A revival of all things retro has been witnessed across the design industry, from the return of the rotary phone to 60s mini dresses and 1970s home decor, designers are reintroducing blasts from the past.
Whether you’re someone looking for cutting edge products to help your personal buying decisions or a designer seeking inspiration for your new creations, this cluster has plenty of examples of how to make designs from the past work for modern living today.
Fashion
OMG, seventies flashback! Cool. If you have a fav pair of comfy faded denim jeans you know they got better with time. Designer Megan will take you back to the 70’s with bright and bold designs. The jeans… [More]
According to one style commentator, Retrosexual is the new Metrosexual when it comes to style. While years past witnessed a rise in salon savvy, style-concsious men, the retrosexual is the opposite.… [More]
The revival of the 60s and 70s continues as fashion designers continue to bring back style retro style staples like the mini dress. The look has been reinterpreted by many famous designers, from Chanel… [More]
These pictures show a number of the hottest stars, including Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Rihanna. But wait, why should be talking about them? Because they are wearing JUMPSUITS! Some… [More]
It’s amazing to me how the 1960s have had such a strong influence over designers in the latest seasons. John Galliano, the fashion director of the Christian Dior label, used his creative talent to seek… [More]
It’s difficult to describe the new line of retro dresses from Jocomomola, the Spanish Fashion Label… although, the word ‘Jocomomola’ does sound about right. Put simply, these dresses are appealing and… [More]
Thank goodness for The Horrors: They are bringing back one of the most popular men’s shoes of the early 1960s, the Chelsea boot… but now, they are available for women as well! The ankle high booties… [More]
The Vintage Doctor makes dresses and other garments which blend vintage/retro styles with fabric prints. The polyester and cotton dresses in the gallery were inspired by cartoons or sci-fi movies such… [More]
In a not so ironic twist, Italian design house, Miss Sixty channeled the 1960s with a very funky Fall 2008 collection. These were no fashions for the sartorially timid. Showing on the third day of New… [More]
Remember when Madonna brought back retro cone boobs, making the pointy bra style hot again? Well now thanks to Girls Aloud, it’s back, and this time with a galactic blast! The UK girlband showed off… [More]
Cali Denim has produced a glow in the dark range that was predicted (albeit in jest) by top Trendhunter Bianca Bartz back in August 2007 in her review: The (Hideous) Return of Shoulder Pads Fashion. And… [More]
This fall, get ready to channel your inner Parisian. The French are known for their glamourous appeal, and this season, you can work the look too. Paul and Joe know every woman has an inner desire to be… [More]
What’s old is new again. So many young girls are probably yelling at their mothers for throwing out their retro shades from their youth… they’re hot again!
The Vintage fashion trend is keeping 70’s… [More]
The return of retro continues to be strong in the fashion industry, and it’s exciting to see old styles make themselves available for purchase again. One of the most delicious comebacks is that of the… [More]
Momaboma is an Italian company that creates really beautiful, retro, vintage bags. The bags are made out of paper from recycled glam magazines from the 1950’s and 1960’s and other material such as old… [More]
We’ve seen a number of attempts to reignite retro brands, with innovations from Converse topping the list. The latest innovation from converse: Leather All Star High Tops. These shoes are covered in… [More]
Dazzling silver-coated denim will look outrageous on the dance floor, or make you the chic highlight of any party. Whether it reminds of retro disco days, or futuristic space fashion, silver fashion is… [More]
They’re back! Babydoll dresses and brightly colored bangles have resurfaced and are dominating the fashion world. In New York City, you’ll find hundreds of women sporting short babydoll dresses, bright… [More]
Luxury fashion design house, Gucci, has created a glamorous new video advertisement for their 2008 Cruise Collection. The campaign channels the glamorous appeal of retro Hollywood Models Natasha Poly and… [More]
As somewhat of a paradox, the newest way to be in fashionably trendy is by implementing a combination of the retro fashions of the sixties with seventies glamour. I’ve done a little fashion research to… [More]
These gorgeous leather jackets are perfect for auto snobs—they’re lined with salvaged leathers and fabrics from vintage car seats. The Platinum Dirt VIN Jackets are made to order and custom-fit by… [More]
Marc Jacobs is known for creating quirky, bizarre ads. We’ve even featured a few on Trend Hunter, which you can see below. Now a new series of Marc Jacobs ads are stirring a buzz in the fashion blogosphere… [More]
Our friends at The Cool Hunter website are selling a retro cool Space Invaders hoodie inspired by the classic arcade game. Their example continues to reinforce that retro nerd is hot and that the 80s… [More]
Milan Fall Fashion Week indicates that hemlines are coming down, and the interaction between masculine and feminine will continue. Strong colors are strong as Milan looks like South Beach. Extravagant… [More]
Eww. Just eww. I try to stay impartial to trends, but I pray no one actually dons these in an attempt to be cool. Even the New York Times recognizing the Dr. Martens as an “Antifashion.” The footwear company… [More]
The style of Grease is back. Women with extensive skirts, smooth colors and playful sweaters are Prada’s proposal for its new “Resort” collection. Prada is an innovator in the aspect that nobody had… [More]
Roberto Cavalli just showed his more affordable line, Just Cavalli, at Milan Fashion Week which was full of retro inspirations and some unexpected hot pink bird motifs. Staying true to his signature… [More]
H&M;has teamed up with Finnish retailer Marimekko and will offer a range of vintage-style fashions inspired by Marimekko’s most popular patterns from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The collection of some… [More]
Retro fashion continues its rampage down the runways, and no longer just for women. Jockey International is bringing back retro underwear for men, bringing back the spirit of the 70s. Y Front briefs are… [More]
Accessories
There’s a country song that goes, “I got tears in my ears from lying on my back crying over you.” Now you can have eyes on your ears without the tears. These funky earrings are made from the eyes of… [More]
Hey Miss World Traveler, what do you carry your toiletries in? A cloth bag that gets ruined by exploding shampoos? Several different pouches to hold all your contents? Ziplock bags? Forget all that, and… [More]
Beauty
Thick, curtain bangs that graze the eyelids are making a hairstyle comeback. The look rocked by retro bombshells in the ‘70s and ‘80s is so “now” again, just a little tamer than how Farrah Fawcett wore… [More]
Say what you will about Amy Winehouse, but she does have a unique style and apparently there are lots of girls copying her and that means there is money to be made.Will the eyeliner come in quart containers?… [More]
The controversial revelation that Karl Lagerfeld’s latest muse is tattooed songstress, Amy Winehouse, put the fashion world in a state of shock this week. At his show in London last week, models in army-style… [More]
As I mentioned earlier this month, the beehive hairstyle is going to be making a major fashion comeback thanks to endorsement by top fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, whose latest muse is songstress Amy… [More]
Home Decor
This is the very retro Sunball lounge chair, circa 1969. The spherical lounge chair was designed by Ris and Selldorf against the backdrop of a counterculture movement that gave us Woodstock, the Vietnam… [More]
While shag carpets are terribly tacky, the retro look could possible make a comeback. This time, however, it won’t be featured on the floors, but on refrigerators. If it weren’t for its eco-friendly… [More]
This unique piece of home furniture blurs the lines of functionality and design. The lime green Chuun Chair by Christian Vivanco looks as though it were inspired in both colour and form by the natural… [More]
You tell me a kitchen can’t be sensual. Look at those curves, that red, wowsa. The Domina kitchen by Aster Cucine is designed strictly to appeal to women. The fluid design controls the space in a feminine… [More]
Bring your favorite game to the bedroom, as if you didn’t use it there already. The Twister Duvet Cover comes with a matching set of dice. “This quality piece of bed linen will add colour, fun and retro… [More]
Every place one turns, it seems that retro is continues to be hot. This glimmering chandelier recalls the disco globes that still hang over many club dance floors. Mirrored glass is hung by chains from… [More]
Now you can own an authentic, retro piece of aviation history for $1,450. Flight001 has managed to acquire a line on original food trolleys that have been used on various airlines, from the exterior prints,… [More]
The problem with this home theater is NOTHING. So cool, even Norbit would be fun to watch (with lots of adult beverages.) James Biber from Pentagram designed this baby and it is incredibly wicked. It’s… [More]
The 1957 Corvette Style Couch brings the iconic car into your living room with genuine leather seats and standard Corbin saddles. You can set a romantic mood by turning the lights off and plugging the… [More]
“Animal Skin” inspired Bisazza to create this luxury decoration with Italian mosaics of crocodile, leopard and a new version of reptile patterns, all of them designed by Carlo Dal Bianco. These… [More]
These funky chairs are a clever solution to old suitcases. The designer has come up with a way to recycle patterned luggage in a line dubbed the Sit Bag. Each chair consists of two very retro hard-cases… [More]
As the chill settles in, imagine how fun it would be to have this 50s style flueless gas fire. It would bring loads of fun, beautiful retro styling, and functionality to your home. The Smeg flueless… [More]
Keep your food and drinks cold or hot with this psychedelic portable refrigerator. With its fold-down handle at the top, the lunchbox-looking Way Cool Way Hot Mini-Fridge, keeps your favorite treats close… [More]
This may look like your grandmothers old fridge but it comes loaded with the latest features of todays functionalities and efficiencies. Offered in an assortment of colors. A sure addition to your modern… [More]
Whether you are a retro- lover or a futuristic freak, you are just going to love Smeg’s fridges. This italian brand that has been on the stage for more than 50 years, has created the utmost collection… [More]
Melograno Blu’s elegant collection of contemporary lamps feature an eclectic style. The Italian design duo’s individually hand-blown Murano glass pendants feature silk tassels inspired by the grand… [More]
This unique wallpaper series recreates objects that you don’t have. The series is called ‘Souvinirs’ by French designers Constantin+Laurene Boym. The retro images include: lamps, candle holders, globes,… [More]
Retro wallpaper is one of the big interior trends for 2007 and look no further that company aptly named Wallpaper From The 70’s. You can order online where there is also a library containing pictures… [More]
The Memphis Two Burner BBQ is a retro designed BBQ that looks more like a 1960s beer fridge than a BBQ. The BBQ is available in red, cream, blue and pink (yes, a pink BBQ). Memphis also manufactures… [More]
Retro Photography & Other Media
Artist Joshua Heineman has figured out how to bring old pictures to animated life. Old geezers shaking? So what’s so hot with this? In short, the artist can make 3D photos from any photo by making a gif… [More]
Terry Richardson, who worked with Belvedere on their controversial Luxury Reborn campaign, has now launched a section called “Terry’s Room” on the Belvedere website. Heavy on f-bombs, Terry talks… [More]
Does masking photo shoots with retro flare make it OK to use artistic nudity? Eva Mendes posed for Vogue Italia’s most recent issue and many in the online community seem to be digging the photos judging… [More]
In order to promote their realistic-looking laminate floors, Armstrong has come up with this witty “It only looks like the real thing” campaign. The campaign utilizes great photography and art direction… [More]
Esquire Magazine May front cover has been leaked and it is making the rounds on the internet. The cover has Jessica Simpson shaving off what I assume is an imaginary beard. The stunt was inspired by a… [More]
When you combine a stunning Pussy Cat Doll, remix a wildly popular 80s tune and have a hot Brazilian theme to your campaign, how could it not go viral? To promote Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions… [More]
As new technologies rise, old technologies fade. While most people take is as a sign of the times, some consumers fight the change. Save Polaroid, for example, is a blog that was developed after news broke… [More]
Dancing to an upbeat tune in neon underwear is a great way to sell, well, underwear. Just look at this commercial! Only a few seconds into the Bonds Youth TV spot, I wanted their undies. The gorgeous… [More]
Random
If you’re heading to Las Vegas you have to check out the Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar. Where else can you find touch-screen tables in the world renowned entertainment capital? The chic bar is inside… [More]
As part of Penguin UK’s re-release of Ian Fleming’s classic 007 Bond books on May 29th, they commissioned Michael Gillette to paint 14 iconic covers for the project. The paintings are done in ‘60s… [More]
Remember that old retro pedal car you used to zoom around in when you were a kid? Well your kids too can have that experience with the Retro Baby Pedal Car. The Retro baby pedal cars are available at the… [More]
If you were a TV producer launching a new show about 1970s swingers, would you admit the plot was based on the lives of your parents? Mike Kelley, the creator of Swingtown, which airs on June 5 on CBS,… [More]
Marilyn Monroe must be one of the most recognizable and used faces in our culture. And although dead stars have been unnecessarily used in ads before, Monroe fits perfectly in Color Bar’s “Become Someone"… [More]
Ladies bopping around in retro aerobics suits will make you want to buy a car? MINI thinks so! The latest campaign by BMW MINI features a room full of neon leotard-clad ladies doing “MINIcize!” We weren’t… [More]
Lots of people are looking for fun foods, both to make, and of course, eat. Is there anything more fun than corn dogs? Or fried cheese? If you prefer, the machine will also cook French fries or fish. When… [More]
Cars & Transportation
While all the giant automotive manufacturers are feverishly developing fancy new eco-friendly, green and hybrid cars, another trend is quietly brewing: used econoboxes from the ‘80s and ‘90s! That’s… [More]
Swedish designer Bo Zolland creatively fuses an iconic American muscle cars, such as the 1963 Corvette Stingray, with boat designs. The result? One hell of a series of bad-ass watercraft! Somehow Zolland… [More]
BMW unveiled the M1 Homage, the luxury auto maker’s sleek new super car at the Concorso d’Eleganza at the Hotel Villa d’Este this past weekend. The unveiling of the Homage was to commemorate the 30th anniversary… [More]
Fiat has launched a website to bring back the retro-cool cinquecento spirit. As a tribute to the customization trend visitors are also encouraged to enter the fun design competition with a 5.000 € award… [More]
While the Western German’s had their Volkswagon (people’s car), the Eastern Germans had the Trabant, a car the Westerners poked so much fun at. It looked a bit silly, a little bit Mr. Bean, and very, very… [More]
The Abarth is making a comeback. The what? It’s a neck-snapping, head-turner that had its hey-day in the 1960’s. You probably know how much excitement the return of the Mini-Cooper caused. The Abarth… [More]
Still in draft-phase, the famous VW Westfalia Camper Van has been redesigned to bring it even more environmental street-cred.
Alexandre Verdier envisions an “intelligent” vehicle with solar panels to… [More]
Adidas re-vamped an old Volkswagon campervan do some recent promo cruising. The eye-catching retro vehicle was spotted zooming around Brazil this summer, promoting the company’s new skate shoes. “The… [More]
90s
If you’re a sucker for 90s dance music, here’s an ad for you. This video, featuring a disco-dancing, nerd glasses-wearing puppet in a powder blue suit, is actually an ad for Drench Spring Water. The… [More]
The ultimate cross-over is emboldened in these Gameboylicious boots. Mashing tech and funkly boots to hold a Gameboy, never again will your retro-gamers look at you the same. Anytime you find yourself… [More]
MORE RETRO
Brace yourself for how old some of the following features will make you feel! This super gallery highlights some of the best retro and old-school tech designs that have recently made their way back in… [More]
The following gallery will evoke the inner geek who has ever engaged in gaming, as it highlights some of the modern ways retro past times have been brought back. Scroll though and you’ll see how Lego,… [More]
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Bianca Bartz
81 Retro Fashions & Designs (SUPER GALLERY)
[Edit]
Send Your Jeans for a Retro Reno - Scoutie Girl Redoes Your Denim (GALLERY)
Rise of the Retrosexual - Retro Not Metro
Retro Mini Dresses - Fashion Staple of the 60s Returns (GALLERY)
Return of the Jumpsuit - Marc Jacobs and Fendi Putting Stars in One Piece Suits (GALLERY)
Retro Fashion Flash Backs - Dior Brings Back Mrs. Robinson (GALLERY)
Retro Funk Dresses by Jocomomola
Retro Ankle Boots for Men - Chelsea Boots Return (VIDEO)
Retro Fantasy Wardrobes - Vintage Cartoon and Sci-Fi-Dresses (GALLERY)
Ravishingly Retro Fashion - Miss Sixty Fall 2008 (VIDEO)
Return of the Cone Boobs - Girls Aloud Get Galactic Glam (VIDEO)
Neon Denim - Cali Glow In The Dark Denim (GALLERY)
Retro French Glamour - Fall/Winter 2007 Fashion (GALLERY)
Sun Glass Fashions - 70’s Revival (GALLERY)
Fake Magazine Bag - Retro Magazine Clutches are Back (GALLERY)
Retro Magazine Purses - Momaboma’s Paper Vintage Bags (GALLERY)
Spiced Retro - Can Leather High Tops Reignite the Converse Brand? (GALLERY)
Silver Denim - Miss Sixty Inspired By Disco Era (GALLERY)
Retro For Metro - The 60s Look
Gucci Channels Retro Hollywood - 2008 Cruise Collection (VIDEO)
Retro Fashion Tangle - Combining Styles from the 60s & 70s (VIDEO)
Leather Jackets From Vintage Carseats - Platinum Dirt VIN Jackets
Fakevertising - Marc Jacobs Retro Tracksuit Man Creates Buzz (GALLERY)
Retro Nerd Fashion - Space Invader Hoodies (GALLERY)
Milan Fashion Week 2008 Recap - Vibrant Colors, Retro Designs, Hemlines Down (VIDEO)
Retro Anti-Fashion Returns - Dr. Martens Attempts Revival (GALLERY)
Resort Collection by Prada Exudes Retro Style (GALLERY)
Flamingo Print Retro - Just Cavalli Fall 2008 (VIDEO)
H&M;’s Retro Finnish - Marimekko Collection Influenced By 50s, 60s, 70s
Y Front Men’s Undies - Retro Underneath It All At Urban Outfitters
Recycling Retro Pop Culture For Modern Jewelry - Earrings Made of Doll Eyes
Retro Accessory For the Modern Jet Set - Richlee Travel Case (GALLERY)
Reviving Long, Retro Hair - Heavy Bangs (GALLERY)
Retro-Trashy Beauty - Amy Winehouse Fashion & Make-Up Lines (VIDEO)
Return of the Beehive - Karl Lagerfeld & Amy Winehouse Bring Back Retro Hair Style (VIDEO)
Secret to Retro Beehive - Amy Winehouse Wigs on eBay (GALLERY)
Retro Lounge Pod - Ris and Selldorf Sunball (GALLERY)
Shag Carpet Fridges - The (Ugly) Retro Energy Saver
Eclectic Coat Rack Seating - Chuun Chair
Designing for the Sexes - Domina Kitchen from Aster Cucine (GALLERY)
Twister Duvet Cover
Glitter Chandelier - Dynamic Light Reminiscent of the Disco Ball (GALLERY)
Own A Retro Airline Food Cart - Flight001 Trolleys (GALLERY)
60s Home Theater Room - 1500 Square Feet of Retro Groovy
RetroChic Automobile Furniture - 1957 Corvette Style Couch (GALLERY)
Wild Luxury Decor - Bisazza (GALLERY)
Recycled Suitcase Chair - Sit Bag (GALLERY)
Energy Efficient Flueless Fireplace - Smeg For Retro Comfort (GALLERY)
Retro-Print Portable Mini Fridge - Way Cool Way Hot
Retro Appliances Revive the ‘50s - The Big Chill Fridge
No More Boring Fridges – Smeg Union Jack Refrigerator
Retro Evocative Style - Melograno Blu’s Light Collection (GALLERY)
Fake Object Wallpaper - Retro & Stylish
Retro Wall Coverings - 70’s Wallpaper (GALLERY)
Retro BBQs - The Memphis Two Burner BBQ
Retro Photos Animated in 3D - Joshua Heineman’s 3D Awesomeness (ANIMATION)
Controversial Celebrity Photographers - Terry’s Room on Belvedere (GALLERY)
Retro to Justify Naughty? - Eva Mendes for Vogue Italia (GALLERY)
Retro Icons in New Ads - James Dean, Marlon Brando, Lucille Ball & Dean Martin for Armstrong Floors (GALLERY)
Retro Reshoots 2 - Jessica Simpson as Virna Lisi on Esquire Mag
Remixed Retro Virals - Pussycat Doll Redoes Duran Duran’s Rio for Caress (VIDEO)
Retro Support Groups - Save Polaroid (GALLERY)
Dance Mashup Ads - Bonds Youth Underwear (VIDEO)
Where Disco & Touch-Screens Meet - Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar (VIDEO)
Artistic Book Covers - Painting Iconic 007 Books (GALLERY)
Retro Baby Pedal Cars - 1930 Pink Ford & More Vintage Rides (GALLERY)
Retro Plots - Swingtown Showcases Swingers of the 1970s (Your Parents) (VIDEO)
Retro Icons in Modern Ads - Monroe & Taylor Become Someone
Retro Aerobics To Sell Cars? - Minicize BMW MINI Ad (VIDEO)
Retro Corn Dog Cooker - DIY Junk Food is Fun
Econobox Comeback - Gas Prices Drive Demand For Retro Eco-Cars (GALLERY)
Amphibious Muscle Cars - 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Boat (GALLERY)
Retro SuperCar Revivals - BMW M1 Homage (GALLERY)
Fiat Cinquecento Strikes Back
Retro Jalopy Revival - East German Trabant Car (VIDEO)
Performance Mini Cars Comeback - Abarth 500 (VIDEO)
Eco-Retro - Retro VW Camper Goes Green
Mobile Marketing - Adidas Promo Bus (VIDEO)
90s Disco Puppets - Drench Ads (VIDEO)
Retro Gaming Boots - Gameboylicious (GALLERY)
35 Retro Gadget Revivals - From The Boombox to the Rotary Phone (SUPER GALLERY)
23 Toys from the Past That Are Still Getting Love (SUPER GALLERY)
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