Postmodernism in Fashion

Fashion, especially catwalk shows, has always been considered a bit bonkers. The truth is anything postmodern can be considered a bit out of the box because it defies its traditional conventions and creates its own style. Postmodernism in fashion and design has developed mainly over the last 20 years with designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen demonstrating its key elements. For example, the relationships between art and popular culture have been revised, as art is no longer a just painting on a wall, but an abstract garment that is available for the public to wear. Fashion designs which were previously only available for the very elite with cash to splash are now being brought into popular culture for example contestants on the X factor are often seen wearing high fashion labels such as Valentino. The collections are constructed products and designers are influenced by the postmodern element of bricolage, of using a mix of the old designs and conventions with new ideas and create an entirely new design, for example a 60’s hippy influence mixed with 80’s grunge. It’s the most obvious example of style over substance for example the intensely ripped jeans from a collection from Maison Martin Margiela. Celebrities can be seen sporting similar styles, which aren’t at all practical for everyday life yet people buy into this celeb-obsessed culture, even though there isn’t actually a lot of clothing for the money you may pay. But“that’s fashion”.

In reference to the decline of the meta narrative according to Strinati’s criteria, there is now no ‘one style’ people must adhere to to be accepted in society. Due to the fashion crazes, walking down the high street, you can see how fashion has shaken up the traditional styles. Genders have been merged for example through ‘geek chic’, women’s trouser suits and loafers, in fact menswear inspired style was a major fashion trend last season.

There is no ignoring the fact that fashion is a postmodern way to express one's individuality. Examples can be seen all over the high street, with branding and trends being the ulimate selling point. It's constantly changing and this is why fashion is my favourite example of post-modernity.