modernPUNKTrend Analysis by Marissa Pelly

It’s safe to say the punk trend is nothing new – but what is punk? Punk is fashion, punk is music, punk is art... Punk is an everlasting movement representing youth, rebellion, and freedom for all generations to come. This upcoming fall season, we are expected to see elements of various punk trends walking down men’s runways and city streets alike. Early punk rock in�uences, such as Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols, present day graphic artists such as David Carson, and skate-punk founders, such as Fergus Purcell are collaboratively inspiring fashion designers to dig deep into their roots and keep the punk aesthetic alive… even in the industry’s most luxurious houses.

I’ve broken down this upcoming trend into 2 easy to identify elements: Graphics + Silhouettes..

Keep these in mind when shopping for your new punk looks xx

Punk Graphics: A Raf Simons Story

Raf Simons does something that many other designers cannot – he communicates an unexpected blend of luxury and rebellion by combining linear, digital graphics with bold, expressionist images, all alluding to both past and present works of punk artists. Additionally, he places the graphics in unexpected places on the garment, often o�-centered or simply all over, emphasizing the sense of chaos and freedom that serves as a foundation for anything punk-in�uenced. When asked about his Fall 2015 collection, Raf Simons named it “Youth on a Pedestal”, claiming the early years in his life dedicated to �nding his creative self, and the music he was surrounded by, served as his biggest inspiration. It is no wonder why “modern punks” today, such as stylist Ian Connor and rapper ASAP Rocky, name the Belgian designer as a “god” and “father” to everything they do. Clearly, through his visual ideologies, the designer e�ortlessly grasps the attention of the new creative minds that admire him so deeply, which is why we can be certain to see more of these graphics in collections to come.

Punk Silhouettes: The British Invasion

In the 1970s, punk rock in�ltrated America from Britain, introducing alternative music and fashion, ultimately reforming the youth. A wave of rebellion came with a grungy street style that was key for this new era of self-expression, whereas young people were repeatedly imitating the punk rock artists they loved. Looks seen on rock legends such as Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols were most popular, most speci�cally with long-line silhouettes. These long, double-breasted jackets were reminiscent of the British army, in which rock stars took the militaristic style and made it their own. This year, we can see elements of punk style through long line silhouettes, especially with Raf Simons and Comme des Garcons. The two international designers prove that the punk style is a worldwide movement, serving as a timeless in�uence that is here to stay.

Remember, you don’t need to break the bank when looking for punk styles. Designer in�uence is everywhere, and you can certainly �nd similar pieces in all your favorite stores. Try a local thrift store, as well – especially for graphic tees.