Nothing to do With Firm Marketing

Skip this post if you don't want a small dose of off-topic humor.

Young people who didn't live through the 70s like we did keep trying to bring elements of the 70s back into the fashion realm and they don't understand why we "older" folks resist this. Yeah, I too have been drawn to the hip-hugger look and high boots and even peasant tops. But I have my limits and here's exactly why...

See this post by 15 Minute Lunch blogger, Johnny Virgil.

He describes stumbling upon a 1977 JC Penney Catalog that illustrates why the 70s are equated with horrendous taste. What the hell were we thinking buying this stuff thus encouraging the fashion industry to keep going in this direction? Now it is clear to see why even the 80s fashions were viewed as a significant improvement!

The post includes not only a large number of laugh inducing photos but the author's commentary is priceless. His post drew over 240 comments. I guess it's hitting a good nerve. Enjoy.

Comments

[Neil McIntyre]

"Nothing absorbs errant pee like a nice, thick shag..."

Great post. :)

[Mike Marn]

Wow, cool shirt, where can I get one?
Seriously, I think this DOES have a bit to do with firm marketing. The post itself drew so many comments precisely because it wasn't selling, or preaching, just striking chords with people. Got them to lower their guard. More people are aware of and like Johnny Virgil now, right?

It also demonstrates the transient nature of almost everything we are always so smug and "certain" about.

I'll bet when that catalog was fresh, they were looking at the one from 1952 and laughing at the pictures. We're pretty arrogant and opinionated, as a society and as an industry. Just for the record, my very-popular high school senior son would probably like a few things from that book, and he's cooler than all of us put together. There ARE no absolutes. (Although in my opinion, the leisure suit came pretty darn close.)

[Michelle Golden]

Thanks Neil, and Mike. Mike, you've got a good point there. Nostalgia always sells and "retro" is a moving target as time goes on. Even when it involves polyester double-knits. Memory-invoking can be a powerful emotional marketing tool.