1960s Lifestyle: TV and Communication Via Tube Television and Rotary Telephone - 1960s Domestic Life: Tube Television and Dial-Up Telephone
In a stylish nod to a bygone era, German resident Kitty Steiner embraces the fashion, decor, and ambiance of the 1960s, embodying an undeniable charm reminiscent of the time. Steiner's wardrobe, home, and hair salon are adorned with vibrant attire, period furniture, and vintage appliances, creating a captivating sensorium straight from the mid-20th century.
The vibrant Steiner, a resident of Gelsenkirchen and Düsseldorf, maintains an elegance that mirrors a mid-century fashion magazine cover. Her penchant for stylish apparel, intricate hairstyles, and fondness for the aesthetic of '60s women are distinct features that mark her as a connoisseur of the era.
Stepping into either of her abodes or her hair salon is akin to time travel, as each space is replete with artifacts and decor from eras past, with the '60s and the '50s prevalent amongst them. The decor, furniture, kitchen appliances, wallpaper, lamps, artwork, and even the bathroom fixtures exhibit a bygone age.
Her kitchen's palette of pastel shades harks back to the '50s, and the water heater generates hot water using a traditional boiler. The modern convenience of an induction cooktop is foregone in favor of Steiner's prized 1958/59 stove. Her cupboards house a collection of antique appliances like irons and vacuum cleaners, along with timeworn canned goods and packaging.
The household includes a dial telephone and a black-and-white television. Steiner's closets brim with '60s attire in striking yellows, greens, and pinks, complemented by matching shoes, hats, and costume jewelry.
As a child growing up in Saxony, Steiner was captivated by the old records her parents played on her grandmother's record player, namely Katja Ebstein, the Beatles, or Shakin' Stevens, all of which sparked her interest in the era. Today, she cruises around town in a vintage VW Beetle, equipped with an oldtimer license plate. While certain tasks may take longer, she considers it a calming ritual.
Researchers attribute the resurgence of retro trends and nostalgia to various factors. Trend expert Eike Wenzel suggests that people are deliberately escaping the present-day realities, which are often crisis-ridden. The retro fad dates back to the '50s and has permeated younger generations, who now look back on the 2000s with similar sentiments.
Among experts, it's observed that the appeal of the '60s may be due to the decade's notable economic growth, scientific advancements, and lack of environmental concerns. The '80s and '90s also resonate with retro enthusiasts. However, few people actually live amidst the era's fashion, cars, or furniture they appreciate, according to Wenzel.
Steiner, while enjoying the '60s aesthetic, acknowledges a distinction between embracing the era's style and adopting its attitudes. She maintains a contemporary life, with an egalitarian partnership that transcends traditional gender roles. "I live in the here and now," she asserted.
Although Steiner has incorporated modern conveniences like a phone, laptop, and the internet for her professional life and online shopping, her husband, Thomas Bosbich, a fan of the '50s, prefers the sleek simplicity of a flat-screen TV. To a certain extent, both old and new devices coexist in their lives, reflecting the intersection of past and present.
Retro-styled furniture and fashion can be easily found online, with numerous vendors catering to the demand for such items. The expert explains that retro trends are indeed consumption trends, fueled by social media personalities who promote vintage-inspired styles. Instagram influencer Shirin Altsohn (@Shirinatra), for instance, boasts 1.2 million followers, often sharing romantic vintage portraits adorned with swirling skirts, bold hats, and vintage hairstyles from yesteryears.
InSteiner's hair salon, clients are treated to an authentic '60s experience, with styling tools and appliances from the era surrounding them. Popular '60s hairstyles, such as the "banana" or "beehive," are meticulously crafted for her clients, while old hits play from a vintage pink transistor radio.
Customer Silke Schwarz enjoys revisiting the past through the hair salon experience. While acknowledging that the hairstyles are anachronistic in some ways, she appreciates their charm, grace, and uniqueness. She believes that Steiner's old-school skills are rare in the modern age. "For our scene, it's also somewhat exclusive," Schwarz adds.
The Commission, following Steiner's lifestyle that harks back to the 1960s, might consider submitting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the vintage appliances and relics present in her home. Steiner's hair salon, with its '60s hairstyles and vintage appliances, mirrors the fashion-and-beauty trends of the era, providing a captivating experience for clients seeking a glimpse into that time.
