Understanding the Modern Followers of Historical Trend Setters

The world has always contained many different categories of people, but when examining social trends there are really only two categories to be considered.  The first of these is the trendsetters who hold such sway over the public consciousness that their decisions and tastes will be seen as worthy of imitation.  They are few in number, but will always be accompanied by masses of trend followers who engorge themselves on every detail of each choice the trendsetters make; whilst seeking to imitate it.

Historical celebrities

This kind of social trend following may sound akin to modern celebrity culture, but it is not actually a new phenomenon.  It has become more widespread in the last 100 years as communication and recording technologies have advanced along with a rise in general wealth, allowing people to afford more than simply food.  Social trendsetters have been clearly identified all throughout history, and just like today they were normally, individuals with a lot of wealth and influence; often royalty in fact.  Many countries have individual styles that can be identified in all kinds of industries throughout their history, and these styles are often referred to by the ruling monarch of the time.  It would have been very common for the wealthier echelons of society to seek to imitate their monarchs’ tastes so that they might seem more loyal as well as fashionable.

Some things never go out of fashion

Some styles are so iconic that they never truly go out of fashion.  This is especially true of furniture; there is a thriving market that trades in genuine antiques from popular time periods, but this is not affordable to many.  As such, there is an equally busy market for reproduction items from these popular periods.  Things like Louis XVI reproduction furniture or reproduction Georgian tea sets are incredibly popular in certain circles as people are still seeking to embrace some of the styles of the kings and queens of old.

Buyer beware

As with everything, there is are a lot of quality reproductions on the market, but there are also a lot of very poorly made items as well.  Being aware of some of the top tips for buying furniture reproductions before offering up any money is essential, but knowing what and how to check for build quality will always be advantageous.  Quality reproductions will be made using similar techniques, or modern equivalents, to the original items whereas cheaper copies will use low-cost materials and veneers to attain the desired look.  These kinds of items will not stand the test of time and will start falling apart before too long.  So if you are seeking some historical elegance in your furniture, don’t substitute an item that has lasted for hundreds of years with an item that might not last a single year.  Be wary and learn what to look for so you can inspect before you buy.