As you’ve probably realized by now, I’m really feeling the vibe of retro futurism right now. It’s so funky! Picture an era when countries were scrambling o be the first to land a man on the moon, or where nuclear power was being perfected. An exciting time, when the eyes of the world were turned to the future – what was going to come next? The fashions of this time reflect this excitement, as designers sent space boots and futuristic materials down the runway.
The anticipation of the future is something of which our modern culture seems to have lost track. Everywhere you turn, people are reminiscing about previous ages, whether through their choices of style in art, music, fashion, or architecture. I don’t begrudge the world its nostalgia (I have mine, obviously), we all need something familiar and comforting in times of great change. *I* just want to see more excitement with regards to the future! Designers, stop thinking about what was; why not imagine what would be, what will be? One of my biggest retrospections focuses on the 50s and 60s.. Oh, the good old days. People used to embrace the future and its supposed culture. What a notion. 
Fresh from my sketchbook, I have two new works rendered in monochromatic marker and ink (These markers are great.. I love the metallic effects you can achieve using them. I’m going to experiment more with them soon). Note the metallic, sculpted look of the dresses, they wear like corsets. Paired with the long space boots and the retro hairdos, these ladies have an avant-garde futurism feel with undertones of bygone age.
The wild hat was inspired by Hussein Chalayan (see my previous post). The other lady was inspired by the quintessential ’50s pinup waitress – Long boots, miniskirt outfit, puffy sleeves. She’s supposed to be leaning against some sort of (fashionably futuristic-looking) bar. There was originally a space helmet, but it was poorly drawn so I got rid of it.
Anyway, next time I plan to do an article on retro, futurism, and vintage style accessiories and how to wear them.. No promises, because I might change my mind. I’ve got my sketchpad out already.. Over and out!
FH.