Paisley Knows Best!

Anybody that knows me on a personal level is aware that I am very old-fashioned. I love old hairstyles, car designs, books, movies, music, and clothing choices. This challenge exists for us to relive a fashion trend or style that we want to come back into existence or something that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Something that takes us back in time to simpler days. Honestly, I love this challenge concept! Reliving fashion trends from decades ago that has, unfortunately, become retired is a great way to keep the memories alive.

I grew up in the Millenial generation of the early 1990s, or as I like to call it, the Natty Nineties, so the fashion trends available to me were questionable. Everything from the platform shoes, the full-body leather outfits, the studded belts, and black tights were commonplace in the last legs of the 20th century. Most of them I despised with all my might, except for one that I can't get over to this day: Paisley print.

The origins of Paisley start in ancient Persia, known today as Iran, as a product of luxury and status to the wealthy. Eventually, it became one of commerce and trade amongst foreigners in the East. With the original design, supposedly hailing from a town in Scotland known for unique patterns, there is much dispute about who came up with the idea first. Later it was adapted based on which country experimented with it. In some cultures, the design had figs, nuts, flowers, vines, pine cones, etc. Indeed, our humble textile from across the sea became very popular very fast. The trades eventually made their way to the West and exploded in popularity in the 1800s. The United States of America jumped on the bandwagon when The Beatles expressed their love for it in the 1960s.

To me, how it began doesn't matter. And whether it be on a top, a vibrant bandana, or embroidered on a pair of jeans, I will love it all! The colors and pattern give me the nostalgia of being a child. Let me explain. My parents would tell me stories and show off pictures of their crazy Hippie days, with all kinds of insane images of protests, concerts, etc. After all, the Paisley design was massively popular during the baby-boomer generation of the 60s.

The wild, psychedelic colors and patterns represented the opposition of the normality and banality of society. It was a rebellion in brilliant, exotic shades that gave off the feeling of luxury without the price tag. Also, the pattern was symbolic on a spiritual level. As mentioned above, since its origins in ancient Persia, Paisley was thought to symbolize fertility. The image represents the tree of life and the seed palm, thus promoting fertility and sexuality. It draws the attention of all towards the groin of the wearer.

Wow, That's a lot of subtext for one pattern!

Towards the beginning of the 70s, the Hippie lifestyle decreased a lot but didn't completely disappear as it made a reappearance in the late 80s and my beloved 90s. By then, it became a fashion statement donned by many celebrities such as Beyonce.

And Kelly Clarkson.

But the clothing I came into contact with the most is medical scrubs for work.

Unfortunately, Paisley fell to obscurity before the 21st century came, except for those of us that appreciate its value as a clothing design. However, no matter how much time passes, I will still wear Paisley's unpredictable, crazy colors. I will probably have Paisley as a color scheme during my funeral to show the world that you need to stay wild and free, even in death.

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