If you haven’t noticed already, a ‘retro’ 1960’s influenced trend has taken over parts of the consumer market, particularly in fashion. I believe I am right in assuming that this sudden interest in dressing up, ‘a la 60s’, is party, if entirely due to the Emmy award winning dramatic television series, MAD MEN, which premiered in 2007 and has since, gained massive popularity. If you have never heard of this series, seriously WAKE UP! If you haven’t yet watched it, DO IT NOW!
MAD MEN is set within a fictional advertising agency situated on Madison Avenue, the focal point of the series following its charismatic creative director Don Draper and his life both in and out of the office. Since discovering MAD MEN this year, I have been impressed by the brilliant script that continuously subverts the audiences expectations of characters, by purposely having them do something unexpected, therefore making each individual richly complicated. Not only is MAD MEN a smart show, it has been praised for its historical accurateness and engaging visual style that has, since its debut, begun to saturate the consumer market. 
In the fashion world we have seen the return of larger outwards and lengthier skirts in heavier fabrics, mod dresses, big jewellery, high cut A-line dresses and the Jackie Kennedy inspired ‘look’. In terms of men’s wear we have seen the return of the skinny tie, lighter shades of suit colours and even changes in pant and suit cuts.
I think part of the appeal of the style depicted in MAD MEN is due to the ‘lifestyle’ that involves dressing up and coordinating an outfit to match even if it’s just to go out shopping for groceries. In the world that accepts trackie pants outside the house and the “I don’t care what I wear” attitude, the idea of wearing a hat or gloves matched to an outfit, is quite a glamorous notion.
Even if you find the shows pacing a bit too lethargic for your personal liking, you can still admire the beautiful visuals of the series and its styling.
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