Michael Jackson's Nostalgia Analysis

In addition to Breakdancing, Disco became extremely popular. Disco became popular during the mid to late 70’s and largely consisted of youth going to dance clubs dressed in the new Disco style. This Disco styled clothing is composed of tube tops, sequined halterneck shirts, blazers, spandex short shorts, loose pants, form-fitting spandex pants, maxi skirts and dresses with long thigh slits, jersey wrap dresses, ball gowns, and evening gowns (Tom & Sarah Pendergast). Some viewed Disco as a “mere hedonistic escapism of little if any social value, an individualistic attempt to escape the real world – if only for a night” (Conway); however, others saw it as a subtle political statement accepting those of other ethnicities. Some claimed that the
This can best be seen through the influences of Michael Jackson and Madonna which were revolutionary, yet reminiscent of the 50’s. During the 50’s, a Lieberman-owned company, Algy Trimmings Co., utilized mylar and brought about a short-lived resurgence in sequins. Michael Jackson revived the sequin once again during his performance of “Billie Jean” in 1983. During this performance, Michael Jackson featured both his famous single gloved hand style and the first appearance of the moonwalk making this one of his most memorable performances in history. Later that year he again revived a famous 50’s icon: the red leather jacket worn by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. While Michael Jackson maybe one of the most famous pop culture icon, he wasn’t the only one borrowing styles from the 50’s. In her music video for “Material Girl” Madonna brought back the Marilyn Monroe look from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This chic look consisted of a strapless, pink evening gown with matching long gloves, adorned with a lavish diamond necklace and earrings similar to Monroe. People obsessed over these new fashion trends and focused on their fashion as an escape from facing the serious issues; however, people can’t avoid their fears
As they frivolously pursue riches, they are only filled with emptiness: a hole that the American people still search to fill. As we enter the 90’s and even to the present day we are trying to find fulfilment in something; however, we have been conditioned to value money to the extent that it inhibits us from pursuing grander goals. As the time changed from the Civil Rights social justice movements of the 60’s and early 70’s to the escapism and focus on self and wealth in the late 70’s to 80’s, we witness significant changes reflected in what we value, how we think, and what we wear. James Laver said, “When seen in retrospect, fashions seem to express their era”, and this is clearly true from the analysis we have seen. Really, our fashion throughout history tells us a story; however, it is just an excerpt of an ongoing story continuing to today. History is not as easily partitioned as it appears to be here. Fashion and fads constantly evolving to reflect their eras. The story is fluid and the lines are inscrutable. Ultimately, Fashion reflects the society that it once represented. When taken apart carefully, within the proper context, it reveals the story of people: who they were, who they became, what they valued, and in a very simple manner, what they