21-year-old Enthusiast Revives 1970s Fashion Amid Minimalist Trends

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- From across the bustling Johor Bahru Morning Market, a young man caught every eye. His bell-bottoms swayed with each step, his abstract-patterned shirt bright against the morning crowd, and his thick-heeled shoes clicked purposefully on the pavement, enough to make anyone glance, and then glance again.

Every step he took seemed to bring the 1970s disco floor back to life, drawing the eyes of everyone nearby.

Harris Irfan Jamaludin, 21, stands out for defying today’s fashion trends, unlike peers who savour simple, minimalist styles.

The 70s fashion isn’t just for special events or social media content; it has become his daily identity, retro style even in bed.

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“My family fully supports my passion, often buying 70s items and adding to my collection, even though at first they could hardly believe it,” he told Bernama.

Having embraced the style since 2023, Harris Irfan said his love for old songs and the distinctive fashion of veteran singers and actors, such as the late Datuk Hail Amir, Datuk Sudirman Arshad, Latif Ibrahim, as well as Hollywood stars Elvis Presley and John Travolta, inspired him.

“…people ask how I find the confidence to dress in 70s style in public…it comes from passion and inner courage, that’s where confidence begins,” he said.

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He said his retro style is a tribute to a culture rich in creativity, expression and free spirit, unlike current trends.

“This fashion has vibrant colours and patterns, allowing freedom of expression, and uses high-quality fabrics compared to today. It may look uncomfortable or hot, but it actually absorbs sweat well and dries quickly,” he added.

The young man from Bandar Baru Uda shows his dedication through an extensive collection of clothes, shoes, glasses, watches and vintage accessories worth thousands of ringgit.

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He also sells vintage clothes and thick-heeled shoes from brands like Orlando and Corona, turning his passion into a side income.

Harris Irfan, a full-time live broadcast host at a food company, also creates lifestyle and retro fashion content on TikTok, now with over 17,000 followers.

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The youngest of three siblings aims to prove that 1970s fashion is not just nostalgic, but still relevant today.

“Young people today should get to know this fashion, once popular in their fathers’ and grandfathers’ time. I hope it inspires them to explore it,” he added.

--BERNAMA