By Mia Flook, Style Digital Editor

The Croft Magazine // DECADENCE is a word characterised by “excessiveness” and indulgence” in pleasure or luxury. But should it be considered a sin if done sustainably? Is it not about time we indulge in ourselves?

It’s a well-touted economic fact that after every recession, war or dark time, extravagant and excessive fashion flourishes. Lipstick sales rise when wages dive. And there’s probably a good reason for this. People feel the need to take better care of themselves and look their best when times are hard.

In the 1920s, following the aftermath of WW1, the Great Gatsby style was born, named after the eponymous film and novel character and epitomised by glamour, glitz and diamonds. After WW2, we were met with peak Hollywood and Pin-Up girl fashion: hemlines were coming in, skin-tight dresses were rising, and necklines were dropping. This trend is epitomised by the icons of the 1950s: Marilyn Monroe and Betty Paige. And then again, in the deep recession of the 1980s, it was all about bright colour, velour, velvet, and lycra.

In AW22, emerging from the Covid pandemic, we find ourselves living in a time of social and economic strife and it seems humanity has not changed all that much in how we respond to such issues. So, is it time to indulge and bring a touch of decadence and self-care to your wardrobe?

The loungewear craze that peaked throughout the pandemic is giving way to a stronger, more luxe…