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FUNKY FASHION
Welcome to the world of Funky Fashion! Get ready to explore the wildest and weirdest fashion styles. From outrageous accessories to outrageous apparel, we have it all! Let's make a statement and stand out with our unique fashion choices.
OUR FAVORITE ART FORM
Fashion's history and evolution is a fascinating journey that represents changing ideals, civilizations, and social dynamics of different times. Fashion evolved from a basic need for protection and modesty to a means of artistic expression and a representation of individual identity.
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Clothing was invented between 100,000 and 500,000 years ago when early humans began covering their bodies with animal skins and natural materials. Clothing was largely used for practical purposes such as weather protection and camouflage.
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Clothing later evolved into a symbol of social status and wealth in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. The availability of textiles and the advancement of dyeing techniques enabled the manufacturing of more elaborate garments. Pharaohs, and nobility, for example, wore expensive and intricately constructed garments, whilst commoners wore simpler garb.
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Then, during the Middle Ages, fashion was greatly influenced by religious concepts and cultural systems. Sumptuary regulations were created to limit what different social classes might wear, emphasizing social differences. Clothing became a symbol of wealth, with expensive fabrics, excellent embroidery, and opulent accessories used to show wealth.
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Fashion advanced to the Renaissance period, which saw a shift in fashion perspective. Clothing has evolved into an aesthetic statement of one's individuality and personal style. European courts, particularly in Italy and France, set fashion trends. Embroidery, lace, and gems adorned elaborate and decorative clothes such as voluminous dresses and doublets. Fashion evolved into a significant means of demonstrating wealth, power, and cultural refinement.
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The Industrial Revolution brought about tremendous changes in the fashion business. Textile mechanization resulted in the availability of low-cost materials and ready-to-wear clothes. Fashion became more affordable to the middle class, and trends changed more quickly. Fashion periodicals and department stores emerged, affecting how people dressed and devoured fashion even more.
Fashion underwent a major transition throughout the twentieth century.
Designers such as Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret defied convention by creating more comfortable and functional apparel for women. The advent of haute couture and fashion companies paved the way for fashion to become an industry. Fashion became a form of self-expression, and various subcultures arose.
Throughout the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, fashion became more accessible. As a result of mass production, globalization, and the emergence of the internet, fashion attracted a wider audience. As street style and young culture influenced fashion trends, individuality became increasingly significant. Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen pushed the boundaries of fashion and used it to make social and political statements.
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Fashion is now a dynamic art form that conveys personal identity, cultural influences, and societal trends rather than simply comfort or social standing. Fashion designers combine unique materials, cutting-edge technologies, and a diverse range of aesthetics to create apparel that is not only functional but also visually appealing and thought-provoking. Fashion has grown into a potent tool for self-expression, allowing people to express themselves through their clothing.
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The art of fashion in this age and time is unlike any other, it is daring and exceptionally unique unlike fashion trends of the past that explored the four corners of a box. This generation is studying outside the box. Here are some “out of the box” fashion ideas in 2023.
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The 2023 fashion week showcased several beautiful and unique fashion ideas, however Coperni fashion brand stood out to everyone because they took fashion to the next phase. Bella Hadid modeled this amazing look by showing up on the stage naked except with an arm around her chest, and some underwear. Then two designers from “Fabrican”- the company began spraying her. The process ended with her in a tight white dress. Indeed, it is mind-blowing, and we can’t wait to see more of this in the future.
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The singer Janelle Monae put on a show at the 2023 Met Gala as she changed out of a black-and-white patchwork jacket over a giant hoop skirt. The brains behind this look were genius designer, Thom Browne. This style is so unique and beautiful it’s something I’ll wear to a gala.
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We think that the most influential brands and designers in the world are those that can create a strong emotional connection with their audience. They do this by being authentic, and innovative, and by communicating a clear message that resonates with people. These brands and designers can shape culture, influence trends, and inspire people to think differently.
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Some of the most impactful brands and fashion designers in the world are Nike, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. Nike has been able to influence people by promoting a message of empowerment and inspiring people to be their best selves. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci have been able to influence people by creating luxury products that are aspirational and exclusive. These brands and designers have been able to shape culture and influence trends by being innovative and authentic in their approach to design and marketing.
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The future of fashion is transforming at a very fast rate in society as fashion designers discover creative styles and designs to inspire more customers and brands to the line of fashion. It will be an exciting future of innovative and advanced technology in fashion so next time you want to dress up in any style at all, you can rest assured that the fashion industry has you covered with different samples on that style.
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Who knows? We just might see a rise in virtual and 3D fashion. For those wondering, 3D fashion is an advanced technology that merges fashion and innovations allowing designers to create and showcase designs digitally i.e., 3D images or holographic images which makes it interesting and attractive to customers. The possibilities for the fashion Industry are endless and I’m sure we are eager to see what the future holds for it.
OUR FAVORITE FUNKY FASHION SHOW LOOKS
This column is all about funky and weird fashion. Fashion shows are popular for gathering the most interesting and creative minds in fashion and producing legendary looks. The writers of this article chose a favorite look of theirs from a fashion show of their choice. These are our top 5 favorite funky fashion show looks!
DOJA CAT: 2023
Doja Cat’s debut Met Gala appearance was one for the books. She arrived at this year’s Gala wearing a white hooded Oscar de la Renta gown. This backless piece also came with a grand feather train. She finished off this look with a full prosthetic face, a multimillion-dollar diamond attached to her forehead, and cat ears on the hood. The theme for this year was definitely understood by rapper-singer Doja Cat; as her look for the evening was a special tribute to famous designer Karl Lagerfield’s beloved cat, Choupette. This look took over 5,000 hours, and 350,000 silver and white buggle beads. Her accessories included a diamond headpiece worn under the hood and a delicate silver arm cuff.
Doja Cat’s look almost immediately broke the Internet as soon as she stepped foot on the red carpet. Her creative director and stylist, Brett Alan Nelson, worked together with the artist and Oscar de La Renta’s co-creative director Fernando Garcia for six months to carefully hand bead the beautiful dress. All in all, this look was certainly one of the weirdest, most interesting fashion looks of the year. Kudos once again to Doja Cat and her team.
KIEKIE: 2023
Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, famously known as KIEKIE had the viewers mouth-watering as she stepped on the red carpet of the 9th African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Gala in a YEMI SHOYEMI’S stunning designer dress with a sultry thigh-high slit made out of a rare 3D floral lace. She definitely bodied the stunning looking dress as it matched the theme of this year’s AMVAC award gala which was “cultural diversity”
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Kiekie’s Imago-like dress was paired with an elegant and unique pure aqua ruffled tiered train. Completing the elegant look, she accessorised with a gorgeous red clutch and red gemstones that complimented the red roses on her dress. In Gen’z word; it’s giving. This was definitely one of the best fashion look of this year’s AMVCA awards gala.
KIM KARDASHIAN: 2021
During the annual met gala in 2021 Kim Kardashian stormed the event wearing an all-black outfit covering her from head to toe.
The outfit was designed by the famous fashion brand Balenciaga. It was believed that Kim wore this dress to pay tribute to her ex-husband Kanye west’s new album “DONDA”.
The reality star kept the crowd guessing who it was in the all black outfit. The mysterious aura the outfit gave was something different from what we have previously seen on the met Gala. This outfit definitely passes for a “weird outfit”.
BAD BUNNY: 2023
A well known rapper, Bad Bunny who has always taken fashion risks, during the MET Gala 2023 made his moments by throwing on his all white backless blazer pairing it with a pair of matching trousers. He also had a Cape help around his waist. The Cape was made with an extended rosette train.
His look was sourced from Maison Lesage, one of the 19 matters housed in channel’s 19M. Inside his jacket, the brand printed one of Karl Lagerfeld's photographs.
JARED LETO: 2023
Jared Leto’s mind blowing look was inspired by Karl Lagerfield’s cat, Choupette. With this look, Jared captured the pure essence of the alleged heir of Karl, his cat, Choupette. Karl had been planning this look months beforehand and he pulled it off with the creative help of Production Studio SCPS.
This incredible costume featured synthetic fur, the kind normally used in movies for creatures and animals, battery-powered fans to cool his face in the mask, and seam lines cleverly hidden in the back fur.
Jared’s look was surely a delightful surprise and an exciting take on the theme for the Met Gala 2023.
ALTERNATIVE FASHION
Alternative fashion, or alt fashion for short, encompasses a wide array of styles that are often considered outside of the mainstream or norm. The history of alt-fashion can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, with the rise of punk rock, new wave, and goth subcultures.
These subcultures rejected the mainstream fashion of the time and instead created their unique looks that incorporated elements such as leather jackets, ripped clothing, and heavy metal accessories. The popularity of these subcultures continued to grow throughout the '90s and into the 2000s, with new styles emerging such as emo, scene, and cyberpunk.
Alt fashion has since become a global phenomenon, with people all around the world embracing their unique styles and subcultures. From gothic Lolita in Japan to steampunk in the United States, there are endless variations of alt-fashion that continue to thrive and evolve. It helps individuals to express and embrace their selves.
The rise of alternative fashion can be attributed to several factors, including the rejection of traditional fashion norms, the desire to express individuality, and the influence of subcultures and countercultures.
Throughout history, fashion has been used as a way to express one's social status, artistic expression, and personal style.
However, as fashion became increasingly commercialized and mass-produced, many people began to feel disillusioned with the limited range of options available to them. They craved something different, something that would allow them to stand out and express their unique personalities.
One of the earliest and most influential alt-fashion movements is punk, which started in the 1970s. Punks eschewed traditional fashion in favor of a DIY mentality, often establishing their identities through unconventional clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. Punk fashion included torn clothing, band t-shirts, leather jackets, bondage gear, studded or spiked accessories, and brightly colored or unkempt hairstyles.
Goth fashion.
Goth fashion evolved in the 1980s as a darker and more melancholy alternative style. Gothic literature, horror cinema, and post-punk music influenced goths. Goths donned all-black attire with lace, velvet, fishnet stockings, corsets, and Victorian-inspired apparel. They also favored light makeup, dark lipstick, and dramatic haircuts like large, teased hair or intricate black hairstyles.
Grunge fashion.
Likewise, Grunge fashion became popular in the 1990s, associated with the alternative rock music scene. An intentionally unkempt and untidy appearance is the characteristic of grunge fashion. Among the products were flannel shirts, ripped jeans, band t-shirts, oversized sweaters, combat boots, and beanies. The aesthetic was a rejection of mainstream fashion's polished and glossy appearance, in favor of a more informal and "anti-fashion" attitude.
However, Alt fashion has continued to expand and vary in recent years, with new subcultures and styles appearing. The proliferation and influence of alternative fashion have been aided by the growth of social media and online forums, which have enabled aficionados to interact, share ideas, and express their tastes.
Overall, alt fashion's history is one of revolt, self-expression, and inventiveness, with each subculture bringing its own distinct aesthetic and style to the larger alternative fashion movement.
Popular Alternative Brands
Alternative fashion has been on the rise in recent years, and with it, the popularity of alternative brands. These brands often feature unique and edgy styles that are favored by fashion-forward individuals who want to stand out from the crowd. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular alternative brands and designers.
Vivienne Westwood
One of the earliest and first alternative brands, Vivienne Westwood was launched in 1971 in the U.K. During this time, there was a rise in punk and rock fashion which inspired the late owner and fashion legend, “Vivienne Westwood” to create it. It remains one of the most relevant luxury brands to date, specializing in all sorts of punk/goth clothes and accessories.
It is identified easily by the brand logo which consists of a globe surrounded by the crown. This logo can be found on almost all the creations from the brand. It is legendary and unique and has a high standing among celebrities and influential people.
Off-White
Off-White is a luxury fashion brand established by the late Virgil Abloh, a fashion icon who was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection. The brand is known for its signature diagonal stripes and quotation marks, which are often used in its designs. Off-White’s aesthetic is a mix of streetwear and high fashion, making it a popular choice among the younger generation.
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One of Off-White’s most iconic pieces is the “Industrial Belt”, which features a yellow industrial strap with the brand’s name printed in black. The belt has become a staple in streetwear fashion and has been worn by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Justin Bieber.
Vetements
Vetements is a Paris-based fashion collective founded by Demna Gvasalia, known as well for his role as creative director of Balenciaga. The brand is very popular for its oversized silhouettes, unconventional materials, and avant-garde designs. Vetements has been credited with popularizing the “ugly sneaker” trend, which features chunky sneakers with exaggerated proportions.
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One of Vetements’ most iconic pieces is the “DHL T-Shirt”, which features the courier company’s logo printed on a bright yellow shirt. The shirt became an instant hit when it was first released in 2015 and has since been worn by celebrities such as Kanye West and Rihanna.
Yohji Yamamoto
Yohji Yamamoto is a Japanese fashion designer whose avant-garde designs, unconventional fabrics, dark color palettes, etc. have gained him wide recognition. Yamamoto’s designs often feature oversized silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts. The designer is also known for his collaborations with Adidas, which have resulted in some of the most sought-after sneakers in the world.
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One of Yamamoto’s most iconic pieces is the “Y-3 Qasa High”, which is a high-top sneaker that features a unique tubular sole and a sleek, futuristic design. The shoe has become a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts and has been worn by celebrities such as ASAP Rocky and Pharrell Williams.
The Alternative Fashion Scene: Nigeria
“Alt” in Nigeria is not just a fashion culture, it is a lifestyle. For pioneers of the movement like Teezee, Odunsi (The Engine), BOJ, etc., it was just a way of life. A way to bend the stereotypes and choky conservative societal norms of Nigerian society. It was a subculture that drew inspiration from the early 2000s, from listening to artists like Fela and Idibia. The energy that members of the Alt community tap into is primarily nostalgic. In fashion, it is the radical unique designs of Mowalola or the smooth blend of grunge, goth, or y2k fashion popular among models and stylists like Ashley Okoli or Dunsin Wright.
The central idea behind the Alt movement is staying true to oneself despite existing traditions and cultural restrictions. It isn’t uncommon to see young creatives in various fields tapping into the Alt energy. The fashion space isn’t just about their looks. But through their radical outfits, they convey a message of individualism and continuously refuse to alter one’s identity to fit into conservative cultural guidelines in Nigeria.
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Some of Nigeria’s popular and prominent faces of the Alt movement have previously been ostracized by mainstream media. Their way of dressing, which aligns with a lot of unconventional Nigerian opinions in areas such as gender, politics, and sexuality, was frowned upon by the majority of society. It can be characterized but is not limited to baggy clothes, revealing pieces, chunky and heavy accessories, very bright and/or extremely dark colors, funky hair, etc. But as Nigerian society moved along and opened up, so did the opinion of the Alt movement.
The support is much louder, and the movement is being recognized globally. This year alone, fashion icons such as Mowalola and Ashley Okoli, musical geniuses Tems and Santi, and photographers, Tse, have all received their long overdue recognition and accolades.
Alternative fashion encompasses a wind range of styles and has both positive and negative impacts on society and the environment, depending on the production and consumption practices.
While some alternative fashion brands prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices, others may perpetuate the same issues of exploitation, inequality, and waste as mainstream fashion.
This fashion, therefore, needs to be further explored and studied, both in terms of its cultural and social significance and its potential for promoting more sustainable and equitable fashion systems.
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