The Webster Dictionary defines analog as “of, relating to, or being a mechanism or device in which information is represented by continuously variable physical quantities.” Analog has now come to be synonymous with authenticity. This seems to be a virtue signaling tool that you are cool, yet nonchalant, intellectual, yet disconnected, and somewhat mysterious. Have you ever watched Zoe Kravitz’s ‘What’s in my bag?’ Youtube video for Vogue, and when said she carried wired headphones, it made you irrationally angry? Just me? In my opinion, a celebrity utilising analog fashion as an accessory is merely cosplay.
There are nuances, though, to the wider relationship between fashion, technology, and society. In modern society one must adapt with technology, or they will allegedly be ‘left behind.’ Despite being told this, feelings of nostalgia seem to prevail. There was a time when the world was less connected to their phones, and more likely to have an awkward interaction in the elevator or walking down the street. In my opinion, those awkward scenarios are important for the development of social cognition. Therefore, I think it is refreshing in many ways to see ‘analog fashion’ become popular. I just hope it isn’t a trend that will cycle out like everything else.
Technologically, being up to date seems to morally dismiss the message that analog fashion is striving for. Originality in fashion is declining, and somehow analog fashion brings us back to a more authentic time when being chronically online wasn’t the norm. Analog fashion isn’t just the feeling of being disconnected, but also the feeling of utilising what you already have. It’s messy, spontaneous, and freeing in many ways. This is an anti-algorithmic way of identifying with yourself. Film cameras, paperbacks, sketchbooks, and CD players are all analog accessories that seem to fill up worn-in tote bags. In my opinion, something tangible fixes our doomscrolling habits associated with the digital world.
Fashionably, this says something about how humans have the desire to connect. Clothing is an expressive outlet of how we identify ourselves and present ourselves to others. There is a desire to live slowly and consciously. However, while this trend was driven to combat anti-consumption in many ways, it has led many to overconsumption. While some may seem like they aren’t trying hard, I highly doubt that your favourite social media influencer didn’t buy those jeans first-hand.
While I believe that analog fashion has brought back a certain virtue to be connected with our physical community, I would urge you to not lose yourself in the aesthetics. Instead of buying a digital camera first-hand, get one second-hand online; plan in advance for outings so you have time to scour Depop or Vinted; and for the love of God, keep your wired headphones — they still work.
Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash
