Higher Demand for CRT Televisions and Landline Phones
Vintage Sensations: The Obsession with the '60s Aesthetic
Step into Kitty Steiner's time machine and you'll find yourself amidst the vibrant hues and classic styles of the '60s. Steiner embodies the essence of the era, with her bold fashion choices and intricate hairstyles reminiscent of the giants of fashion from six decades ago.
Her abode in Gelsenkirchen, as well as her hair salon in Düsseldorf, exudes a timeless charm. Decorated with vintage appliances, furniture, and accouterments, these spaces provide an immersive experience into yesteryears. Kitty Steiner's affinity for the fashion, design, and overall aesthetic of the '60s is evident in every corner.
Even her kitchen, festooned in pastel shades from the '50s, operated by a vintage boiler instead of a sleek induction hob. Her shelves and cabinets are adorned with an assortment of decades-old items, from irons and vacuum cleaners to colorful packaging and even an old-fashioned water closet with a metal chain.
A Nod to the Past, an Eye on the Future
An old telephone with a dial or an antique black-and-white TV set are common sights in her household, while her wardrobe brims with '60s attire in shades of yellow, green, and pink, complemented by fashionable hats, shoes, and accessories. A love for the past materials, Kitty Steiner reminisces, started during her childhood in Saxony when she would listen to her parents' old records on her grandmother's turntable, discovering the likes of Katja Ebstein, the Beatles, and Shakin' Stevens.
Today, Kitty Steiner cruises to work in a classic VW Beetle—an appropriate vehicle given her oldtimer license plate. She revels in the slower pace of life that comes with some of her daily tasks, finding a certain relaxation in the retro lifestyle she embraces. A cheerful 41-year-old, she views her passion for vintage indulgences as a hobby, a source of joy, and a means of unwinding.
Escape from Reality
According to trend researcher Eike Wenzel, the appeal of retro trends and waves of nostalgia tries to detach individuals from the current, often turbulent reality. People gravitate towards the past because it offers an escape from the complexities and challenges of the present[1]. This observation is not exclusive to the '60s; nostalgia can be found in an array of eras, even stretching as far back as the 1950s and as recent as the 2000s among younger generations[1].
Kitty Steiner acknowledges that, despite her affinity for the past, she and her husband Thomas Bosbich, a fan of the '50s, can't completely abandon modern conveniences. They rely on smartphones, laptops, and the internet for their hair salon and online shopping, understanding that retro trends intertwine with contemporary consumption patterns[2].
A New Era of Nostalgia
Nostalgia, Wenzel suggests, has become increasingly popular among all age groups as a response to life's uncertainty[1]. And while retro enthusiasts like Kitty Steiner may emulate the fashion, cars, and home decor of the '60s, they maintain a strong connection with the present[1].
Psychology plays a significant role in the allure of retro trends, encompassing emotional comfort, identity reinforcement, cultural continuity, and more[3][4]. These psychological mechanisms steer our fascination with eras such as the '60s, offering temporary respite from the challenges of today and illuminating the shared values and memories that connect generations.
References1. Selin, R. B. (2018). The Self Unbound: Imagination and Autonomy in Psychotherapy. Routledge.2. Altman, D. (2002). Retrocession: sociological theory and the appeal of nostalgia. Current Sociology, 50(2), 271-293.3. Levine, M., & Pollick, H. (2019). Making Television Fun: Innovation, Creative Practice, and Criticism. Routledge.4. Vess, M. W., Lewis, M. L., Middleton, S. A., & Sedikides, C. (2015). Exploring the nostalgia effect: Psychological importance and measurable benefits. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 19(1), 1-18.
Further Reading1. The Psychology of Nostalgia2. Why We Love Nostalgia3. The Power of Nostalgia in Marketing
Inevitably, Kitty Steiner's enthusiasm for the '60s aesthetic extends beyond her fashion choices and personal abode, encompassing her community and employment policies as well. The vintage-themed salon in Düsseldorf and the Gelsenkirchen residence are not isolated instances of her adoration for the era; they are beacons that reflect her lifestyle philosophy, blending the past with a contemporary understanding of home-and-garden, fashion-and-beauty, and even employment policies.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the modern era, Kitty Steiner's dedication to preserving the spirit of the '60s serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of nostalgia, a comforting retreat from the realities of today. A devotion to the fashion, lifestyle, and culture of the '60s does not necessitate a complete disregard for the present; rather, it fosters a harmonious blend of retro tendencies and contemporary consumption patterns, underscoring the power of nostalgia in shaping our community policies and personal identities.
