I'm obsessed with the past and it's only getting worse. As a kid, I couldn't get enough of LIFE magazine, devouring photos of impeccably dressed women in their perfectly tailored ensembles. Their dedication to crafting an outfit was astounding. The craziest part? All this work and not one mirror selfie.
Fast forward to 2023 and we're all living in a nostalgia loop. Big business relies on it but that's another blog. Open up Pinterest, overflowing with #cottagecore boards —or my personal favorite, retro kitchen inspo boards. I'm talking salmon pink walls, pistachio green cabinets, and a SMEG fridge that will make you drool all over that Limonium tile.
But it's not just online. Take an elevator up your nearest skyscraper's pent office and you'll likely spot not one, but two Knoll Barcelona chairs underneath a Castiglioni Arco Lamp (or probably just their knock-off versions... swear I'm not judging).
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing people who love vintage things. I, myself am such a person. However, while we're busy mimicking the aesthetics of the past, are we overlooking the best qualities of a those times, specifically the absense of digitial distraction.
According to a recent study, 62% of adults admit to spending more time on their devices than engaging in real-life experiences. Yikes, talk about being stuck in the digital world! Our obsession with the past is only making it more difficult to disconnect and truly live in the present.
In our crazy, complicated world, it's becoming increasingly difficult to disconnect from our digital lives. As a person who makes a living through digital marketing, I constantly ask myself, How can I create beauty without it becoming a part of the noise?
I don't have the answer but my intention is to find balance between appreciating the past and living in the present. With that, I hope your find inspiration from these 15 nostalgic photos that showcase moments of joy when people live in the present.
... then give the thumbs a break.
