It was the exposed zipper purse that got me thinking.
Here it is. McCall's 6046:
I saw it and had a momentary "WTF is up with that zipper?" -- but before the thought was even completed, I went "Ah, exposed zipper trend -- got it!" and moved on.
Later, it came back to haunt me. What would I think if this were 2060 and I stumbled upon this pattern? What would happen if I shared it with a group of fellow pattern lovers? The fashion trends that are so clear to us now -- like those that were so clear to our predecessors -- would be much murkier. We'd puzzle over whether or not the thing actually opened down its center. If so, why? A possible quote from Pattern Junkie 2060:
"Was this considered a smart design? A handy way to get to the detritus at the bottom of your purse? Examining the pattern further, I realized that the zipper was purely decorative. 'Why?' I wondered. What fashion trend gripped the women of 2010 to basically announce to the world 'I do not understand the concept of gravity?'"
My alter ego of the future would also regard this Simplicity crafts pattern, 2450, with wonder:
Sure, the vintage pattern lovers of 2060 might start out by admiring the thriftiness of 2010 sewers: in the midst of worldwide economic crisis, look how they adorned their coffee cups to use them as organizers! But...well, it really doesn't hide the fact that they're coffee cups, does it? The handle still sticks out. And wouldn't the cup work just as well by itself? The final nail in the coffin that ensures this pattern will be mocked without mercy in the future? It's licensed from a company called Buckets Gone Wild. Buckets! Gone Wild! See them partying in the streets! Why, I swear that pattern photo was taken on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras!
Finally, here's Simplicity 2438, a Wii Fit accessories pattern. Now, let me say right up front that I don't have a Wii but I'd love one -- they seem like a lot of fun, and a great way to exercise. Still, I suspect this pattern might be mystifying to pattern lovers of the future:
First of all, she's SO HAPPY, which always opens up a pattern for mockery. Second -- and, truth be told, this baffles me now -- the Wii is designed to be used at home. Why is a tote bag part of the pattern? (Maybe I don't understand Wii culture, and taking your Wii to your friend's house is a frequent activity.) Why does this mysterious little machine get all these specialized patterns? Ultimately I wonder if this product -- which, as I said, I covet -- will be looked on in years to come as we look at these:
It's interesting food for thought. What fashions and patterns of today will become treasured collector's items -- and which ones will become odd artifacts of the past? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
