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everybody's obsessed with the retro corporate aesthetic

Mina Le・29 minutes read

Squarespace CEO Mina Le welcomes new hires and discusses fashion, culture, and media. Monica Lewinsky's involvement in Reformation's campaign generated $2 million in media exposure, sparking feminist discussions around her treatment and the impact of office wear trends.

Insights

  • Feminists have criticized the press's treatment of Monica Lewinsky during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, highlighting the negative impact on her life and advocating for a reevaluation of media scrutiny towards individuals involved in such situations.
  • The fashion trend of "corporate fetish" glamorizes office wear, drawing inspiration from past decades and media like "American Psycho," reflecting a societal shift towards a more mature, professional aesthetic while also emphasizing the allure of office culture in modern times.

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Recent questions

  • What is Squarespace?

    An online platform for building brands and businesses.

  • Who is Monica Lewinsky?

    An anti-bullying activist and producer involved in a scandal.

  • What is the current fashion trend?

    Glamorizing office wear with a corporate fetish aesthetic.

  • What is the Commuter Core trend?

    Romanticizing the pre-office look of working women.

  • What is the historical context of corporate culture?

    Marked by a rise in capitalism, inequalities, and layoffs.

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Summary

00:00

"Monica Lewinsky Inspires Fashion Trend Evolution"

  • Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for building brands and businesses online, with the CEO, Mina Le, welcoming new hires and discussing fashion, culture, and media.
  • Monica Lewinsky was the face of Reformation's February 2024 campaign, "You've Got the Power," aimed at voter registration, generating over $2 million in media exposure.
  • Lewinsky, an anti-bullying activist, writer, and producer, gained fame as a White House intern involved in an affair with Bill Clinton in 1998, facing harsh media scrutiny.
  • Feminists have revisited the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, criticizing the press's treatment of Monica, with a focus on the negative impact on her life.
  • The Reformation Collection, inspired by office workwear, features Monica in a boss-like attire, resonating well with modern audiences.
  • The current fashion trend, termed "corporate fetish," glamorizes office wear, including neutrals, blazers, pencil skirts, and ties, with a specific focus on the allure of office culture.
  • The trend includes elements from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, with references to the movie "American Psycho" and its impact on fashion.
  • The book "American Psycho" details Patrick Bateman's obsession with clothing, including branded items like Armani and a Rolex watch, influencing modern fashion trends.
  • The trend extends to luxury brands like Luar and The Elder Statesman, drawing inspiration from corporate culture and office aesthetics, seen in various fashion campaigns.
  • A new trend, "Commuter Core," romanticizes the pre-office look of working women, featuring large bags, hoodies under blazers, wrinkled trench coats, and sneakers, inspired by the movie "Working Girl" and showcased in Miu Miu's runway show.

11:28

Evolution of Workplace Fashion: 1970s to Present

  • Patricia Cunningham notes the 1970s as a significant shift for women's fashion in the workplace due to more women joining the workforce.
  • John Molloy published "Dress For Success" in 1975 for men and "The Woman's Dress For Success Book" in 1977, emphasizing the impact of outfit choice on success.
  • Molloy suggested a skirted suit and blouse as the ideal uniform for both men and women to dress as if already successful.
  • Molloy's negative attitude towards pantsuits was reflective of the era's restrictions on women wearing pants in offices, leading to protests and lawsuits.
  • The suit's association with authority and masculinity dates back to the post-war era, with men adopting plain dress in the 18th century.
  • Classic suits were already on the rise before Molloy's book, with a shift towards more individualized dress seen in the 60s and 70s.
  • Conflicting advice existed in the late 80s and early 90s regarding whether women should wear sexy clothing to the office.
  • Dressing appropriately for the office was emphasized pre-pandemic, with corporate dress codes seen as a way to exercise control over workers.
  • Remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in work priorities and a desire for work-life balance among employees.
  • The corporate culture has become somewhat obsolete for many due to remote work, with an idealized version of the office aestheticized in fashion trends.

23:16

Evolution of Corporate Culture: Past to Present

  • Women like Andy Sachs, Jenna Rink, and Carrie Bradshaw were portrayed in magazines as having high-earning, glamorous positions in the corporate world, despite not adhering to office dress codes or using iPhones.
  • The decline in magazine power and journalist respect has led to a shift in the perception of corporate life, with a desire for work-life separation becoming a significant trend.
  • The 90s office life is contrasted with the current state of constant email and tech exposure, making the former seem like a dream due to the clear work-life boundaries.
  • The fashion industry's attraction to corporate attire is influenced by trends like the quiet luxury movement and the resurgence of large bags after the Y2K small bag trend.
  • The revival of body trends, like the shift from the "butt era" to the "Cleavage Era," is discussed, highlighting the cyclical nature of fashion trends.
  • The transition from girl culture to a more mature, corporate aesthetic is noted, reflecting a societal shift towards adulthood and professionalism.
  • The negative portrayal of corporate culture in movies, books, and shows during the 80s and 90s emphasized issues like executive greed and the monotony of office life.
  • The coolification agenda of Silicon Valley companies in the 2010s, with extravagant office perks and scandals, has led to a disillusionment with the corporate lifestyle.
  • The historical context of corporate culture, marked by a rise in capitalism, inequalities, and layoffs, sheds light on the evolution of the workplace and the symbolism of the cubicle.
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