Aesthetics have dominated consumer culture, and how we want to be perceived by others is seemingly more important than discovering our own identities. Every decade, year, or even month we see a resurgence of trends as others subside once again.
If you’re looking into which trend to pick next or predict ahead of time, Mina Le’s YouTube channel is the place to surf. All her video essays provide a catalogue of aesthetics ranging from the 90s model, coquettes, and even the fetishisation of the Japanese schoolgirl.
We live in a society, and I am definitely a product of it
Her videos offer a fair criticism of how consumerism is just recycling trends, and how it really isn’t ‘woke’ to accept aestheticisation as finding your identity. Instead, more a reflection of how easily capitalism manages to guilt-trip us.
Alas, I can’t help but participate. As I say in most of my articles, we live in a society, and I am definitely a product of it. How do I break out of this cycle? I wish I knew. If I had some knowledge on how to shift this narrative, I would’ve offered it already. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, I am merely a product of society, like a decoration for the consumerism Christmas tree.
Currently, I am completely indulging in the winter girl; hot chocolates, knit sweaters, Jack Stauber, crimson nails, cherry-flavoured everything. I don’t want the cold months to end, and I’m terrified of having to reinvent myself all over again. Or I just hate summer. Maybe even both.
Next year, I expect to see ‘the basic girl’ make a comeback; ugg boots, Starbucks flasks, blonde hair, soft curls. But, who’s to go? My guess is on ‘the y2k girls’, say farewell to low-rise cargos, designer sunglasses, and the iconic corset trend. Sorry girls, you had your time.
I’m terrified of having to reinvent myself all over again
I can’t help but wonder how the environmental, aspiring Buddhist, vegan girls feel about the recycling of trends, and if they participate. I wouldn’t be surprised if caring about the environment is a trend in itself, turning our dying planet into a visual for an Instagram feed. As much as I hate to admit it.
As Emma Chamberlain said to GQ, her favourite internet trend is “people deleting different internet apps, I love that.” I love that too, Emma. Maybe I’ll give that one a go next. (I probably won’t.)