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TMD 402G The Future of Fashion
Subcultural Style Emily
Crump |
Summary
by Elizabeth Phelan
Fashion
can be used to express conformity or individuality, and to communicate feelings,
beliefs and identities. Many times a small group of individuals or a segment of
a community develops a style that eventually influences mainstream fashion.
Three examples of the influence of subcultural style on fashion are the hippie
movement, punk movement and hip-hop movement.
The
hippie movement began in the 1970s. It started when people began to reject
materialism and fashion. The hippie movement was inspired by freedom,
anti-American feelings, love and the bohemian look. Flowers, the symbol of love,
became a dominant theme as did patterns, geometric shapes and bright colors. It
wasn't long before these themes were seen in mainstream fashion and even in some
couture collections.
Another
strong subcultural movement was the punk movement. Punk appeared in New York in
the mid 1970s. Punk was influenced by rock music and subcultures in England. At
the time, unemployment rates in England were up among young people and the low
economic status fueled the punk fashion trend. Bands like the Sex Pistols were
also a big influence. Once again the rejection of government and mainstream
culture fueled the fashion movement. Punk inspired wild hair and makeup as well
as dark colors, outlandish fashion combinations, spikes and studs. Just like the
hippie movement, the punk movement entered fashion and in the 1990's punk
revival model Liz Hurley was photographed in a safety-pinned dress influenced by
punk.
Hip-hop
was the third subculture fashion movement discussed. Hip-hop introduced baggy
jeans, gold jewelry, sportswear and oversized clothing. The hip-hop movement
rebelled against economic distortion with expensive and outlandish accessories
and brand names. The hip-hop movement didn't just influence mainstream fashion,
it launched many different brands and lines of hip-hop clothing. Rappers are
using their own names to sell designer hip-hop clothing.
Emily
demonstrated that subcultural styles have been important to fashion in the past
and will continue to be influential in the future.