Trends never really die, they hide, wait, then come back with a vengeance. In 2024, it's the 80s who take their revenge, seducing a new generation with their audacity and exuberance. From low-rise pants to neon windbreakers, including large return of mullet cutseverything seems to take us back 40 years, but with a contemporary touch.
And nostalgia doesn't stop at fashion. THE cult objects of eighties also find their place in our lives. The Polaroid, this faithful companion of instant memories, is a hit with vintage lovers. Even flip phones, once relegated to the technological archives, live a second youth. Samsung and Nokia were quick to surf on this retro wave by relaunching their iconic models, proving that what is old school can still make you dream.
A vintage icon that continues to appeal to new generations
Retro is on the rise, and a legendary accessory from the 80s is now stealing the show on the sales platforms between individuals. Preview in Stranger Things, OSS 117: Red alert in black Africa or even Guardians of the Galaxythis little technological gem marked an entire period. At the time he was synonymous with absolute freedom : the possibility of listening to your favorite music, anywhere, anytime, without depending on anyone. You guessed it, this is the legendary Walkman de
Sony.
This portable music player single-handedly revolutionized the way we
consume music. No more imposed radio stations, no more limited choice. With a Walkman, you slipped your cassette into the device, pressed “play,” and the world became a personal soundtrack. Whether to accompany a walk, enhance a bus journey or simply isolate yourself in your own bubble, the Walkman was a faithful allyas practical as it is avant-garde, as recalled The Internet user.
A vintage treasure prized by collectors
Today, this piece of musical history is making a comeback, but this time as a collector's item. Some rare models sell for several hundred, even thousands of euros. Their vintage charm, combined with '80s nostalgia and re-found popularity through pop culture, makes them prized treasures. So, if you come across an old Walkman in the bottom of a drawer, don't leave it
collect dust. He may still have what it takes to turn heads and tapes.
This passion therefore has a price. On platforms like eBay, bids are soaring for these little retro treasures. Models in good condition sell for 300, sometimes 400 euros. But the real gems, like the legendary Sony TPS-L2 metallic bluethe first portable music player marketed in 1979, reached new heights: up to 1,600 euros for a copy in good condition. An investment that goes beyond simple nostalgia and is almost akin to a treasure hunt for collectors.
A perfect marriage between vintage and modernity
Sony, a master in the art of reinventing its classics, did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the retro wave. In May 2024, the Japanese brand unveiled a new version of its legendary Walkman, designed to appeal to connected nostalgics. Posted at 399 euros,
this little gem keeps the vintage look which made its legend, while offering itself a cure for modernity.
© Sony
Sony Walkman® series A A300, 399 euros
There is no question here of getting lost in superfluous features. Faithful to the spirit of its predecessors, this new generation Walkman focuses on the essentials: listening to music and accessing dedicated applications. But behind its retro design hides a concentration of technology. Touch screenWi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, everything is designed to meet the expectations of today's music lovers, without betraying theDNA of yesterday.
