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Advanced technology has become outdated, with older models like tube televisions and slow dial-up phones surpassed by modern devices.

Yearning for the Sixties Vibes

Time-stamped tattoos indicate that Kitty Steiner belongs to the current era.
Time-stamped tattoos indicate that Kitty Steiner belongs to the current era.

Stepping Back to the Swinging '60s: A Love Affair with Retro

Advanced technology has become outdated, with older models like tube televisions and slow dial-up phones surpassed by modern devices.

Stepping into Kitty Steiner's world is like taking a magical time machine straight back to the '60s. Clad head-to-toe in vibrant garb, fierce accessories, and an elegant do, she's a living poster girl from that era. Her home and salon? A museum-like capsule, holding relics of the '60s and early '50s. But why do we find retro so enchanting?

Kitty's journey begins with her heart, pulsating with the rhythm of the '60s. Classic clothing, intricate hairstyles – she's found her heart's desire in the aesthetics of the era. Yet, it's not just the visual appeal, it's also the furniture, the craftsmanship, the colors, the shapes – every nook of her space reflects her unwavering love for that period.

Take a peek around, and you'll see a world frozen in time, with antique appliances, vintage kitchenware, and decor that'd make any design aficionado swoon. Her kitchen, a cheerful throwback to the '50s, glows with bright pastel hues. Gone are frills like induction hobs; she's content with a trusty old stove from '58. Her cabinets are brimming with relics – old cans, packaging – all aged to perfection.

An old phone with a coiled cord and rotary dial, an outdated black-and-white TV – these belong in her home. Her closets are bursting with '60s clothing in shades of yellow, green, or pink. Stacked high, you'll find accompanying hats, shoes, and stylish jewelry to complete the look.

As a child, Kitty moonlighted as a disc jockey, listening to her parents' old records on her grandmother's turntable. Classics from Katja Ebstein, the Beatles, or Shakin' Stevens registered deep within her soul, laying the foundations for her passion. From the trash, she fished treasures to covet and collect.

Her VW Beetle is her daily driver, sporting a vintage plate. Yep, just like a character out of a '60s movie. Daily tasks take her a bit longer, and she couldn't be happier. "It's a bit of a decelerating effect," she grins. The sprightly 41-year-old views her love for retro as a lifelong theme, a hobby that brings her joy and peace.

So, what drives this retro craze scientists talk about? Trend researcher Eike Wenzel opines, "People deliberately distance themselves from the contemporary, crisis-stricken reality – it's a form of escapism." In essence, retro trends have cropped up in every epoch, even as far back as the '50s. Today, even the young can feel nostalgic about the '00s.

Scholars see various factors shaping this retro trend, including positive remembrances of our past, a yearning for simpler times, and even an escape from life's uncertainties. But while Kitty's home could be straight out of the '60s, her life isn't. She couldn't function without a smartphone or laptop; the internet is crucial for managing her hair salon and sourcing vintage items online.

Her husband Thomas, a fan of the '50s, won't give up his modern flat-screen TV – even though he finds it unsightly. Still, numerous vintage furniture and fashion pieces can be found online, feeding the insatiable appetite for retro trends. Social media is brimming with retro influencers showcasing their personal charm in retro garb and hairstyles.

Take Shirin Altsohn, a 26-year-old Instagram celebrity, with 1.2 million followers. She's all about vintage glamour – romantic, swirling skirts, waists that cinch, and bright hats from times past.

In Kitty's salon, all from the '60s, including the hairdryer and coffee mug, adorn the space. The hairstyles themselves are the crowning glory. Teased and professional, they often take the form of the iconic 'banana' or 'beehive bees' of that era, with music from the era playing softly in the background.

Client Silke Schwarz finds the '60s styling slightly outdated but alluring. "There's more class, more elegance, more style," she says. It's a rare talent to master such vintage hairdos, she notes. A unique experience for her and her community.

Kitty revels in the '60s vibe, cherishes the style, and enjoys the lifestyle – but she's neither a slave to the times nor their conservative ways. "I live in the now," emphasizes Kitty. Even though gender roles were more strict during that period, she maintains an equal footing with her husband.

Source: ntv.de, Yuriko Wahl-Immel and Sascha Thelen, dpa

More Insights:

  • Psychological Appeal: The allure of retro can be attributed to several psychological triggers, including nostalgia, escapism, emotional connections, and cognitive factors.
  • Nostalgia: Nostalgia evokes positive emotions and forges emotional bonds between consumers and the brands that embrace retro aesthetics.
  • Escapism: Retro trends offer a temporary escape from reality, providing consumers with a break from present-day worries.
  • Emotional Connections: Retro design elements tap into personal memories and experiences, fostering emotional connections and brand loyalty.
  • Cognitive Factors: Familiar design elements are more appealing to consumers because they require less cognitive effort to process and trigger positive emotional responses.
  1. In Kitty's community, the unwavering love for retro extends beyond fashion and beauty, bleeding into home decor and even policy-making, as evidenced by her salon's '60s-inspired interiors and vintage appliances.
  2. The retro craze doesn't stop at fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden; it spills over onto social media, where retro influencers like Shirin Altsohn garner a massive following for their vintage glamour, further fueling the appeal of the past.
  3. Despite Kitty's emotional bond with the '60s lifestyle, she manages to straddle the line between embracing the era's aesthetics and adopting modern conveniences like smartphones and laptops, demonstrating that retro trends can coexist with current employment policy within her everyday life.

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