Thursday, October 27, 2011

Laver's Law of Fashion

In his book on fashion and culture, James Laver commented on the terminology used by people to describe clothing, art, furniture, or other material objects. There is some virtue that accrues when something has merely survived.

Indecent: 10 years before its time
Shameless: 5 years before its time
Outré (Daring): 1 year before its time
Smart: 'Current Fashion'
Dowdy: 1 year after its time
Hideous: 10 years after its time
Ridiculous: 20 years after its time
Amusing: 30 years after its time
Quaint: 50 years after its time
Charming: 70 years after its time
Romantic: 100 years after its time
Beautiful: 150 years after its time