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When Bob Dylan penned the timeless Times They Are a-Changin’, he couldn’t have been more poignant. Little could have been predicted that the simmering tumult of the 1960’s would result in such wild-eye futurist ideologies about civil rights and free love eventually dislodging a nation, uneasily mired in several confusing wars (technological, cultural and most importantly, military), from a national identity crisis. Standing at the precipice of seismic shifts in culture, personal politics and identity, (or for our case today, fashion identity), Dylan could have snatched the words from the generous smog of activity plugging the air, and we’d be none the wiser. Times, they really were changing.
The same could be said today. While the romanticism of revolution may have gained a bit of a patina and lost its luster, there IS a traceable feeling of revolt rattling throughout the world. Blame it on the Occupy Wallstreet protests. Blame it on unemployment. Blame it on our incredibly shaky world economy. But whatever is the root cause; the results are interesting to say the least.
This time around, things are different. Where the young generation of the 60’s rejected the straight-laced conformity of the previous decade, todays generation of youth is embracing it. Examples can be found in the latest launch (today, November 1st to be exact), from clothier of all things “young and spirited”, Urban Outfitters. Instead of pedaling their usual trade of painted-on, ill-fitting, "hipster" jeans and graphic tees, the brand is making an attempt to shoot up market. Introducing The Urban Outfitters Suit Shop.
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Yes.
You’re thinking, “These are the same dudes that dedicated a small piece of store real estate to poop-themed books, correct?
Correct.
I know what you’re thinking and I’ll stop you: No. This is not them selling out to an older, less clued-in (but finically independent) crowd. This is Urban Outfitters selling what is normally associated with the financially independent, clueless buyer, to the hipster, because the hipster is growing tired of being called "the hipster".
Watch and learn:
It is less likely these days to see a young guy with a good looking, well fitting suit on (worn because he wants to, not because he has to) then it is to see a slovenly mess of a human being, passing as being awake, rolling down the street in sweats and flip-flops. So, this rejection of casual wear is long overdue for resurgence. What’s different from the 1950’s, when dressing like your dad was expected, is that the choice to do so is one of purely arrogant independence, and and we love it that way.
So, the question begs: Is Conformity the new Rebellion?
Links to consider:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?na...
Great post and such an obvious insight I'm surprised no has said it before (possible they have) While there is nothing worse that a middle aged man in high tops and baseball cap it does make you think about what is 'age appropriate' clothing these days.
2 November 2011