The World Economy and Rockabilly Revival

Oh gosh, doesn't that sound awfully droll and serious. Not at all like my usual self! However it is something to consider, after all fashion and social changes have always been affected by the global politics and economic climate. I've been thinking about this for a while now, how the period of economic instability has thrust us all into period of global budgetting and belt tightening similar to that of the "American" Depression period and for Britain the WWII years. Those were periods in history when poverty was rife, when ingenuity had its hey-day and when everyone was looking for any means necessary to keep clothes on their backs, food in their stomachs and a roof over their heads. Whilst the Rockabilly is usual associated with 1950's rather than the late 20's - 1940's, although many Vintage-ites love and look back on all eras, its merely the idea of looking back on easier times that I refer too. The 50's were a time of relative wealth, romance, innocence and social change. We live in a period of financial difficulty, when there is a renewed interest in making clothes, re-using things in unusual ways and being green (although in previous eras it was better known as being thrifty and savvy). The idea of reliving nicer times through our clothes and fashion is not new, but is, like most things in the 21st Century, another means of escapism. (That is another topic for another blog) These days the only real difference between the economical strife of the past and these is the technological advances. These days the world is smaller, shrunk by the media, internet and the cellphone. These days we know more about the sufferings of other countries, we watch as powerful countries invade and conquer, we take part in the media recording news events on our cellphones, we blog our opinions, record our struggles and make contact with people from all over the globe. In previous eras technology was limited and mostly found in science fiction, at least those things that we have come to take for granted, cellphones, internet and flat-screen TV's. News was found on radio and in newspapers, they were occupations and careers, news was more local and less international. We are in the midst of a revival of thrifty mentality, of innovation and ingenuity, or recycling not just in the name of environmental awareness but for the sake of saving. As much as I appreciate my materialistic lifestyle, my technology I applaud this renewed interest. I revel in this look at the past, in this escapism! If you are interested in books on the subject there are a few I can recommend such as: Rediscovered Treasures: A New Life for Old  and Sew Retro