Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Bjorn Nasett - Goodwill Fashion ExpertBe sure to read Bjorn's weekly column for great advice. If you have specific questions send him an email at askbjorn@goodwillsew.com.

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Punk Rocks on in Fashion!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 16, 2013 1:19:00 PM

punk1In the ever-evolving world of fashion, style trends come from a lot of places that’s for certain. But none hit home harder and faster than the punk-rock look that accompanied the loud and brash music that came about in the late 1970’s. At that time in Great Britain, low-income working class youth had it up to here with the slow economic decline and decided to literally shout out their revolt against the mainstream government through a new form of discordant music - and rough looking homemade fashion. Pioneering bands at that time wore clothing that looked as if it had gone through a shredder and then was simply pinned back together. Outrageous and a little scary was par for the course for many of the bands of that era who sported spiky hair, torn t-shirts and a bad attitude. But, lots of folks in the fashion industry doubted whether regular people would punkembrace this as a style trend. It was the antithesis of high fashion, and the reaction to this movement by most of “normal” society was shock. Ugly and unkempt was suddenly in? Conservative and mainstream was now the realm of the old-fashioned and out of touch?  Currently, almost 40 years after its birth, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is celebrating this form of music and the fashion revolution it caused. The influence punk rock had on countless designers since the first slashed t- shirt was created across the pond is now distinguished with the Met’s own exhibit “Punk: Chaos to Couture”. Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute of the world famous museum states that “The punk ethos of do-it yourself might seem at odds with the couture ethos of made-to-measure. But in actual fact, they are both defined by the same impulses of originality and individuality.”

punkThe show and the subsequent attention it has received, gives the punk fashion expression credibility in the sense that it is a style that can be adopted in many different ways by a lot of people. Let’s see how you might be able to “rock out” the punk look with items from Goodwill!

The Holy Grail for the punk rock shopping list is a black leather (real or faux) motorcycle jacket. But anything that gives that tough, hard-edged appeal will do.  Leather jackets, skirts, boots and vests can also be a punky way to begin your journey to the rock side.

Rock and roll t-shirts that can be cut, torn, shredded, pinned, stapled and otherwise destroyed for fashion, should also be a high priority on your shopping list. Clever or ironic sayings printed on the front will perpetuate the smart aleck feeling you’re going for.

Tartan plaid skirts, dresses, pants, shorts or anything that looks like it may possibly be a British school uniform, will be a nice counterpoint to all the black and tattered pieces you’ve already collected.

punkHeavy metal jewelry adorned with leather, spikes, skulls, and any otherwise unglamorous touches would be ideal accessories to wear with your newfound rebellious look.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the music that defined the punk era, you can take a cue here and there from this terrific trend, and make some fashion noise with your very own take on the iconic style. No need to go to NYC to see the exhibit, just start by rocking your shopping cart down the aisles of the Goodwill store in your own neighborhood to get the punk fashion flowing today!

Topics: Bjorn Nasett, Fashion, Fashion Accessories, Fashion Expert