I love reviewing predictions from the past. They give you that “wow” feeling when you realize that the future in which you live is far better than the one previously imagined, plus it’s tremendous fun to see what pans out and what doesn’t. Check out these 1930s predictions for fashion in the year 2000:
Isn’t it awesome? My favorite part is when the narrator says “Oh! Swish.” What’s more, I am impressed by the number of these predictions that actually came to pass.
While we aren’t getting married in glass wedding dresses, we are beginning to enjoy smart clothing with self-regulating temperature features, whether it be via electronic systems or specially designed fabrics.
Furthermore, many women have foresaken skirts in favor of pants, and even enjoy convertible clothes- heck, sometimes they enjoy the two futurist features at once: remember the convertible pants boom? Women even enjoy “electric headlights” (also often while wearing their convertible pants), though when they do, they are rarely on the lookout for an “honest man.”
Even transparent “net” clothing has made numerous appearances in various forms such as fishnet stockings, sheer garments in numerous runway shows, Hot Topic duds, and even Naruto cosplay costumes (careful).
Also, men are indeed outfitted with phones and radios, but even better, they have portable access to the internet- essentially the entire world. With that, they don’t need containers- dudes can simply use their smartphones to order candy delivery for those so-called “cuties.”
Amusement aside, I think we can really learn something by looking at antiquated predictions. While we can predict future conveniences as solutions to contemporary problems, it can be hard to anticipate how cultural values will change along with technology. Take this 1930s fashion clip as an example- I’m sure the designers never dreamed of the impact that portable telephones would have on our lives, or that women would be just as wired and ambitious as men, and it shows. One might also consider how contemporary design influences our future views- we sure do have a lot of the conveniences predicted in the clip, but they do not look like the designers’ prototypes.
Perhaps I am just rambling at this point. Take from the clip what you like, but keep this in mind: we can learn a great deal from our past behavior. Therefore, history ROCKS. I rest my case.
[YouTube video found via amodista on Twitter]
