Marina Bravo
Arts Editor
Fashion is a statement, it tells stories and breaks molds. Appearances are just one of the many ways that alternative people can express themselves and break these stereotypes. To be their authentic selves is often envisioned through the color of their hair, a new piercing or a statement piece.
Alternative fashion is often misconstrued as a singular look but it is actually so much more than just an ensemble of black clothes. In the 2020s, Social media influencers have brought alternative style and experiences to the mainstream, making it seem as though alternative fashion is now a lost art.
However, many individuals continue to be their authentic selves and don’t allow the trends to dictate their unique style.
Drew Aguila, Lee Diaz and Oscar Chilapa all find ways to express themselves through their fashion.
“For my style inspo I am really big on like the ’70s,” Aguila said. “I didn’t find my style until recently when a friend of mine recommended that I hit up this one thrift antique vintage store in downtown Claremont called Deeluxe. That’s where I really started to figure out and find out a lot of the clothes that I liked.”
Aguila explained how his previous experiences at thrift stores were unlike those at Deeluxe. He shared how he wasn’t the best at thrifting and he’d usually only leave with one piece for his closet, but with his newfound spot, he was able to find so much more.
Diaz shared that he doesn’t have a particular style inspo but they definitely break gender-norms in the way that they dress.
“I’m non-binary and clothes are just my representation of that,” Diaz said. “Any time I go out I want to challenge that idea of what makes a man or a woman. I don’t want to have to pick a side so if I like the color or the cut I’ll wear just about anything.”
Whether it be masculine-leaning or feminine, it doesn’t really matter, as he wears the clothes and the clothes don’t wear him.
Fashion can also come from the influence of the people that one surrounds themselves with. Alternative culture is community. It is deeply rooted in sticking together and showing up for each other– naturally, this would show up in fashion.
“My style inspo would have to be my friends Josh, Jupiter and Jerry,” Chilapa said. “They dress with style practically everyday, and it would inspire me to work on my style based on the clothes they would wear.”
Chilapa described his look to be influenced by the music he listens to and loves. He mirrors his music heroes through the band t-shirts he wears.
“My style would consist of wearing band t-shirts and sweaters, baggy jeans and my old Converse,” Chilapa said. “This represents me because I love listening to music and I would style my outfits based on the band t-shirts I would wear.”
Jewelry is another key element in alternative style, especially with piercings. Not only is it the rings and chains, but also the piercings. Alternative fashion highlights and celebrates all kinds of piercings and styles.
Facial piercings can often be the gateway to “looking” more alternative. Many individuals discover themselves through this and it is the start of their own personal version of alternative dress.
“My ear piercings and nose ring are my statement pieces because I admire the way they look on me,” Chilapa said. “Getting them done in the first place is what helped me develop my sense of style.”
Hair is also a big part of alternative dress. Whether it is seen through big hair like the Goths in the ’80s or the multi-colored Scene Queen Hair in the 2010s, hair is definitely a staple in alternative dress.
“I love going out of the way to get my hair done and ready,” Aguila said. “Whatever things I put in my hair, I’m not really picturing, impressing anyone. I like impressing myself almost.”
Alternative fashion does not go for the norm. It is outside of the box and celebrates uniqueness. Although it is “mainstream,” it still comes with its own comments and questions. Many still don’t even get it, but it all adds to the persona.
“I would be viewed as a troublemaker or unprofessional because of the way I dress,” Chilapa said. “My old dining service job at my college forbade people from having any facial piercings when working with customers face to face. My coworkers and I were forced to wear masks to hide our facial piercings.”
Alternative fashion is definitely a rowdy sibling that, in a way, rebels against the rules of the house, but just like any style, it helps individuals bloom into who they are.
“I chose to express myself this way because I really love my style,” Chilapa said. “Wearing it makes me feel comfortable with my appearance and boosts my confidence when talking to people.”
Marina Bravo can be reached at marina.bravo@laverne.edu.
Marina Bravo is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and has previously served as a staff writer and photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She enjoys going to live shows and everything spooky.
