Rules of Rebellion

I read an interesting take on the evaluation of apparel among subcultures. It was written in the 90's but the interpretation still seems to apply. Even the rebellious have their own rules to follow and in many cases are attempting to conform in their own way. A biker should be clad in their black leather jacket, a punk rocker must choose the right genre of band tee paired with appropriately unique stockings. As I am not a member of these groups, I may not have it exactly right - but those who seek to be a part of these subcultures seem to all know the rules. Especially with so many social outlets - it must enable the dictation of these standards to laid out clearer.

Youth are often the ones who adopt these subculture rules in attempt to find their niche in an environment that is ever evolving and uncertain. I remember when I was in high school there was an outbreak of cat ears - it seemed all at once each quite, mysterious, quirky girl came in wearing these. Separate at first, now they had an immediate identifier that they were in the same social group.

More than a feeling?

I recently did an interview with SCAT - which was wonderful, very receptive, great conversation flow. But at one point it was that brought up that I could be perceived as anti-consumerism. I didn't protest it at the moment, but it got me thinking. My stance is try to just be an observer, not a dictator of opinion for or against the perceptions we have. However, how do I personally feel about fashion? I think wearing a complementary outfit can give you an empowering, feel-good sensation. I think consumerism is important, clothing has the potential to bring out the best in you. It is that power, along with the other side effects that keep my interest.

But this topic is far from a black and white answer like that. I know that for some, getting dressed in the morning could be the hardest part of their day. There are those who are overwhelmed by the need to keep up on the latest fashions, sometimes driven to debt. There are others who are not allowed to express themselves via religious or social bindings. Not to mention, there is the ongoing pressure of body image to fit into the clothing correctly. In the end it is the feelings of the  individual and those of the onlookers that interest me more than my own opinions on fashion, but I do want to state for the record that my motives are not to bring down the department stores and return to hand woven attire - I tried that once, it was very time consuming!

What does fashion mean to you?