The Filofax Is Back!
From baggy 1980s types of denim to slim-fit slip dresses of the 1990s, hankering after retro clothing is still firmly implanted in younger generations. This is good news for crafters of handmade jewellery, clothing and accessories, but before we look at some of the business opportunities this offers, it’s a good idea to look into some of the reasons behind this fascination; having some insight into these might add direction to new ranges for 2025 and guide branding and promotion.
In recent history, fashion has appeared to follow a twenty-year cycle, just about the right amount of time for each generation to re-invent the style of the previous one. Getting older has meant seeing a few cherished garments eventually coming back into fashion (if they haven’t succumbed to moths or mould). It has also meant seeing, amongst the younger generations, an enchantment for all things vintage very much alive and kicking.
Never before has there been among teens and young adults such a yearning fascination with bygone decades. It’s possible that today’s young people are more wary of the mass consumerism that devoured the post-war decades and they see the shallowness of it, observing that it doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness… who knows? It’s certainly true that there is much more consciousness in the current generation of the need to look after our beautiful world which lends an ethical element to a preference for retro. Another explanation might be that as a way of navigating the unsettling times in which we live, immersing oneself in an era which seemed more straightforward and less confusing could offer an element of longed-for stability and comfort.
And it isn’t just the fashion that our people are enjoying; the music, the art and the films all contribute to the retro vibe. As crafters, this represents a golden opportunity to capture this longing for a simpler and more stable way of life not only in terms of products but also in branding which can be truly authentic. Crafters sell the real deal; locally made products of which the profits get ploughed back into the local economy. Raw materials are kind to our earth and often locally sourced and as such they will reflect the rich variety of regional distinctiveness of our nation. Your customers are not only buying a retro-inspired article of clothing or jewellery but also genuinely being a part of a way of doing business which harks back to the solid foundations of the times they are revisiting.
Apart from anything else, a preoccupation with vintage clothing is also about accessibility, affordability and a sense of fun! It’s about wanting to make a statement and to stand out gloriously in a crowd! This too is good news for crafters as each of your products is handmade and thus is unique. It’s an opportunity to use creative flair and genius to put a twist on a look from your own teenage or young adult years and develop a completely individual product; vintage restyled for today’s younger generation.
It goes without saying that when selling vintage or retro items it’s important to promote your environmental credentials in your promotional materials and website, (include details such as usage of recycled materials and textiles or if you employ local staff). If your business donates a small percentage to a local charity ensure you make this clear also as it will attract young people who want to buy with a clear conscience.
Once your range of unique, fun and quintessentially vintage-style products is ready, it will be time to reveal them to the public and set your customers buzzing. Whether you sell online or at fairs and markets, you will need to consider handcrafted goods business insurance. Although this is not a legal requirement, most craft fair organisers will ask that you have some sort of handcrafted goods business insurance and if you sell online it offers peace of mind as you send your beautiful products out in the post to all corners of the country and beyond.
So, what is handcrafted goods business insurance, is it complicated to obtain and how much does it cost? It usually includes public and product liability insurance which between them cover you for any claims which might be made against you, your staff or your products. Even if the incident is not your fault, the insurance will cover legal fees or compensation. It’s easy to obtain and we can give you a quote. We often call it “sleep easy” insurance as it covers you for completely unforeseen happenings which no amount of risk assessment and careful planning can avoid. It thus allows you to focus your attention on working at what you’re best at; creating stunning handmade products. So, check out our website and get in touch and either Naomi or Sam will be here to help.
The return of retro is good news for everyone! What’s more, you are not only providing inspiration with stunning clothes, jewellery and accessories but also with a way of doing business which is sustainable, creative and has stood the test of time.