Explore punk fashion around the world - from New York, California, London and Germany to Iran, Myanmar, Cuba, South Africa, Russia, and Japan. Punk fashion in the 70s pushed against cultural norms, embracing the androgyny of rockers like Patti Smith. Malcolm McLaren brought New York punk style back to London. Geometric shapes were incorporated into makeup for a striking look.
When I, a shameless millennial, think of punk fashion, images of models and rock stars in the '80s and '90s immediately flood my mind. You know what I'm talking about: Courtney Love's signature smoky eyes, slip dresses and grungy outwear, Gwen Stefani's staple plaid pants and bandeau tops, the myriad of leather jackets, studded belts, and ubiquitous shades of black worn by all the rockers in that era.
Sure, it's easy enough to conjure images of what punk fashion looked like during that time - partly because so many of the styles have made a comeback in recent years - though not everyone is as familiar with what inspired the timeless sartorial trend to begin with. For instance, did you know that in the '70s, punk fashion was first influenced by the androgynous styles of rockers like Patti Smith and Joan Jett? And was then brought to London, redefined in Germany, adapted in Iran, amplified in Japan, and so on.
In Germany, punk evolved into German New Wave, with fluorescent hair color and dramatic makeup. Iranian punk took the classic London punk aesthetic and found ways to adapt it within their religion and culture, incorporating long sleeves and creatively integrating the hijab.
A small community in Myanmar stayed underground during decades of military rule. The Cuban punks known as Los Frikis were outcasts, often homeless. Their rejection of society led to early incarnations of the crust punk aesthetic. South Africa's burgeoning punk scene was influenced by hardcore punk's pared down attitude. Pussy Riot brought protest punk to the forefront of Russia's music scene in the 2010s. Harajuku punk took on the London aesthetic and amplified the fashion.
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Punk Fashion & Beauty Around The World | Allure