NEON FASHION IS BACK!

NEON FASHION NEON FASHION IS BACK! IS BACK!

APRIL GODDARD

One of fashion history’s most influential and eye-popping color palettes is back on the scene and stronger than even this fall-winter. Defining the style of entire generations of people, neon is back and has caused a stir-up in a major way in the fashion and style industries. But where did it come from? How did the development of colors and style so bold, vocal, and unapologetic first take the world by storm and change the course of style as we know it for the last several decades? Where did it all begin?

Neon paint was indeed invented decades before in the 1930’s by the Switzer brothers. Both the highly educated sons of a pharmacist, they quite literally invented an early neon varnish in their family bathtub via organic compounds. Their goal was to create a color that was easily visible in the darkness or dimmer settings, and the result was the first ever glow-in-the-dark paint. Realizing the potential profitability in a color that can literally emit light, they originally sold neon paint as a way that those in the entertainment industry could create optical illusions for their audiences (think magic shows ro the circus). During World War II, neon colors were utilized for more practical purposes and became a means for the U.S. to identify themselves to other allied forces. It additionally allowed them to work long past the hours of dusk, an advantage they held over the axis powers. The 30’s and 40’s were when neon first started to be used in clothing for both the military as well as civilians-mostly to convey a message to people or to make its wearer identifiable individually or as part of a larger group.

While the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s favored a more muted color palette, neon was first spotted on the fashion scene in a major way in the 1980’s, and it quickly became known as the decade of neon. During this time, neon became marketed as a way for the youth to distinguish themselves from the traditional styles and colors of their parent’s attire. A decidedly joyful and hopeful celebration of the 80’s, neon was found in absolutely every facet of the fashion and creative industries that you can imagine. It was eagerly worn on almost every article of clothing; from tops to pants, sneakers and hats to the classic windbreaker jackets. And let’s not forget scrunchies. Everyone loved to accessorize the big hair of the time with a decidedly essential neon-colored scrunchie.

Neon was a symbol of the hopefulness of a clean slate but also a symbol of invention and the innovative. It became a quintessential part of the visual and performing arts space, appearing in all types and mediums of art as well as on the backs of some of the most notable and influential performing artists of the time, particularly on the music scene.

Neon in art changed the entire space dramatically. Pre-20th century, you would of course not find any traces of neon paint on the canvas of an artist. This period favored a more muted color palette. Some of the first examples of neon light were sculptures created from lights that might otherwise have been used as signs to direct patrons to nightlife establishments. By the 1960’s, neon in all mediums had become more common, particularly in pop art that the decade became so famous for. By the 1980’s and 1990’s, neon became even more common with a touch less structure-neon art has a light-hearted, whimsical, and ever-youthful air about it, while still being bold, and always making a statement.

It transitioned with ease into the 1990’s; A time that neon colors really flourished and became a symbol of style, newaged invention, and youth. Parties, night life, and celebration notably became symbolized through neon colors. Neon lights would adorn the signs of popular establishments, often signaling restaurants, bars, clubs, and general 90’s-era nightlife. Neon made a huge and lasting appearance in what really was a technological renaissance of (most of) our lifetimes. Neon graphics and design showed up on everything from home computers, to video games, and electronics generally to symbolize different states such as “on '' or “off” or perhaps signal that you had beat your own high score.

Neon even made an appearance on popular tv shows-dramas and sitcoms of the time, boasting their beloved characters in the latest neon trends. The classic realm of children’s television programming debuted some of its most notable cartoons of the time featuring bright, cheerful, and most of all fun neon colors. Neon candidly had a special way of making it’s wearers stand out.

Which brings us to today. Neon has almost a retro feeling for some, reminiscent of the nostalgia of their own youth in the 80’s and 90’s. For others, neon is vocal, joyful, and a way for its wearer to unapologetically express and be themselves. For the youth, neon is new, the “it” trend of the moment, and the thing to have. It can be found everywhere: From clothing and accessories from notable fashion houses, to shoes that make a statement, and more recently in interior and exterior decor as accent furniture. Neon nail art is the biggest trend of the moment, with designs becoming more creative and amazing by the minute. You can even find neon colors gracing the creations of some of the most sought-after and prestigious auto manufacturers in the world as a means to highlight special editions and unique builds.

Some of the best ways to wear this trend during fall/winter 2022 are through accessories. If you do not naturally gravitate toward bright colors, neon accessories are an easy way to try the trend without being overwhelmed by it. If you’re not at all afraid of color, a cool neon tracksuit reminiscent of those of the 80’s and 90’s are coming in strong this season. Pair the track suit down with crisp, white sneakers, and you have a bold yet polished take on a classic outfit. Just want to dabble a wee bit and don’t want