There was a time when the world seemed bathed in black and white—when trench coats, cigarette smoke, and a dramatic piano score could tell you everything you needed to know about a man. In the age of film noir, shadows did more talking than the characters. But somewhere along the cultural motorway, we swerved—hard—into a dazzling landscape of neon pinks, glossy tech, and hyper-slick visuals. And whether you noticed it or not, that shift didn’t just happen on screen. It happened in your handbag, the high street, and even your back pocket.
Yes, darlings—we’re talking about an aesthetic revolution. From the moody corridors of The Third Man to the glitter-soaked skyline of Euphoria, our collective taste has gone from smoke to sparkle. And to really get the vibe shift, all you need to do is look at how our everyday objects have changed. Just try comparing an old-school tobacco tin to the shimmering, LED-lit candy-shop vibes of a disposable vape. Spot the difference?
Let’s rewind, shall we?
The Moody Past: Shadows, Smoke, and Sartorial Cool
In the post-war 1940s and ‘50s, film noir dominated the big screen. It was gritty, mysterious, and defined by chiaroscuro—an obsession with light and shadow that mirrored the moral ambiguity of its characters. Humphrey Bogart didn’t need a colour palette to ooze cool; he just needed a fedora, a cigarette, and a few sharp words.
This aesthetic wasn’t just about looks; it was about feeling. People were emerging from war with a taste for the real, the raw, and the unapologetically adult. Life was tough, and cinema reflected that. So did everyday design. Homes were functional. Products were utilitarian. If it sparkled, it was probably glassware for the posh.
But fast-forward a few decades, and things started to fizz.
The Neon Revolution: From Blade Runners to Instagram Filters
By the time the '80s rolled in with their big hair and even bigger synthesisers, we were done with doom and gloom. Films like Blade Runner introduced a different kind of noir soaked in neon lights and cybernetic dreams. We didn’t ditch shadows altogether; we just gave them a glow-up.
This shift wasn't just visual—it was philosophical. As consumerism took centre stage, everything from fashion to furniture began to speak louder, bolder, and shinier. Pop culture and design collided like a glitter bomb. We wanted more: more colour, more choice, more spectacle. And brands, eager to tap into the electric mood, obliged.
Welcome to the Vibe Economy
You don’t just buy things anymore—you buy vibes. We live in a world where products don’t just serve a function; they say something about you. Your shoes, coffee cup, Instagram feed, and even your vape are all part of your aesthetic persona.
Take the evolution of smoking culture. Once a brooding symbol of adult sophistication, your granddad now reminisces about the traditional cigarette. Enter the new kid on the block: a slim, colourful gadget that lights up like a mini disco and smells like tropical punch. For instance, the Crystal Pro Switch 30K doesn’t just deliver nicotine; it provides a whole mood. It's less “midnight alleyway” and more “VIP area in Ibiza.”
This isn’t about functionality anymore. It’s about form, fun, and flavour. A far cry from the grim, greyscale world of noir, right?
Cinema’s Mirror: How Film Reflects (and Predicts) Design
What’s fascinating is how film and design constantly feed into one another. Today’s films—especially those targeted at Gen Z and millennial audiences—have become visual candy. Shows like Euphoria or films like Drive are almost dreamlike, their palettes dripping in purples, blues, and golds. It’s style over realism, and that’s entirely the point.
This bleeds into everything. Interior trends favour LED-lit mirrors, neon signs, and pastel-accented kitchenware. Phones are sold based on how pretty the camera app looks. And lifestyle products? They’ve become the props in our personal highlight reels.
Look at Hayati vapes. With their sleek packaging and kaleidoscope of flavours, they’re practically designed for aesthetic pleasure. One could argue they’re the vape-world equivalent of a Wes Anderson film—whimsical, eye-catching, and unapologetically curated. It’s not just about quitting smoking. It’s about doing it with style.
From Existential Dread to Expressive Delight
There’s also a psychological thread running through this glow-up. Where noir dealt in existential dread and fatalism, today’s visual culture leans toward expressiveness, identity, and pleasure. We don’t want to hide in the shadows; we want to be seen—in full colour, preferably with a ring light.
That’s why even functional things are now aesthetic objects. Reusable water bottles come in ombré pastels. Fitness gear is styled to match your trainers. And vapes? Let’s just say they’ve ditched the Marlboro Man for something much more TikTok-friendly.
Even film critics have noted that younger generations gravitate toward "vibe movies"—films that don’t always make narrative sense, but look amazing. Sound familiar? That’s the same logic behind choosing your accessories these days. If it doesn’t sparkle, shimmer, or match the colour scheme of your outfit, it’s out.
Is It All Just Surface?
Now, let’s be honest. There’s always the risk of style overshadowing substance. But who says you can’t have both? Just because a vape looks like it belongs in a K-pop music video doesn’t mean it can’t deliver. Just because a film is visually stunning doesn’t mean it lacks depth. The key is recognising that we’ve redefined depth itself. Expression, colour, and aesthetic joy are meaningful, especially in an overwhelming world.
The shift toward beautifully designed products also reflects a broader cultural move toward personal empowerment. Curating your visuals asserts identity, creativity, and control. You’re saying, “I want to feel good—and look good doing it.”
From Bogart to Baddie: The Aesthetic Future
So, where do we go from here? If the past was trench coats and tragedy, and the present is neon and nostalgia, the future looks like a digital dreamscape. Expect even more hybrid products that mix tech, design, and personal style. The next big thing won’t just be wearable—it’ll be Instagrammable and emotionally resonant.
But amidst the ever-changing aesthetics, one thing stays constant: our desire to tell a story, whether it’s through film, fashion, or the gadgets in our pockets. You're part of that story, whether you’re holding a retro camera or a Hayati disposable with a cotton candy swirl.
And who says you can’t be a little cheeky while doing it?
Final Puff: The Culture We Inhale
From noir's seductive gloom to the day-glo dazzle of our digital lives, the aesthetic shift isn’t just visible—it’s visceral. Film led the charge, design followed, and now our very lifestyles sparkle with cinematic flair. We’ve gone from smouldering anti-heroes to glitter-laced vibes. And frankly, it’s a bit fabulous.
So, next time you’re pulling a pose with your vape or snapping a sunset through a rose-tinted filter, just remember: you’re not just living your life—you’re living your aesthetic.