Trends: What’s old is new again

Until not so long ago, we lived in a throwaway society. But then a thrifty culture was born out of the global economic downturn, which saw frugalistas come into their own (persons who lived an economical lifestyle but stayed fashionable and healthy by swapping clothes, buying secondhand, growing own produce, etc.) Non-disposable fashion is a current trend, and stemming from this are a new wave of services for those wishing to repair or revamp classics and couture items, which have been buried in the deep dark depths of closets.

London fur company, Hockley, has partnered with elegant retailer Matches Editions to create a collection called Remode, pieces created by recycling classic furs into contemporary, trendy one-of-a-kind items. Heirloom Couture gives couture items a new lease on life by transforming vintage pieces into wedding and occasion dresses, using the embroidery and trims, and combining them with new fabrics.

For those needing a break from the digital or just want an antidote to this crazy world, the etiquette of putting pen to paper is also seeing a resurgence. Not exactly a wordsmith and feeling lost for words? Enlist the help of Poetry a la Carte – customized poetry writers – and give the gift of verse to someone special this year. Simply fill out a short questionnaire to provide a little insight into your intended gift, and they’ll create a personalized poem that will touch the heart of a friend, godmother or lover. The long-lasting present can either be e-mailed or written in frame-worthy calligraphy.