Young South Koreans reviving 80s, 90s culture through food, fashion and more
- 5 years ago
Many of us are nostalgic for the past, the golden days,... remembering cherished memories.
But, in recent months, it seems a growing number of young people in Korea want to revive the 80s and 90s, which they haven't directly experienced.
According to our Oh Soo-young, old school trends are coming in food, fashion and lifestyle.
Tucked away in a small cafe in Seoul, young Koreans are revisiting the past,... in search of simplicity and authenticity.
Away from the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city, this cafe is dimly lit with ornate lamps amid polished wooden frames, antique ornaments and vintage-style furniture.
The cafe illustrates the so-called "Newtro" trend, which has been gaining followers mostly in their teens and twenties, seeking out items and experiences reminicient of the 1980s and 90s.
"Small, rundown alleyways like these are no longer considered shabby.
They're now the best places to roam around for hidden gems from the past -- such as vintage cafes, unique eateries and arcade game machines."
The Newtro trend has also trickled to the mainstream market.
Designs from the 80s and 90s,... with stark hues and simple fonts,... have been revived on furniture, accessories and even food packaging including the nation's all-time favourite snacks.
Fashion brands have also infused the newtro theme in their collections, with runway highlights from twenty years ago.
Some of the most popular items are "street-style" outerwear including short puffer coats given a modern twist with fluffy fabrics.
Duffel coats are also popular as are flamboyant patterns and plaid.
"Fashion and culture from the 80s to 90s have appealed to millennials as a new, refreshing look. So many brands are recreating iconic items that were popular in those decades. For instance, Samsung C&T's JunJ collaborated with British sports brand Umbro to reflect this trend through both street or casual pieces."
Experts say this throwback to the past isn't just superficial.
"I think the younger generation are experiencing a keen job crisis, these days, right? They feel like they have to give up some of the things like marriages, having children or having house, something like that. So I think they need some rest and comfort to avoid the fatigue of the hyper-connected world where everything is connected through SNS."
Various industry experts say the Newtro trend is likely to become one of the biggest lifestyle keywords of the year,... as more and more people are searching ways to "detox" from digitalization.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
But, in recent months, it seems a growing number of young people in Korea want to revive the 80s and 90s, which they haven't directly experienced.
According to our Oh Soo-young, old school trends are coming in food, fashion and lifestyle.
Tucked away in a small cafe in Seoul, young Koreans are revisiting the past,... in search of simplicity and authenticity.
Away from the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city, this cafe is dimly lit with ornate lamps amid polished wooden frames, antique ornaments and vintage-style furniture.
The cafe illustrates the so-called "Newtro" trend, which has been gaining followers mostly in their teens and twenties, seeking out items and experiences reminicient of the 1980s and 90s.
"Small, rundown alleyways like these are no longer considered shabby.
They're now the best places to roam around for hidden gems from the past -- such as vintage cafes, unique eateries and arcade game machines."
The Newtro trend has also trickled to the mainstream market.
Designs from the 80s and 90s,... with stark hues and simple fonts,... have been revived on furniture, accessories and even food packaging including the nation's all-time favourite snacks.
Fashion brands have also infused the newtro theme in their collections, with runway highlights from twenty years ago.
Some of the most popular items are "street-style" outerwear including short puffer coats given a modern twist with fluffy fabrics.
Duffel coats are also popular as are flamboyant patterns and plaid.
"Fashion and culture from the 80s to 90s have appealed to millennials as a new, refreshing look. So many brands are recreating iconic items that were popular in those decades. For instance, Samsung C&T's JunJ collaborated with British sports brand Umbro to reflect this trend through both street or casual pieces."
Experts say this throwback to the past isn't just superficial.
"I think the younger generation are experiencing a keen job crisis, these days, right? They feel like they have to give up some of the things like marriages, having children or having house, something like that. So I think they need some rest and comfort to avoid the fatigue of the hyper-connected world where everything is connected through SNS."
Various industry experts say the Newtro trend is likely to become one of the biggest lifestyle keywords of the year,... as more and more people are searching ways to "detox" from digitalization.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.