As consumers seek out brands and products with meaning, designers are drawing on nostalgia for the past, comforting memories from childhood and heritage references as sources of inspiration. New products are given a sense of history or interwoven back-story that enhances their value and uniqueness among consumers on a deeper emotional level. Rok Hwang’s ‘Night Wanderer’ collection expresses the thrill and mystery felt while walking at night in his youth. A punkish take on gothic romance inspired by reading ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ during lockdown. Ankle sweeping silhouettes in ruffled layers of chiffon, weatherproofed tartan or floral jacquards reminiscent of vintage carpetbags were joined by a series of 80’s graphic prints made in collaboration with artist Parker Jackson alluded to Hwang’s teenage years.
Japanese designer Mame Kurogouchi also went back to her childhood, revisiting memories of her grandmother’s home, specifically the delicate curtains that hung inside. Merging lace patterns with iris and lily embroideries developed from flowers Kurogouchi collected while out walking, lends texture and dimension to ultra-sheer materials and traditional kimono fabrics. Faced with the challenge of creating collections under lockdown conditions, revisiting the archives and revising ways to wear has been both a personal journey of discovery and a practical necessity for many designers.
