Title: Cyclical fashion and youth identity in the 21st century: between aesthetic nostalgia and symbolic consumption in the digital age

Abstract

This article analyzes how past trends return to the present with minor modifications but maintaining their essence, and how they influence young people in the 21st century. Cyclical fashion is studied as a sociocultural phenomenon in which factors such as nostalgia, culture, and changes within the industry can give rise to new reinterpretations of styles and, on occasion, iconic garments. This work was carried out using a qualitative and phenomenological approach that made it possible to understand the perspective of twelve young people between the ages of 15 and 27, using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. The results show that cyclical fashion is used as a tool to express emotions and reveal each person's cultural identity. Social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, support this fact, as they help accelerate the spread of microtrends. However, despite the benefits of this phenomenon, it also has potential consequences such as accelerated consumption, loss of cultural and brand identity, homogenization of fashion, and the environmental impact of large-scale garment production. Finally, we conclude that cyclical fashion is seen as a bridge between innovation and memory, but it also requires strategies to maintain a balance between tradition, the market, and environmental responsibility.