There is no doubt the 21st century is the age of technology, however, the connotative definition of technology itself has changed over time. Oxford languages defines technology as “the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.”
When we think of the word “technology,” we may first jump to smartphones, laptops, televisions, etc. We forget that our watches, glasses, tools, scissors and more fit under this umbrella as well.
Technology is part of our everyday fashion in more ways than one. It used to be about the sleek and simplistic AirPods, now it’s the bigger (and nicer) the headphones the better, we are even seeing wired headphones having a resurgence.
As winter is approaching and school is in full swing, our walks to class with our headphones can be our moments of escape. “(I’m) playing the most insane, headbanging techno music and no one would ever know but I’m just walking to class normally … the dichotomy of it is so funny,” said Hannah Nisenfield, a fourth-year psychology major.
Personalizing our technology with phone cases, phone charms and stickers individualizes our mass consumption of the products themselves. Workwear such as utility vests and jackets, steel toe boots, and double knee and cargo pants — all their own form of technology — has been a trend for quite some time now. The juxtaposition between this “blue collar core” and expensive electronics can be seen all in one outfit, typically on men.
The fashion world has been anticipating the return of ‘70s fashion for a couple years now, and we are starting to see it, but not in the boho-chic way we’re used to. The 1970s saw many technological advances, specifically within music. With the Walkman coming out in the late ‘70s, personalized music accessories would only grow in popularity for years to come, with its modern manifestation probably being the AirPods Max.
New and stronger amplifiers and speakers created the opportunity for music festivals to thrive, and the fashion within them. Although we’ve seen a bit of this boho-chic coming back, even with a little western twist, it is undeniable that this is the age of house music.
House music is derived from disco music and was first heard in queer night clubs in Black neighborhoods of New York City, and it is safe to assume the outfits being sported were ahead of its time as well.
With artists like FredAgain, CharliXCX, Kaytranada, and Portland local Amine, house/EDM music and its lifestyle is having a moment. Festivals and raves featuring artists like these are where we will see technology thrive in fashion in the form of: pashminas, bandanas, LED jewelry and CamelBaks.
Big boots and utility vests, the workwear mentioned earlier, are a part of this aesthetic as well. Nisenfield aligned both concerts and fashion as being about having fun and letting your spirit be free. “The whole rave culture, I don’t think that’ll ever die. I think it’s been the same since the ‘70s,” Nisenfield said.
The practicality of our wardrobe in the 21st century cannot be understated. We can listen to music, tell the time, contact anyone, take pictures, find directions just with what we carry on our person. Fashion can be utility and style at the same time. It makes life easier when you have access to tools and look fly at the same time.
