1 minute read
Uniform
from Brand Interrogation
by Luke Owen
1. remaining the same in all cases and at all times; unchanging in form or character. “blocks of stone of uniform size”
2. denoting a garment forming part of a person’s uniform. “black uniform jackets”
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Something that came up a lot in research, is the idea of uniformity and apparently it’s a younger generation trait to do with how we what acceptance from our peers or some form of admiration from others, hence why the influencer market is on a massive boom at the moment, because they promote a copycat lifestyle that a younger, more impressionable market invest in.
But in terms of actual fashion, the term uniform can be a good or bad thing depending on the topic, for example, the idea that we’re losing our individuality through dressing the same and not having our way of standing out or wanting to be unique can be a problem, but uniform has had a positive impact in term sof giving people who maybe don’t or can’t relate to their peers, a way to relate through the clothing they wear, or find people who present themselves in a similar way, this is speaking from personal experience where in Chester, the streetwear scene isn’t very big so having a small group you can talk/ relate to has helped me grow massively.
An article I found spoke about the origins of streetwear and looked at some African-American streetwear brands that have crafted a uniform over decades that has changed the way America perceives streetwear and I found this quote really interesting ‘They favour self-expression and the home-made, DIY artsyness – they have punk roots and a new age purity. “Sincerity and creativity” according to Online Ceramics, are what unites and drives them. “We’re all artists doing our own thing, and being accepted as ourselves into the fashion world.”’ (Patty, 2019)
Even though I want to move away from uniform in terms of identical looks, I can understand that many groups and tribes have benefitted from having this to identify themselves and I think creating something that looks unique visually and has it’s own look, whilst having the feeling of community and individuality is SUPER important and interesting.
