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April 10, 2006
Jennifer Beals Should Be Pleased
There’s a disturbing trend emerging, and that is the gradual incorporation of leggings into the fashion world. On Nordstrom’s front page the other day, there was a woman wearing a very pretty white sundress with lace and eyelet embellishment. And unfortunately paired with this dress were black leggings! Inappropriate! Urban Outfitters is even starting up with the stirrups. Why Fashion Industry? Why?
During the 80’s I was just a nerdy and awkward kid. Sure, I wore oversized t-shirts and leggings and my mom did my bangs all fluffy on picture day, but I was in grade school. I wasn’t quite old enough to get into the French cuff, although several of my wealthy and cool friends did it. We could hardly be blamed for poor fashion decisions. Our moms were practically still choosing our clothes. Junior high, well…it was the early 90’s. I don’t think anyone knew what was going on in those days.
Thankfully once I became more aware of being "in style," the going trend in my little bubble was grunginess. We latched on to the fashion of our older siblings, and now when I look back on photos of myself and my friends, we’re pretty much wearing old flared jeans – remember when you could only find them at the thrift store because they hadn’t been made since the 70’s? – and t-shirts. Even though I'm young enough that I never tired to emulate Madonna or Tiffany, I still recall those that did. And I certainly don't care to see it happen again. Or else what good was my narrow escape?
So here’s the thing, Fashion Industry: Just because you call them “Skinny Jeans” doesn’t make them cool and new. They’re tapered jeans! Leave them to the punk kids who wear them in black with their studded belts. And don’t think I haven’t noticed you creeping those waistlines up to the belly button. I am grateful that the super-low jeans are getting phased out; I truly am because I’ve seen enough ass crack and thong to last a lifetime. But what’s next? Tapering, high waists, and pleats? I saw a girl wearing leggings and a mini jean skirt today and I was begrudgingly grateful for them. The leggings actually served a purpose – that of ass covering. Also, it’s a bit chilly today, and I have no doubt that that girl would be cold if not for her submission to the trend.
The brilliant ladies at Go Fug Yourself express their disdain more eloquently than I. However, it’s not so much the trend itself that's so troubling to me, but what it all means. What 80’s horror will the Fashion Industry attempt to unleash upon us next summer? Or even this fall? How far are they willing to go with this? How many fashion-obsessed will they be able to convince that this is all very cool and vintage? You may or may not remember that last summer they tried to make us cut the collars and sleeves off of our sweatshirts (thanks alot Marissa Cooper) and accessorize with neon plastic. No. Thank you.
| By heidi | 4:05 PM