The emotional unity of music and fashion is responsible for movements across time.
Music subcultures directly correlate with identifiable styles. From Mods of the 1960s to scene
wear of the 2000s, a timeline of music-fashion influence has been continuously growing from
decade to decade in alternative scenes of the Western world.
The correlation between music and fashion rests on the basis of emotion and expression.
Dress is one of the most identifiable and popular forms of self-expression. Music is just as much
of a self-identifier – although this aspect is not as showcased as daily wear. Those inspired by the
melodies, lyrics, and ideologies of their favorite genre may align their dress to signify their
belongingness to these groups. The power of community drives the fashion coordination of these
subcultures.
1960s Mod Fashion:
The Mod subculture came to fruition in the 1960s – beginning in London. The term
“Mod” came from the word modernist; this referred to a community of youths who enjoyed the
sounds of early Ska, R&B, and Soul music. The fashion largely consisted of tailor-made suits,
clean cuts, and minimalism. Additionally, Mary Quant became an influential designer of this era,
specializing in the mini-skirt. By the mid-60s, the subculture became influenced by mod rock
groups including The Who and The Beatles. Even now, Mod fashion is an identifiable source of
inspiration for designers today, By the late sixties, psychedelic rock and fashion were at the
forefront. Counterculture grew, and youth culture began to reject tradition during the Vietnam
War. Artists like The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead inspired this era. Popular
trends included bell-bottom jeans, fur-trimmed vests, and bright hues.
Women’s Mod Fashion Men’s Mod Fashion
1970s Punk:
A significant music-fashion movement was present in the 1970s punk movement. This
era of subculture conducted the rise of DIY-patch clothing and leather jackets. Other notable
fashion markers of this era consisted of studs, safety pins, and tartan fabric. The community used
patches to call out political statements and recognize the music groups of the scene. The largely
political nature of punk music directly affected clothing choice, as punks literally wore their
heart on their sleeves. The presence of expressing political values is still a standard held in the
authentic scene today. Vivienne Westwood was a major designer in the subculture – holding
beliefs of anarchy and anti-conformism. In her professional beginnings, she designed and styled
for The Sex Pistols – one of punk’s most representative bands. This genre inspired many
sub-genres, and partnering fashions, to come.
1970s Punk Rock Viviane Westwood
1970s Glam Rock:
Rejecting themes of the late 1960s rock scene, Glam Rock saw its beginnings in the early
1970s. Styles included extravagant hair, wardrobe, and makeup. Glitter and platform shoes took
the stage in this era, catching the public’s attention. Performers also sported androgynous
clothing – rejecting traditional gender roles. British artists like David Bowie and Freddie
Mercury performed in such style. American artists like Iggy Pop and New York Dolls did the
same. Glam Rock is now recognized as one of the first subcultures of pop music.
David Bowie Glam Rock Fashion Freddie Mercury Glam Rock Fashion
1980s Goth:
In the 1980s, goth music started picking up. This genre began as deathrock. This initial
wave was melancholy and dark. The genre later evolved into other sub-genres like synth-pop,
new wave, and darkwave. Throughout time, subgenres of goth music continue to evolve and
develop. Gothic fashion trends of the 1980s included teased hair, dark eyeliner, and fishnets.
Black was the staple color for the genre’s dress code. Today, gothic fashion has evolved and
expanded into new sub-styles as new genres of gothic fashion have emerged; some sub-genres
include pastel-goth, trad-goth, and nu-goth.
Siouxsie Sioux: Siouxsie and the Banshees 1980s Gothic Fashion
1990s Hip-Hop:
Hip-hop saw explosive popularity in the 1990s. Before its mainstream popularity, rap
battles were an outlet for teens to express emotion and powerful social messages. This movement
saw its beginnings in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Other aspects of Hip-Hop,
like breakdancing and turntablism, also came out of this era. Popular fashion articles were
tracksuits, crop tops, and tube tops. The style of hip-hop icons like Snoop Dog, Tupac, and The
Notorious B.I.G. influenced the fashion of this era. They popularized trends like an oversized
silhouette, Starter caps and jackets, and bucket hats. Boybands were influenced by this fashion
over the next decade.
90s Hip-Hop Fashion 90s TLC Fashion
1990s Grunge:
In the 1990s, grunge music emerged. The genre was a materialization of teenage angst.
Bands originating from suburban garages or basements played with angry conviction. Venting
through music connected with teens of the era. The edgy sound and lyrical composition of the
genre paired with an androgynous, thrifted, loose style. These looks were made popular by bands
like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Notably, this style de-influenced commercialism,
with fans opting for second-hand and used material over pieces from their local mall.
90s Nirvana Grunge Fashion 90s Hole Grunge Fashion
2000s Emo:
Despite the origins of emo music dating back to 1980s Washington D.C. hardcore, the
genre didn’t reach the mainstream until the mid-2000s with bands like My Chemical Romance
and Dashboard Confessional. The style took cues from punk and goth sub-cultures. Emo style
consisted of all-black material, side-swept choppy bangs, and skinny jeans. Like other instances
of music-fashion correlation, the genre and style have been modified and developed as new
sub-genres have come to fruition. A midwestern take, derived from the sounds of second-wave
emo, depicts clear inspiration from the 1990s grudge movement, with thrifted flannels and
worn-out Converse.
00s Emo-kid Fashion
Throughout each decade, there has been a surplus of music-fashion movements. The
previous has only touched briefly on a few significant subcultures in time. As music-fashion
culture progresses new movements will be recognized, and old movements will grow into
something new. The inspiration and combinations of other genres and styles will progress. Most
notably, the significance of youth influence is evident throughout each era of music-fashion
influence. Without the fresh thought of youth influence, the world of music and fashion would be
lacking much of its development seen today.
https://www.numeromag.nl/how-music-influenced-the-fashion-industry-from-the-60s-till-today/
https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/90s-hip-hop-fashion/
https://maverickfeather.com/blogs/news/types-of-goth-an-in-depth-guide
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