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Fashion is self-expression: Riot Girrrl!
Other | Thursday 24th September 2015 | Eva
How many times have you heard the phrase: Riot grrrl? Same here, but I have never got deep in to the topic until now. Looking for new inspiration, I find myself totally intrigued by this underground feminist hardcore punk movement that began in the early 1990s, in the United States.
Their music served to address issues such as rape, domestic abuse, sexuality, racism, patriarchy and female empowerment in a predominantly male world. They also expressed this issue thorugh slogan T-shirts, printed T-shirts or simply writing on their skin.
Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Heavens to Betsy and Excuse 17 are some of the most well known Riot Grrrl bands, just to name a few.
In addiation to a music scene and genre, Riot Grrrl is a subculture involving a DIY ethic, zines, art and political action and activisim.
The Riot Grrrl movement has never like to be associated with fashion but involuntarily inspired thousands of women and created their own unique style. Contrast was at its core: military boots paired with miniskirts; flannel shirt paired with mini dresses. Dreadlocks, shaved head and a natural makeup.
Kat Bjelland of Babes in Toyland, inspired much of the movement's aesthetic, although she never directly participated in it.
They have never wanted to be judged by their appearance, yet by their personality; but they knew that self-expression through fashion could have been a powerful political weapon.
The style remains relevant nowadays and it will always be with new geenerations bringing their own slant to the original sentiment.
