While happily talking with one of the interns I worked with a few weeks ago I came across the fact that she had worked in the fashion industry in the Newest of Yorks.
She had recently moved to Southern California to check out the film industry.
Side Note: I love hearing what people who are originally from outside Southern California think about the place. Before, During, and After their experiences here.To my dismay she informed me that New Yorker's didn't have the most pleasant view of Southern California fashion. At first I was okay with the fact. I mean, I'd say the same fucking thing about New York. Them with their massive public transit system and two overrated baseball teams. And their state looks funny.
But what hurt was when she told me what she thought was California fashion. They weren't taking into consideration the fashion in the streets. The trends that we were reveling in. No.
They were looking at "Hollywood".
Not Silverlake or Los Feliz or Echo Park.
They were looking at TMZ's version of Hollywood. The Hollywood that's littered with douchebags and wannabe's. The people desperately grasping at their last strings of relevancy in an ever changing city and industry.
To the few eyes I've talked to Southern California, or more appropriately L.A. , fashion was Ed Hardy.
My heart sunk.
Ed Hardy is everything that's wrong with Los Angeles. A shallow trend that is followed by people who think they know what's "In".
Just like Von Dutch, it is nothing but another crappy brand commandeered by celebrities that will wear anything that's free. And just look who wears Ed Hardy or wore Von Dutch a few years ago.
It's the last thing that should represent Los Angeles. And God forbid it represent Soutnern California.
It's no coincidence that Ed Hardy is in the same spot as Von Dutch on Melrose.
L.A. Fashion has been desecrated by those two brands.
Melrose is a great indicator as to what's really being worn and what belongs to some over-tanned douchebag.
Los Angeles and Orange County have a wonderfully diverse fashion culture that goes mostly ignored by the rest of the country.
Crooks & Castles.
The Hundreds.
KidRobot (Ok, from NY but just as LA).
Paul Frank.
RVCA.
OBEY.
American Apparel.
None of those brands needed celebrities to push it beyond it's hangers. They didn't need over-tanned asses and fake-tittied women in clubs or red carpet premieres.
California needs to make a fashion statement to the country and to the world soon.
It isn't just a lame graphic on a T-shirt. Or a stupidly wandering embroidery on a shirt.
California has a philosophy when it comes to good fashion. And maybe the reason it doesn't catch on is because only the douchebags get camera time.
This is the state that was built on skateboarding, surfing, and punk rock.
Those things changed our country and youth in one way or another. Each one was new and have remained staples in our culture.
And for anyone that says " a trend is a trend either way you look at it." Yes, trends are trends. They are ever-changing. Evolving.
Look at yourself. You're either changing with the trends. Following your own. Or stuck in one.
Being stuck isn't bad. But recognize that you are following a trend. Even if it's stalled.
The '60s aren't coming back. No matter how hard we wish.
Neither are the '80s. No matter how hard we try against it.
But we can pay small tributes to them here and there, mixed in with our new current fashion.
Fashion is philosophy. It may be superficial but everything you wear represents one.
You may hate those hipsters. But remember they're wearing California. Be aware that it's unique to us and don't be so dismissive next time...even though they might be to you...*shrugs*
But if you see a guy with Ed Hardy or Von Dutch. Or an over-embroidered shirt or jeans. Punch him.
And don't even get me started on that "Affliction" shit.
