Fashions Culture

Fashion’s culture or pop culture is the intertwining of fashion and the society that creates it. Throughout history fashion has been used as a tool of protest, of cultural identity, political statements and a form of rebellion. During the 70s feminists would burn their bras protesting against the treatment of women. The bra symbolized the society’s oppression of the females. The Black Panthers, an African-American organization wore black as a symbol of black power and unity. The hippies wore tie-dye clothing symbolizing peace, love and freedom.

The punk rockers of the 70s and 80s wore spiked hair in a bold array of colors as a form of rebellion. From spiked hair to Afros fashion has mixed with politics, entertainment, societal values and has shocked society into change. Even the darkest aspect of society utilizes fashion as tool to make a statement and even symbolizes violence. For years a bald white male was consider first and foremost a skinhead. The bald look is now considered a very sexy look for a man to wear proudly. At a time African-Americans could not wear Afros, braids, or any hairstyle that promoted cultural identification to the workplace. Jewelry has been very much part of pop culture and for a man to wear an earring has been considered rebellions, controversial and even used to identify his sexual orientation.

Hollywood has been a major influence on pop culture. When James Dean wore his T-shirt in ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ it caused a fashion craze and controversy. Marlon Brando became a fashion icon when he wore his leather jacket and helped to mold the biker look in ‘The Wild Ones.’ Film and fashion have had an affair that has left society praising and complaining. Hollywood emulates the society and the society mimics Hollywood back faithfully.