Remember the 1990′s

Remember the 1990′s

Nov 26

Most people think of technology, pop and Indi music and international conflicts when they think of the 1990’s. The 90’s also saw a massive rise in celebrity culture, which acted as a catalyst for a change of lifestyle for many people.

Music

Music was a massive part of the 1990’s. The emergence of ‘Brit pop’ put the UK on the map and many people also have fond memories of girl groups and boy bands; thousands of teenage girls plastered their bedroom walls with posters of Take That, East 17, Busted, N Sync and Boyzone, while the Spice Girls took on the world and spread the message of ‘Girl Power’. Brit pop was a new form of alternative soft rock, which became hugely popular and is synonymous with the 90’s. Bands including Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Radiohead enjoyed massive success and many people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s recognise these songs as anthems which represent their time at school, college or university.

Dance music was also a big hit in the 90’s. Commercial dance tracks filled club floors across the country and songs including Candi Staton’s ‘You Got the Love’ became timeless classics.

Style and fashion

Casual styles were massive in the 1990’s and many people spent the decade wearing branded sportswear. Brands including Kappa, Adidas and Nike became the label of choice for teenagers and many people remember the days of the ‘puffa’ jacket. Flares made a brief reappearance in the 90’s and they were quickly followed by skinny jeans. Other nods to the 60’s were also present in the 1990’s, with floral prints, neon colours and gypsy styles all enjoying their time in the fashion limelight.

Celebrities quickly became style icons and people were fascinated by the outfits worn by stars including The Spice Girls, Kate Moss, Madonna, All Saints, Erin O’Connor, Liam and Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn and David Beckham.

Technology

Technology made a massive impact on people’s lifestyles in the 1990’s. Suddenly, information was more accessible and people were able to keep in touch with each other constantly as mobile phones became more affordable. The internet has made a huge difference to modern life and more and more people started to use computers and surf the internet as the 1990’s progressed.

Film

The 90’s witnessed the release of some of the most popular romantic comedies of all time. Pretty Woman became a cult classic and Four Weddings and a Funeral remains a firm favourite. Hard-hitting film, Trainspotting, represented the edgier side of the 90’s and many of us were blown away by the epic, sweeping love story represented by Kate and Leo in blockbuster movie, Titanic.

Bringing in the new millennium

The 1990’s was the last decade before the new millennium. People across the country prepared for the new millennium for months, even years, arranging parties and events to bring in the year 2000. The end of the 1990’s was characterised by hype and buzz about ‘the millennium bug’ and many people feared that technology and system would fail on the stroke of midnight. Members of the public flocked to supermarkets to bulk-buy and some people even warned about the end of the world. However, Big Ben chimed without any problems or hiccups and the 1990’s ended with a bang, as firework displays and parties took place all around the world.