Fashion trends have consistently been cycling, with styles from decades ago experiencing revivals that have often been revamped for a more modern take, blending nostalgia and newer tastes. A very common belief is the 20-year rule. It says that fashion trends tend to repeat every 20 years, as a new generation comes of age and rediscovers styles they were too young to appreciate previously, making it their own in unique ways but also paying homage to the original styles. Designers and brands usually bank on this knowledge, tapping into the trends that are on their way back in order to create lines of clothes that hold a sense of comfort and nostalgia to them.
Brands typically draw inspiration from past iconic eras and looks. For example, the Y2K revival was one of the strongest fashion comebacks we have seen. With low-rise jeans, crop tops, butterfly clips and chunkier necklaces, the early 2000s styles were recycled in the 2020s with force. In addition, ’90s fashion has also made a resurgence with its grunge styles, cargo pants and denim-on-denim outfits, continuing to influence current trends. Vintage looks have become more popular as well with elements like preppy styles, oversized blazers and corsets. The age of social media is one of the main driving forces behind the recycling of fashion trends throughout the decades, as younger generations often influence the revival of older styles from what they’ve seen in the archives of the media.
As we have seen on numerous occasions, social media widely influences the fashion industry. The revolving doors of what’s “in style” are typically based solely on what the newest celebrity is wearing and accessorizing for the upcoming seasons. Some West Essex alumni have even changed the scope of the fashion scene, giving a nod to their origins while also paving the way for those in our community interested in fashion.
Danielle and Brigette Pheloung are two West Essex alums who have made their names a staple on social media, wearing and promoting the newest styles. Better known by her handle of “Acquired Style”, Brigette’s Instagram and TikTok have been incredibly popular and draw views from around the world to watch her dress uniquely and stylishly on her days in New York City. Danielle, her twin equally as fashionable twin, grew into the spotlight for her corporate outfit inspiration and has made her own way in the fashion industry.. The sisters have accumulated millions of followers, and many of their fans come for the Essex County community, as students watch alumni of our school follow their dreams.
Another alum is Danielle Guizio, a New York-based fashion designer who founded her namesake womenswear label, Guizio, in 2014. Her brand has become known for its streetwear-inspired designs and cult following among young trendsetters and celebrities. Guizio’s designs are known for pushing boundaries, celebrating the modern woman and incorporating elements of subcultures and self-expression. Her brand has gained popularity among celebrities, including Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and others that are watched by countless fashion lovers. Guizio was recognized as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Art & Style category in 2018, making her mark as a truly successful West Essex alum.
These three women have had incredible influences on the fashion industry, using social media to promote themselves and the styles they love. Knowing that they are West Essex alumni gives students looking to go into fashion a great opportunity to follow in their footsteps and take the road that these women have paved to success.
