Fashion Subcultures

Fashion subcultures are groups organized around or based upon certain features of costume, appearance, and adornment that render them distinctive enough to be recognized or defined as a subset of the wider culture. Collective identification as a group can be self-attributed or influenced by outsiders. Gender, age, social class, or ethnic identity can distinguish classification among a subculture. Subcultures often create their identify by a distinctive definition of themselves that is usually opposite of “mainstream” beliefs or prevailing fashion of the time. Many subcultures have a dominant way of dressing that makes them exclusive to their “culture”. While these subcultures may depend upon fashion to define their existence, many prefer to orient themselves around the idea of “style” or “anti-fashion,” distinguishing themselves a Fashion Subculture, which sets themselves apart from the rest of society. - Chelsea 

Source: http://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fashion-history-eras/subcultures

Buchon & Buchonas

A buchon and buchona are a fashion subculture originating in Mexico. Due to the ongoing Drug War that Mexico has been battling for nearly a decade, the lifestyle of drug-traffickers is glamorized by the media constantly. These men and women look up to drug-traffickers in Mexico because they provide jobs to the needy therefore they find them inspirational and try to recreate their looks.

Drug-traffickers have traded their signature cowboy boots and big belt buckles for American and European brands. Brand names like Burberry, Gucci, Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt, Armani or Ed Hardy worn by several infamous drug traffickers at the moment of their capture have become trendy in the past few years. A buchon can be identified by what he wears; Ed Hardy t-shirts with matching caps, satchels, and true religion jeans. Ralph Lauren Polos are also popular because seven high–ranking drug traffickers who were arrested over a three–month stretch were seen wearing the polo with a horseman–with–a–stick emblem.

Women dress the part of a Narco’s girlfriend. They are seen wearing fake acrylic nails with rhinestones everywhere, Bebe bodycon tees or dresses, thick headbands, and heavy makeup. They favor brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Guess, Bebe, and Armani Exchange. 

-Vanessa 

Lolita Fashion

There are countless numbers of subcultures with their own unique styles in Japan. Lolita fashion is one of them. Lolita is one of the largest street fashions in Japan and has an active global community. The subculture is characterized by modest, high quality Victorian-era clothing with a “cupcake” silhouette. The most well-known Lolita styles are sweet, classic, gothic, and punk

1. Sweet
• Influenced by Victorian and Edwardian clothing
• Lighter colors
• Childlike motifs in designs
• Popular themes: Alice in Wonderland, candy, and classic fairy tales
2. Classic
• Mature style of Lolita that focuses on Regency and Victorian styles
• Somewhere between sweet and gothic styles
• Small intricate patterns and muted colors
• Silhouettes include a-line and empire waists
3. Gothic
• Darker makeup and clothing
• Red lipstick and smokey or defined eyes
4. Punk
• Punk fashion elements
• Motifs that are found in punk clothing
• Tattered fabric, plaids, safety pins and chains
• Short androgynous hairstyles
• Common footwear: boots, Mary Janes or oxfords with platforms

Source: Lolita Fashion

- Ashley

Fashion Subculture – HIPSTERS

Hipsters are everywhere.

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20’s and 30’s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, creativity, intelligence, and an appreciation of art and indie-rock. They reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, favoring the cutting edge of alternative fashion and lifestyle trends. Hipsters want to be different, and they do a great job of doing it. Lovers of irony and indifference, hipsters are connected through a global network of blogs and shops that push forth a global vision of fashion-informed aesthetics.

 The hipster is an apathetic and idiosyncratic consumer, making them a difficult demographic to crack. How do you market to an audience that rejects the very notion of being marketed to? There’s no one uniform look for hipsters; they’re labeled as such because of their unique and distinctive styles. Nevertheless, fashion consistencies exist within the subculture. Hipster fashion is characterized by an “effortless cool” urban bohemian look. They favor vintage and thrift store-inspired garments, tight-fitting jeans, cotton spandex leggings, old-school sneakers, and thick-rimmed glasses.

Brands that hipsters love:

·         Keds

·         American Apparel

·         Keds

·         Levi’s

·         Opening Ceremony

·         Band of Outsiders

·         Pendleton

·         Fred Perry

·         Starter

- Leo

Fashion Subculture – GRUNGE 

Grunge is an overall movement—from fashion to music—that originated in the 90’s. The grunge movement has no set definition but its premise lies in rebelling against all aspects of pop culture, similar to that of hipsters. Grunge combines elements of 1970’s heavy metal (Kiss) with a punk base of antiestablishment energy. It embodies several characteristics, from guitar-heavy rock music to the café culture. It is a movement that has managed to take over and remain lurking at the turn of every corner, whether it is in a song on the radio or on a person’s fashion choices on the street. It was Rolling Stone that accredited ‘isolation and inbreeding’ for the origins of grunge.

 Essential Fashion Pieces to Being Grunge:

·         Distressed denim

·         Flannels

·         Basic white or black tees

·         Army jackets

·         Band tees

·         Leather jackets

·         Ripped stockings

·         Combat boots (Doc Martens)

·         Beanies

·         Bandanas 

- Sandy