Retro-Futurism

Characterized by a blend of old-fashioned “retro” styles with futuristic technology, Retro-Futurism explores the themes of tension between past and future, and between alienating and empowering effects of technology. This trend has manifested into the world of architecture, literature, film, and of course, fashion! Simply put, it is the future as seen from the past and the past as seen from the future. There are two ways of looking at this point of view: one is the idea of dreaming, and living, of what the future, or present really, might have been, but is not. I’m not one of those people where when I style an outfit, I have to make sure every element is from the same decade, genre, or whatever, which is why I love this concept so much; and it brings me to the second notion: it allows you to start with the retro appeal of old styles of art and clothing and then incorporating modern or futuristic technologies in it, creating an incredible bond of past, present, and future elements. This takes me back to the post I wrote on Steampunk, which applies to the emerging of futuristic technology into an alternative Victorian age. And now I want to mention Dieselpunk… but that’s another time! You all know by now that I love all things eccentric, innovative and just way out there; and even if you haven’t pointed it out yet, retro-futuristic clothing has definitely been doing its deed in the fashion and beauty world for a while now. Some may think it’s a passing fad, but the runways have been packed with mod, outer space mini dresses, metallic pants, skin tight garments, leather gloves, monstrous shoulder pads and even helmets. Whether you’re the type of person who would dress complete in a metallic spacesuit with a hoop skirt, dust on shimmery eyeshadow and carry a silver safety tote-bag (Zenon Girl of the 21st Century, anyone? I’m obsessed okay – I want those plastic micro-mini skirts!), or one who just dawns a sleek pair of metallic pumps and dares to sport a little height on your shoulders, I guarantee you’ll appreciate this retro-futuristic world!

The reason why I was so excited to write about this especially now is because of the new campaign for Masha Ma’s 2010 Resort collection. Born and brought up in Beijing, Masha Ma moved to London in 2001 and started to pursue her fashion education since then. In 2008, she was granted an MA Degree in Fashion Design Women’s Wear. Her graduation collection was then shown in London Fashion Week and selected by B Store London. Masha has worked in studios of some of the top fashion designers like Alexander McQueen and Veronique Branquinho. For her 2010 Resort Collection, Masha presents us with a feel of retro-futurism and old film glamor. Model Georgia Frost plays the perfect siren with big bold lips and wavy hair inspired by Marilyn Monroe. For the less daring, Masha included pieces such as an embellished draped sheer blouse and sophisticated, but sexy, pencil skirts. I absolutely love it! A look at her Resort Collection:

Beautiful! Gets me inspired to work on my Dieselpunk outfit even more now… but back to the topic at hand…

Here are (to name a few…) my favorite retro-futuristic elements that have emerged in the fashion world – of course, some more avant-garde than others:

Filigree and Press-On Makeup