introduction
In the wake of numerous worldwide crises, we find ourselves looking for ways to cope. Younger generations are growing tired of complacency. These global and domestic strains have encouraged the disillusioned to faction themselves into several different counter-cultures. Renegades will be particularly impactful on 18-27 year old females who are either currently pursuing higher education or are making their start in the workforce. This demographic is moderately affluent (some by way of their parents) and very socially conscious.
the influences D iv id ed W e S t a n d The United States is experiencing a host of socio-economic problems. Racial inequality and tensions have been exacerbated by recent shootings of several unarmed black citizens. Economic inequality is at record levels. Middle class wages have been stagnant for the past 3 decades, while the costs of living is skyrocketing. The result is that many Americans, particularly the hard-hit younger generations, are fed up and hungry for change
Fel a K u t i Finding Fela, is a newly released documentary that explores the life of legendary Nigerian activist and musician, Fela Kuti (1938-1997). Kuti questioned his own government’s injustice, corruption and abuses of power. He was critical of politicians, the military, police, big business and organized religion. Kuti was also known as a pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre which was created out of a mix of Funk, Jazz, Salsa,Calypso and African drums.
Jim i H e ndrix Jimi: All Is By My Side, is a newly released biopic of rock legend, Jimi Hendrix. The film was directed by John Ridley, who wrote the screen play for 12 Years a Slave, and stars Outkast’s Andre Benjamin. In addition to being one of the most influential musicians of the 20thcentury, Hendrix was also a style icon. In the wake of this film, you can expect to see affects of Hendrix’s style, such as purple, velvet and military jackets.
Ke nny Scharf Kenny Scharf is known for brightly colored graffiti filled with cartoonish characters. Scharf was part of the graffiti’s Golden Age that continued through the early 1980s, in which Pop, New Wave, graffiti and the downtown New York art scene were colliding. It was during this exciting and explosive period that he first learned to use spray paint, and to master this newfound medium.
the influences M ic kal ene T ho m a s Mickalene Thomas is best known for her elaborate paintings encrusted with glittering with rhinestones. Many of her paintings feature mixtures of wildly colored vintage patterns. Thomas’ work is an examination what it means to be a woman and the common definitions of beauty. Her influences include art history and classical portraiture. She also draws heavily from pop culture-particularly the 1970s.
Pu ssy R i o t Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist punk group based in Moscow. They stage unauthorized performances in unusual locations, which are edited into music videos and posted on the Internet. Their music focuses on feminism, LGBT rights, opposition to the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom they regard as a dictator. The band gained international attention when 3 of its members were arrested and jailed for 2 years for “hooliganism.�
Rag e A g ainst the Machine The members of the band Rage Against the Machine are well known for their revolutionary political views. The band is highly critical of the domestic and foreign policies the US government. Rage Against the Machine has been noted for its controversial music which mixed sloganeering leftist rants against corporate America and government oppression into an aggressive combination of punk, hip-hop, and thrash metal.
G l o bal Turm o il Negative events occurring world wide have left many feeling as if the world is about to end. ISIS is beheading Westerners and poses a threat to US security. Scores of civilians have been killed in the both the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Thousands are falling victim to Ebola in Africa. Researchers have found that this constant barrage of bad news has even led some to experience symptoms of PTSD.
t h e themes Aur o ra Bo real is
Ne o Hi p p i e
The Ni hilis ts
ReCu ltu r atio n
M is s Matc h ed
A
Bright swirling colors and frenetic patterns evoke the northern lights. To explore this trend, click here.
The spirit of the 60s with a modern edge. Marked by rich fabrics and patterns. To explore this trend, click here.
A style intended to confront and upset the mainstream. To explore this trend, click here.
A range of bright, multicultural prints and silhouettes. To explore this trend, click here.
Wild mixtures of clashing patterns in a dizzying riot of colors. To explore this trend, click here.
t h e themes E c o War r ior s
diy
Rebels With a Cause
The Appropriators
The Anachronists
FAKE
It’s all about saving the planet and chic, utilitarian style. To explore this trend, click here.
Creative types are taking matters of style into their own hands. To explore this trend, click here.
A story about making one’s voice heard. Style is marked by functionality. To explore this trend, click here.
Fake logos are used to mock fashion and its materialism. To explore this trend, click here.
Style for those who are convinced of a dystopian future. To explore this trend, click here.
The otherworldly beauty of the northern lights combined with the psychedelic quality of street art form a frenetic explosion of colors. The searing color extends beyond clothing into hair, makeup and accessories. The atmosphere is an Ibiza rave. Hedonism reigns supreme. Clothing is meant for all night dancing.
In a world where great problems are being met with universal apathy, there emerges a sense of longing for the counter-culture of times past. The old message of peace and love takes on new meaning. Clothing serves as a connection to the original movement and to its musical icons. The leather vests, fringe, velvet and paisley from the 60s are repackaged with a contemporary edge.
They have utter contempt for society’s political and social institutions. Ultimately, The Nihilists believe that society is are so bad that our mainstream institutions should be destroyed. They literally wear this message on their sleeves (and on any other clothing surface). There is no hopeful message to spread, so clothing and style are used to provoke and upset the mainstream.
Global and domestic tensions have encouraged many to both investigate and reclaim their roots. This is not to be confused with cultural appropriation because it involves one’s own heritage, rather than adopting elements from a different culture.
Clashing, mismatched patterns are thrown together with rebellious abandon. The dizzying riot of colors is a thumb to the nose at fashion conformity. The wild arrangements of patterns and rhinestones seen in artist, Mickalene Thomas’ paintings are an inspiration.
Angry about the lack of attention being paid to environmental problems, they are ready to take matters into their own hands. More subdued members frequent environmental protests, while more extreme members may engage in acts of eco-terrorism. Importance is placed on obtaining sustainable clothing and home goods, re-using, recycling and upcycling.
Many creative types lack the financial resources to get by, let alone to purchase fashion and decor. They create their own or revamp existing items to meet their domestic and sartorial needs. There are even websites dedicated to providing instructions on how to “hack� existing objects to transform them.
Frustrated with global and domestic issues, this group is banding together to make their voices heard. Their favorite activities include attending protests and registering voters. Message t-shirts, utilitarian clothing and minimal makeup reign supreme.
In response to a materialistic society, this group purposefully appropriates luxury brands as a statement about greed. The idea is not to counterfeit a luxury product, it is to make fun of those who purchase the real thing. The humor and irony of appropriation art is understood and appreciated.
Prepping for a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future because they have all but given up on the present. Convinced that man will eventually destroy the earth through a combination of environmental negligence and violence, this group is readying for the inevitable.