Splash

The search for identity leaves me reminiscent of a purer time in my life. Being broke had something to do with it; I had to rely on my creative resources. I could not buy my 'look.' I had to invent it. But youth culture is a wide open door for commercial vultures to capitalize on. It is the branding of Coolness. Packaged up and sold, we are given cliché looks which are manufactured versions of style. Fashion is about a Look and image that speaks to the audience (who ever they are), about your own perception of self. Great style is controversial. 'Hipsters' should not capitalize solely on looks mastered from time-periods of earlier generations. We should invent the next Look. But, what if years later, while looking back at street fashion from 2007 there is nothing to really admire? - Because everyone was so stuck in trying to imitate the past. Something worse has happened to the hip hop generation. There is no soul in our fashion! There is simply logo branding. Our fashion culture has been sold to us in the worst way. There are juvenile rules, like wearing red monkeys, true religions, BAPE; it is complicated.

A new energy is emerging in youth culture which plays with bright colors and shapes. The hottest fashion era, as everyone knows, is the Eighties. When we look at the social conditions of that Time: it was struggle, crack, poverty, burnt-out buildings, slum landlords, and Reggaenomics. There was color splashed on the train cars out of rebellion, rebirth and defiance the fight for Voice and the evolution of hip hop. Which birthed the controversial art form known today as graffiti. We all grow up. Our fashion sense should make that change too; but, relying on the urban market to deliver fresh new style is pointless.

So, color is back, vivid and bright. It is seen on the streets of Soho and the concrete of Harlem. Brooklyn skater-boys 'rock' color - in conjunction with their sneakers. They are always perfectly coordinated. I love the new trends, which leads towards the Eighties, for their inspiration. On a grander level: it means change is on the way in hip hop culture. Don't fight the feeling: if you are an Eighties-baby, go back to a time when it was all about how you rocked your style - and not what you rocked. If you are a New School Eighties-baby, get some neon and rock that with your confident swagger.

Always Splash your Style
Laila Lake
Black Star News, Fashion Director

07.23.2007. 19:46

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