The Essentials of the 90s Summer

 

Who remembers the endless hits of the Top 50 playing all summer long, the inflatable dolphin or crocodile floats on the beach, and the Calippo ice cream we loved in the 90s? This iconic era, a symbol of freedom and innovation, still resonates today as an endless source of inspiration. However, while millennials cherish these summer memories with nostalgia, they are also in search of a more ethical and sustainable fashion. So, how can we blend the carefree spirit of the 90s with today's eco-responsible challenges? That's the challenge iné takes on, a pioneering brand of unisex vegan sneakers with a retro style.

 

• 90s Summer Memories: An Inspiring Nostalgia
• The Essentials of the 90s Summer
• From Nostalgia to Style: The Fashion Legacy of the 90s
• Ethical Fashion: When Nostalgia Meets Eco-Responsibility
• iné: Reinventing the Retro Sneaker in a Sustainable Way
• F.A.Q.

90s Summer Memories: An Inspiring Nostalgia

Summer Hits and Pop Culture

In the 90s, every summer had its hit that played everywhere. The secret to these summer hits was often a well-oiled formula: sunny lyrics, a dancing rhythm, easy choreography, all blasted on the radio waves and at vacation parties. Impossible to escape: Maldon by Zouk Machine, for example, dominated the Top 50 for 9 weeks during the summer of 1990. These iconic songs, along with music TV shows and homemade cassette compilations, are part of the common pop culture of an entire generation.

Beyond the music, the 90s symbolized an entire lifestyle. We remember afternoons spent playing Game Boy in the shade of pine trees, posters of our idols on the walls, and the first photos taken with disposable cameras on the beach. This carefree, colorful spirit left a lasting impression. Today, it’s making a strong comeback in fashion and design, riding the retro trend and the desire for authenticity.

 

90s Style and Spirit

The year 1990 also marked a stylistic transition. Gone was the flashy exuberance of the 80s, and the 90s fashion explored minimalist clean lines, the authenticity of grunge, and the energy of hip-hop style. It was a time when everything seemed possible: wearing pastel colors one day and a faded denim jacket the next, with equal ease. Free and imperfect, the 90s taught us to express our personality without complex. This feel-good, rebellious spirit still emanates from vintage pieces we thrift or from the neo-retro collections popping up today.

 

The Essentials of the 90s Summer

 

The Top 50: The Soundtrack of the Holidays

Summer in the 90s was primarily about songs playing on repeat on FM radio. We eagerly awaited the weekly Top 50 chart to record the current hits on cassette tapes and listen to them on our Walkman. From Maldon to Saga Africa, these songs made the whole camp dance and set the rhythm for our sunny days. Even today, just a few notes from these mega-hits can transport us 30 years back, with a smile on our faces.

A classic piece of 90s music history. Credits: Rakuten

 

Dolphin and Crocodile Floats: The Beach Stars

It’s impossible to mention a 90s summer without thinking of the iconic inflatable floats in the shape of dolphins or crocodiles. On every beach, kids rode these colorful plastic creatures, symbols of the fun accessories that marked the era.

Dolphin Float. Credits: Bebeboutik

 

Super Soaker: The Ultimate Fun Weapon at the Beach

We also remember the Super Soaker water guns, impromptu beach volleyball games with a multicolored beach ball, or sandcastles made with a Club Dorothée bucket. Teens would challenge each other with rackets or share their first flirts on the beach, holding a handful of pipas (sunflower seeds) or a glass of Tang to stay refreshed. These simple items embodied the creativity and outdoor joy of the 90s.

Colorful and varied water guns in shape and technology. Credits: eBay

 

Calippo, Mister Freeze: The Refreshing Snack Break

After the beach games, it was time for a frozen treat! The classic 90s ice creams include the famous Calippo cola or orange flavor, which we savored until the last drop, Mister Freeze with its bright colors but incomparable refreshing powers, not to mention the Roll'up and other tube sorbets. Every generation has its frozen comfort food, and for many 30- and 40-year-olds today, these summer treats remain tied to happy, carefree memories.

Calippo, a popsicle with colorful balls! Credits: Pinterest

 

From Nostalgia to Style: The Fashion Legacy of the 90s

 

Retro Trends Making a Comeback

The revival wave sweeping through today’s fashion brings back many trends born in the 90s. Who would have thought we'd see waist bags (belt bags) again or sunflowers printed on our t-shirts? And yet, tie-dye, high-waisted distressed jeans, and college jackets are all part of the 2025 fashion scene. Even iconic 90s sneakers like Nike Air Jordan and Reebok Pump are making a comeback, updated with collaborations or re-released versions. Once again, nostalgia plays a role: even in colors, pastel shades like butter yellow are making a comeback, named the top color for the summer of 2025, a nod to the softness of the 90s. This fascination with retro reflects our desire to reconnect with values of authenticity and sustainability, moving away from fast fashion.

However, merely reissuing a 90s design is no longer enough: it must incorporate current values. Today's consumers, more aware of environmental and social issues, expect brands to go beyond a nostalgic nod. This is where ethical fashion comes in, blending timeless style with responsible production.

 

Ethical Fashion: When Nostalgia Meets Eco-Responsibility

 

From the 90s to Today: New Challenges

While the 90s were often synonymous with creative freedom, they were also a time of careless consumption. Ecological awareness was still in its infancy, and the concept of sustainable fashion was very marginal. By 2025, the context has changed significantly: facing the climate emergency, the textile industry (responsible for ~4% of global CO₂ emissions) is reinventing itself. Ethical fashion now integrates ecological and social concerns at every step, from design to end-of-life. Material recycling, local production, fair working conditions, and transparency have become essential criteria.

This evolution is driven by strong societal demand. After the 2020s, marked by heightened awareness (especially post-Covid), Generations Y/Z have clear expectations: consume less but better, protect the planet and the people who make our clothes. Stores were closed due to the pandemic, and the popularity of secondhand shopping exploded, thanks to platforms like Vinted. Public authorities are even supporting this shift by encouraging responsible initiatives. In response, more and more traditional brands are launching "conscious" collections (even fast-fashion giants are getting on board), while young 100% ethical brands are emerging everywhere. At the same time, the secondhand and rental clothing markets are booming, encouraging people to repair or recycle rather than discard. Sustainable fashion is no longer just about new products: it’s a global shift in mentality against overconsumption.

 

Key Figures on Sustainable Fashion

• In 2024, ethical fashion represents about 18% of the global fashion market.
• The global market for vegan footwear is estimated at $48 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $83 billion by 2033.
• The demand for sustainable fashion exceeds 13% annual growth in Europe, particularly driven by young adults.
• Nearly half of French consumers (48.8%) purchased at least one sustainable garment in 2024, compared to 41% in 2023.
• In France, 35% of consumers already prioritize ethical fashion items.

These figures clearly reflect a reality: the excitement for 90s nostalgia comes with a new demand for impact. It's no longer just about having style, but about adding meaning to what we wear. This brings us to iné and its bold bet: reconciling retro aesthetics with eco-responsible values.

 

iné: Reinventing the Retro Sneaker in a Sustainable Way

Innovative and 100% Vegan Materials

Facing traditional leathers and plastic-based alternatives, iné has chosen a third way: a clean, plant-based material called BioVeg. This high-tech vegan leather combines biosourced materials (including corn, non-edible and non-GMO) and recycled plastic from bottles. The result? A sneaker upper as durable as leather, but cruelty-free (PETA Approved) and with a reduced carbon footprint. The BioVeg sneaker boasts 75% biomass (natural materials)—a record in the market—while offering better resistance to aging than traditional synthetic leather (+5% measured longevity).

 

Artisanal Production and Short Circuits

Designed in Paris but handmade in Portugal, iné’s sneakers prioritize European quality and local production. Working with a Portuguese workshop allows the brand to ensure exemplary ethical conditions while reducing transport impact. Far from anonymous Asian factories, it's true artisanal craftsmanship expressed at every step. Moreover, iné has chosen small production batches to avoid overproduction and maintain high-quality control. In their workshop, even the energy is sustainable: solar panels provide at least 50% of the electricity, with the rest sourced from 100% renewable energy. Each pair of eco-designed sneakers that leaves the workshop is the product of a global vision, where nothing is left to chance.

And because responsible commitment extends to the smallest details, iné has also designed an eco-designed packaging, made from recycled cardboard and fully recyclable.

With its Vibes model, iné proves that it’s possible to create a 90s-inspired sneaker while respecting today’s ethical standards. This ambition to "reinvent without compromise" – to quote the founder – is reflected in every detail: from the old-school design of the sole inspired by running shoes, to the recycled polyester laces. This technical sole ensures excellent cushioning and optimal comfort for daily urban life. The result is a unisex sneaker with a timeless style that tells a story: the story of a generation that combines memories and commitment, nostalgia and innovation.

 

"Vibes": A collection of sneakers inspired by the 90s, made in Europe with recycled materials. Credit: iné

 

F.A.Q.

What is a vegan sneaker?

A vegan sneaker is a shoe made without any animal-derived materials. This includes the upper (no animal leather or suede) as well as glue or pigments. iné sneakers, for example, use BioVeg made from corn and recycled plastic instead of animal leather and carry the PETA Approved Vegan label, guaranteeing the absence of animal components.

Are vegan materials really durable?

Yes – as long as you choose carefully. Early alternatives to leather were often petroleum-based plastics that weren’t very eco-friendly. But today, innovative materials like BioVeg combine plant-based and recycled sources to offer durability equivalent to leather, even better in the long run. iné sneakers have been tested to resist wear while avoiding the downsides of leather (which can crack or be damaged by water).

How do you care for vegan sneakers?

Care for vegan sneakers is generally simple. Just clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Avoid machine washing; instead, hand wash to protect the materials. For stains, a little diluted white vinegar can do wonders. Finally, let them air dry (away from direct heat) and store them in a dry place. By taking care of them, your vegan sneakers will last you for many years.

Is ethical fashion more expensive?

It is true that a responsible sneaker can cost more upfront than a low-cost fast-fashion model. This is because of higher-quality