Fashion, certainly to me as a kid, was everything.
I’d watch the catwalk shows on the TV when they appeared and discuss them with my mum who despite her regular comments of ‘catch her death in that’, actually understood that the catwalk is an extension of the designer as an artist, not necessarily what you’re going to wear to the shops.
I’d watch the Clothes Show almost fanatically and still have a bit of a girl crush on Caryn Franklin and massive hair envy (though Jeff Banks left me rather cold). We couldn’t afford labels, but as soon as I could I would spend my pocket money and eventually my wages on what I could afford.
But maybe it was inherent, maybe it was because I couldn’t afford much that made me a bit more creative, or maybe it was my mum’s own love of craft, but my fashion was still never ‘the norm’. It was always a bit different, a bit quirky, a bit, well, me. I even spent the last year of high school wearing skirts that I’d made myself.
And that’s never changed. I love fashion still, I’m still in awe of the creativity, the passion that goes into the catwalk, but I, like most above the age of 18 I suspect, don’t really follow it any more. We don’t do what it dictates – currently I should be walking around in almost the same clothes I wore when I was a teenager. We’re revelling in looking back as well as forward. There’s a shift away from immediately hitting the high street or designer labels, we’re picking and choosing, mixing second hand and vintage with new – bright tights from Primark with a vintage dress from a thrift shop and a pair of designer heels.
I want to dress as me. Not like everyone else.
And personally, though Li Edelkoort believes Fashion is dead, personally I think it’s evolving into something new and it’s away from the catwalk we should look.
Which, just before Christmas, is just what I did.
Let me introduce you to the Alternative Fashion Festival – a series of shows across the country revelling in the glory that is alternative fashion. Whether you’re a punk lover, still wearing the grunge look of the 90s, goth, rockabilly – or just want something a bit different – this festival could be for you.
Raising money for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, this is an inclusive, creative, festival, breaking down boundaries and exploring and showcasing the best in alternative culture in the UK.
As I wandered in, I admit, I didn’t look very alt. A day at the office, followed by a day of visiting friends pre-Christmas, meant my fashion game was…. asleep. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t bathe in the glow from the other attendees and models. In fact as clothing from Didi’s Boutique, Offend My Eyes and Nicky Rockets was worn by models of all ages, shapes and sizes, it was hard not to love how inclusive this festival is.
And as the band Reaper (whose performance of Abba’s Voulez Vous put a big grin on my face) finished their set, I took the opportunity to visit some of the stands around the stage. A Hat and A Beard‘s artwork caught my eye almost immediately.
From the articulated cephalopod to the dainty spider, it’s hard not to love the pieces created by his hand. They are deliciously quirky leaning on either industrial or steampunk influences – one off pieces that spoke to many of the visitors at the event. Unsurprisingly a 1920s padlock and keys turned into a pendant made their way home with me.
Nicky Rockets too, other half of Betty Pamper, was there with his fabulous t-shirt collection, the most festive of which, Santa hat and all, made it’s way home with me too and was present, along with a pair of seamed tights and red heels on Christmas day. (Though if anyone wants to buy me the Star Wars themed one….? No?)
As a finale, Amentium Latex were hard to beat, finishing their turn on the catwalk with a trio of pretty reptilian friends – but after a night of flame throwing, beat boxing, rock and fashion, it was perhaps the icing on the cake.
The next Alt Fashion Fest is in Birmingham on 26 February – and a spring tour of the UK is in the offing. If you can’t wait however, there’s a fatastic video care of LatexFashionTV below to give you a taster.
Next time, I’m bringing my alt game.
With thanks to Lindsey for the invitation, hopefully see you at the next one!