Trends I Weirdly Found Interesting

I’ve decided to write about something different for my last blog post. Interesting trends throughout the years; trends I have either questioned, loved, or have always wondered about.

I have always been in awe of the years before I was born. How it would have been to live in the 60s, 70s or 80s? The whole idea of it fascinates me, and to this day, I question my parents or my aunts and uncles; How was it like to live back then. In particular, how did they dress? What was the style?

From a child’s perspective, my own, I remember seeing my aunts rocking out the big 80s hairstyles, the bangles and legwarmers. Wearing oversized white buttoned shirts. My uncles, donning the rough-looking jean coat attire or wearing workout shorts outside their sweatpants with the folded red bandana across their forehead (a makeshift sweatband). I saw pictures of my parents; my mom wearing bell-bottom jeans with a leather jacket and my dad sporting the long, haired, curly hairdo with rugged jeans and a black t-shirt.

Growing up, I have seen many trends come and go. But here are some I remember profoundly; and the others I found interesting.

The Zoot Suit

The 1940s: The Zoot Suit

A high-waisted, wide-legged, tight cuffed, pegged trousers (pegged is cut full in the waist and thigh area) paired with a wide, long coat with super-sized shoulder pads. Often worn with a coordinating matching fedora or pork pie hat.

This was popular with African American, Latino, Italian American, and Filipino American communities during the 1940s. Worn by minority men in working-class neighbourhoods. There is just something about this style that interests me, it’s unique, and no designer is affiliated with the look. It was born on the streets. It would be amazing to experience how this zoot suit came to life.

The first time I saw a style of this suit was in Janet Jackson’s “Alright” music video, linked here.

Elvis Presley performing in Jumpsuit

The 1970s and 1980s: Jumpsuits for Men

A slim-fitting, one-piece garment, covering the legs and arms.

Influenced by music and social movements. You can still see this style out there, but it is not very trendy as it was in the 70s and 80s. It was also worn during the disco-era. As you might already know, Elvis Presley was known for his jumpsuits. He worked with costume designer Bill Belew to design them. Each jumpsuit was made with beautifully detailed designs. I have always wondered what Elvis found fascinating about his jumpsuits?

The 1980s: Leg Warmers and slouch socks.

I have to admit I am a big leg warmer fan. Leg warmers are my go-to thing for winter, my sock drawer is filled with an array of different varieties. And I always wear them around the house. As for slouch socks, they have the same sense of style as a leg warmer, except they cover your feet. And yes, I also have those handy in my sock drawer. One of my favourite trends.

The 1980s and early 1990s: MC Hammer Pants

I remember everyone my age did not get what the hype was about this trend. We simply did not care and just found it weird and funny. And to my surprise, this trend came back to life in 2019.

The 1990s: T-Shirts Over Long-Sleeve Shirts

This trend I grew up with during the grunge-era. And I cannot break free from it. Sometimes, I find myself still throwing a t-shirt over my long-sleeve shirt. It is comfy, and I love everything about it. I love anything that has to do with grunge.

Billie Eilish

The 2000s: Oversized Clothing

I remember this being popular during the 90s also, the wide-legged pants or jeans, I had a couple of pair of those, it was popular amongst teens, still to this day. At the moment, my daughter is very much into this trend. She loves wearing oversized shirts and hoodies. The one celebrity known for this style is Billie Eilish.

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Colleen Moore

Colleen is a second-year student in the professional writing program at Algonquin College. She enjoys reading, old school zombie movies, family game nights and currently found a new passion for poetry. She is either busy doing assignments or playing Mario party with her daughter on the weekends.

Child labour in the fashion industry

Photo Courtesy of rene bernal (unsplash.com)

As I mentioned before in my last blog post about the shenanigans that fast fashion imposes, I left out an important issue that deserves to be unmasked.

Child labour.

Unfortunately, the fashion industry does contribute to this type of undertaking that is still happening to this day.

Nearly 1 in 10 children across the globe (around 152 million) are subjected to child labour, almost half of whom are in hazardous forms of work.

https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-labour

Because of the great demand and supply of textiles and garments needed in the industry, brands and other clothing companies rely on this type of labour. Even if they claim they may not be aware of it or turn a blind eye and ignore it is happening. Some companies even declare to consumers that they pose strict guidelines to stop this kind of labour. It is a little hard to believe after learning how much children in the world are still engaged in child labour today.

I can understand how they cannot enforce the guidelines because it is happening in other countries, with different laws and rules. These countries do not provide protection for working children who work or are forced to work and simply do not care as long as the job is done.

But because of the demand for finding cheaper sources to produce the textiles and garments, the fashion industry holds the pioneering role of employing this kind of labour.

Although child labour is prevalent in the most impoverished countries in the world. In many other countries, it is not permitted. The causes, poverty hardships people encounter in these countries and no laws to protect the children, they are taken advantage of. It is a continuous harsh cycle for poverty-stricken families. They are left with no choice to let their children work or even force them to, and the consequences are upsetting. The children are faced with terrible physical and mental harm, restricting their rights to go to school and have proper healthcare, threatening their futures.

In South India, parents are tricked into sending their daughters to work in spinning mills (a place where the production of yarn or cloth is from cotton). Promised that their children will be taken care of, with a suitable place to live, fed nutritious meals, provide training and schooling and a payout after three years. But in the end, they do not get paid. Instead, forced to work long hours, work in hazardous conditions, violated their human rights. To become…

A modern-day slave.

In the statement above, it was hard to declare, especially the particular word slave. It is the description of the reality of what child labour is today. What is harder to grasp is children who are placed into this type of subjection.

““In reality, they are working under appalling conditions that amount to modern-day slavery and the worst forms of child labour.””

— As stated in the SOMO report by the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations.

Here are some examples of the work children do across the world:

Photo courtesy of janine robinson (unsplash.com)

The production of cotton seeds in Benin (West Africa). Harvest in Uzbekistan (Central Asia).

Children transfer pollen from one plant to another and chosen to pick the cotton because of their small hands and fingers (which do not damage the crops).

Yarn spinning in India. Sixty percent of workers at the mills in India are under the age of eighteen. The youngest workers start at the age of fifteen.

In Bangladesh factories, they are used to put garments together. The children dye, sew buttons, cut and trim threads, fold, move and pack the garments. They also do such tasks as embroidering, sequin and smocking (making pleats).

Keep in mind, they get paid way below minimum wage, work long hours, expose to harsh chemicals, and work in hazardous conditions that affect their health. These are little children who have to endure this type of work because of the social inequalities in the world. And it is discouraging that the fashion industry takes advantage of this situation.

By 2025, an estimated 121 million children will be in child labour, with 52 million enduring hazardous work.

https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-labour

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Colleen Moore

Colleen is a second-year student in the professional writing program at Algonquin College. She enjoys reading, old school zombie movies, family game nights and currently found a new passion for poetry. She is either busy doing assignments or playing Mario party with her daughter on the weekends.

Fast Fashion Shenanigans

Photo courtesy of xiaolong Wong (unsplash.com)

A couple of years back, I was disappointed in myself after I learned a little more about what fast fashion was about. And how I contributed to it myself.

I have to admit, I have heard about it before. But not to the extent of what was really happening behind the scenes. I was naïve. I thought of myself as a decent shopper because I really thought I was getting a good deal. But then the hard truth hit me in the face when I learned the harsh effects of what fast fashion was doing to our world.

What is fast fashion?

For those who don’t know: Fast fashion is known for its speedy process of producing trends at a much lower cost, mass production of clothing trends.

It quickly became an instant hit because it accommodated the many needs of consumers acquiring the latest trends and at a more affordable price. It evolved the whole concept of how consumers shop today. But this is the basis of what fast fashion is about and why it has progressed. Retailers have prospered because of this method. The wide range of attraction from the consumers grew because of how quickly it was made available and ready for the shelves in high quantity. It definitely made a mark in the fashion world.

What are the advantages of fast fashion?

If we take a look at a different point of view, as college students, we can see how this can benefit us.

PROS:

• More affordable clothing; an advantage for low-income consumers such as students/youth

• A greater variety of styles

• More convenient and accessible (instant gratification)

And more profitable for the big retailers out there.

But here come the shenanigans to these fast fashion “too good to be true” price tag. The cost of purchasing these kinds of clothing is much more substantial and harmful to our environment. It also contributes to the negative impacts of human beings in this world.

CONS:

• Creates large amounts of waste (unused clothing filling landfills)

• Contributes to climate change (the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions and expected to rise in the coming years)

• The chemical manufacturing process (such as bleaching, dyeing, treatments, etc.) is destroying the environment and human health.

• It creates unfair and unsafe working conditions for the garment workers in third world countries (which have poor labour laws and human rights protection). They also make unlivable wages working in this production.

• And because of the low cost of production, the product suffers. The quality of it is not up to par as many would like it to be, and frankly, it may not last as long either.

I held my breath when I came across the effects implicated by fast fashion. I actually bought clothing from retailers who manufactured at this kind of level. If I knew back then what I do now, I would have made better choices. I would have paid a little more attention. I should have been a much more conscious shopper.

I am trying to this day to be one. As I presently purchase my clothing with sustainability on my mind. I am determined that everything I buy would be useful, necessary, something I absolutely would love and always wear. And I stand here today in front of my closet, amongst my favourite clothing pieces. Proud of the fact that I put so much thought and effort into purchasing something that can benefit our environment and the human lives around the world.

Colleen Moore

Colleen is a second-year student in the professional writing program at Algonquin College. She enjoys reading, old school zombie movies, family game nights and currently found a new passion for poetry. She is either busy doing assignments or playing Mario party with her daughter on the weekends.

Tattoos: An Evolving Accessory?

Photo Courtesy of Cortney White (Unsplash.com)

Fashion has always embarked in phenomenal, innovative creations throughout the years. The design, fabric, colour, and style all are major components when creating a look, but when the time comes to showcase the final product, the accessory becomes the most important item to finalize the piece.

Accessories can be labeled as anything from a chain necklace, to a slim bracelet; hoop earrings, chunky boots and so on. Although more recently, the most popular accessory sought out by fashion and beauty industries now are tattoos.

Tattoos have begun to make a name for themself, becoming widely popular amongst millions of people today. I’m sure one of us either has a tattoo or two, hidden or exposed for all to see, or at least knows someone who has one. It’s becoming the new norm: tattoos are no longer being considered taboo or disreputable, as it once was in the past. Now, it’s become a form of self-expression; your body can be used as a canvas to express who you are as an individual in this world.

The fashion industry has captivated this trend and begun to utilize their models’ personal tattoos to vitalize their pieces. It has made a tangible impact in the showcase of it all. Tattoos are appealing to the eyes of those who follow fashion, or even don’t; by combining the two forms of art together the designer creates a beautiful, desirable vision.

Photo Courtesy of mad rabbit tattoo (unsplash.com)

Of course, the influencers being the main representation in this form of accessorizing are known to the world as celebrities, athletes and models. To name a couple, David Beckham’s underwear ad for H&M and Cara Delevingne’s ads for Chanel and Rimmel. Fashion and beauty campaigns have focused their attentions on their tattoos, exposing their art, and their individuality helps to form a connection with its consumers and society. It adds a little more personal touch to the creation, thus making tattoos an important accessory in present-day fashion.

I am not saying to get a tattoo for this sake or that you need one for an accessory, just enjoy the beauty of it when you do see it. It’s different, new, and exciting. Tattoos have been known to influence the fashion world many times before and I think it will continue to do so in the future. Its first known presence debuted in haute couture on body dresses created by Issey Miyake, in his 1971 tattoo collection. It’s interesting how its evolved in so many ways in the fashion. It definitely provides the accent needed as an accessory.

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Colleen Moore

Colleen is a second-year student in the professional writing program at Algonquin College. She enjoys reading, old school zombie movies, family game nights and currently found a new passion for poetry. She is either busy doing assignments or playing Mario party with her daughter on the weekends.