THE VARYING PERSPECTIVES OF AN AUDIENCE

By Max Robles

Throughout time, music and fashion have always closely intertwined as forms of self-expression. While fashion and music are ever-changing with time, we see trends repeat themselves, as fashion and art tend to side toward one certain style. They both instill a sense of individuality and are ways for people to share their beliefs, leading to the idea that the clothing people wear and the music they listen to are signs of the times. Over time, fashion and music change from genre to genre as artists use them to express themselves.

Indiana is home to an evergrowing music scene, filled with local artists who deserve to be highlighted. For example, Ed Winn is an Indianapolis-based rapper whose music and style are truly unique. When speaking about music, Ed Winn made clear he makes it simply for himself. We spoke about popular trends in rap, but he clarified he does not conform to what’s hot, instead focusing on making music he enjoys. Conversing with Ed Winn, I understood how genuine and down-to-earth he really is, telling me he “doesn’t really do this fashion stuff,” but would describe his style as a

“super toned-down Pharrell.” When selecting his wardrobe, he goes for baggy-fitting clothes, allowing for optimal movement during performances. Ed Winn also spoke about his influences from skater fashion and culture. He cited Tyler, The Creator as his biggest inspiration, due to his raw authenticity throughout his career. It’s this authenticity that I also see in Ed Winn, making him not only a great artist, but a great person as well.

While Ed Winn is relatively new to the rap game, fashion and rap have woven together for years. The genre as a whole is solidifying, while subgenres are establishing themselves with their very own stylistic approaches. Before rappers had collaborations with the biggest names in fashion, rap style had to undergo major evolution.

Many people point to the first hip-hop “look” as Run DMC and LL Cool J’s iconic streetwear styles. These looks included tracksuits, gold jewelry, and Adidas shell toe shoes. Run DMC forever immortalized the shell toe with their hit song “My Adidas.” This song became so iconic that the trio inked a deal with Adidas, achieving the title of the first non-athletes to sign with an activewear brand. This deal paved the way for countless amazing creations by future household names in fashion. Without these artists signing to Adidas, many of our favorite brand and artist collaborations would not have occurred. More importantly, it allowed for companies to give opportunities to artists of color and opened new opportunities for others to succeed in this industry. Without these original pioneers in the music and fashion industry, we could have been deprived of astounding creations by artists and designers of color.

Musical artists’ fashion tends to vary depending on the music they make, as an appearance to match music has become the norm. Historically, a trend deviating from society is portrayed in a negative light. Bands have become part of our popular culture and there have been many changes to their music and style. From the psychedelic looks of The Jimi Hendrix Experience to Kurt Cobain of Nirvana’s moody riffs and ratty flannels, the images of music groups have fluctuated, solely based on their appearance and music style.

One of the most scrutinized subcultures, punk, hit the scene in the 1970s. The punk movement was a shock to society, due to its members wanting nothing more than to rattle the existing establishment. As punk is considered to be one of the first musical subcultures, no one had ever seen anything like it. The original punk movement was pioneered by The Sex Pistols, who were styled by the late Vivienne Westwood and her then-partner Malcom McLaren. Due to

Westwood’s designs focusing on anarchist nature, she became the ideal mind to have at the helm of this cultural revolution. The Pistols turned out to be the perfect face of the movement, as their lead singer Johnny Rotten said, “Actually, we’re not into music … we’re into chaos.” This sentiment encapsulates the punk trend exactly, as the original punks wanted to create a commotion. Their clothes, along with the music they played, conveyed their feelings of indifference towards society. This indifference led to the public’s decision to make punks the villains.

The original punk trend of the ’70s shows how society’s views of a group may change based on appearance or interests, whether they be fashion or music. We sadly continue to see these tendencies in our current society, with individuals ostracized simply for being unique or of different race. As a society, we must make a change and allow for more inclusivity in the intersection of the fashion and music industries.