the treatment it deserves by the likes of Arctic Monkeys (top vinyl album in the UK for 2018) but you can’t beat the classics. Fleetwood Mac on a turntable? Yes please! While we’re talking classics, is there any legend of the 80s that hasn’t been through town? Phil Collins, Slayer and Anthrax and Bryan Adams, and we’re waiting on Fleetwood Mac and Elton John.
There are plenty of things coming back that fill us with dread – multi-coloured eye shadow, feathers on everything, unforgiving metallic skirts and tops – but there are some gems that we can’t wait to embrace again. And, sadly, some things that we’d take back in a heartbeat but aren’t even on the same planet, much less the horizon. In the spirit of staying ahead of the curve of all things new and old, we’ve pulled our top picks for the resurgence, dug those lace gloves out of the bottom drawer, pulled our scrunchy tight and doubled down on the denim.
Mini's Maxim
MINI, of course, never went out of fashion. This year there will be a 60-year celebratory edition released (in racing green, thank you very much) but to celebrate the launch of its 100% electric vehicle later this year, the company dragged out the original model and made a beautiful wee red one. We’re in love with it, but it’s just a ploy – the actual electric model is infinitely more futuristic but still very cool.
1. Tickle Me Coral
Pantone’s colour of the year for 2019 – Living Coral – harks back to the sunny hues of the 80s. And we’re seeing it everywhere this year – clothes, furnishings, beauty, home. Image: Resene
2. Bright Ideas
A small pop of neon is bound to brighten up any cold snap this season. Pare it back with muted tones such as white and black or take inspiration from Kendall Jenner and go all out! (see Balmain, Prada, Balenciaga)
3. Hip(pie) Me Up
Approved by celebs such as Anna Wintour and Jared Leto, this typically ‘festi trend’ has had a chic makeover for 2019. Who knew tie dye could be so versatile?
4. Fanny Packs
The Rock is likely the only bloke living who can safely ‘rock’ a fanny pack, and who doesn’t love his gold chain, black turtle neck and early 20s pout.
5. Leg Warmers
Keep your ankles warm and stylish this winter with these perennial faves – go for full-on neon for a full retro feel, or slide into the style with black and neutrals.
6. Video Games
Grab a Nintendo Classic Mini and take a trip to Nostalgia-ville with 30 pre-loaded games and an HDMI port to plug it into your modern devices.
7. Lip Smackin'
Glossy lips have been rebooted to the max for the new season. Expect glass, sparkles and metallics.
8. Coloured Shades
The past is so bright, we gotta wear sunglasses, particularly the ones that hark back to the days of our dearest all-nighters and suntan oil.
9. Scrunchies
Show your hair the love it deserves with a decent wrap, in the form of the ever-loving scrunchy. Cheap and cheerful or boasting your label of choice, these little fabric wraparounds are everywhere right now.