At the risk of sounding like a narrow minded old bat, WHAT is with teenage fashion nowadays? I will agree that involving oneself in a subculture is a part of adolescence, development and learning who you are, but where is the line? Particular subcultures wear attire that is strange, inappropriate, scruffy, immodest or downright offensive.My son recently acquired a pair of what I am told are called “Phat pants”. These “pants” would resemble wide flares, if it weren’t for the multi-coloured neon ‘safety tape’ all over them. I am told they are for raves, that the disco lights pick up the tape and make the pants glow. That’s right folks. He wears these in PUBLIC. Worst of all though, is that he insists on wearing them not on his waist, nor on his hips, nor even slung around his pelvis. He wears them BELOW his backside, boxers free for all to see. A little like this young gentleman.
My daughter has a strange fascination with vintage clothing. Well, vintage is being polite. These do not in any way resemble the clothing of my era, or even my mother’s. These are more like antiques. One of her favourite dresses features a lace collar so wide it could either have belonged to a nun or a school girl. In the mid-19th Century. Now don’t get me wrong, some of the skirts and dresses are lovely. I am quite a big fan of this season’s “maxi dress”. It’s about time that young ladies went back to (at least) legal length skirts. But my daughter’s favourite pieces do not stop at the knees or calves. If she could buy the wardrobe of anyone in the world, I’m sure it would belong to “Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman”
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I often wonder if my children are employable or respectable, but I guess they are quite tame compared to some of the possible subcultures they could belong to. Some of the more extreme options include Cybergoth and Lolita, or Gothic, as shown. I think I will stop complaining, and consider myself lucky.
Ah, dear blogger.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you ever wear/do/listened to anything that your parents hated?
Of course! But my parents had no taste, and I know everything! :)
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this blog, my son doesnt wear phat pants but he does wear his pants/shorts under his butt then has to walk with his legs wide apart to keep them up!!
ReplyDeleteI can remember what was said about teenagers in my day. How I smile.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be too disturbing if parents had the same tastes as their children!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter sounds creative and interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo. Kids are meant to scare the bejeesus out of their parents! It's all part of growing up, don't worry though, take lots of photos and remind them of all this when they're complaining about their own kids.
ReplyDeleteMy teenagers are very tame compared to myself as a young person. I show my daughter some of the pictures I have of my younger years and she laughs. Well at least I get the pleasure of seeing her happy. Come to think of it all 3 of my children have rolled their eyes at me as I went to walk out the door at one time or another and commented "your not going out like that are you".
ReplyDeleteRemember when jeans were considered to be the cloth of the devil in the 50s after James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause? They were often banned from being worn at theatres, restaurants and schools...nowadays we don't blink an eyelid when we see someone wearing them (unless of course they hang half-way down their legs!)
ReplyDeleteAt least they're not wearing flouro tops layered over each other with bright leggings, legwarmers or high top reeboks ... or are they?
ReplyDeleteI also seem to recall the popularity of floppy fringes and geometric patterns and shapes. Maybe we shouldn't be too quick to judge.
I love your blog and can't wait till the next installment.
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