The Fashion History of Rebellion: Punk, goth and alt subcultures

Have you ever been judged for what you’re wearing? Ever dressed a certain way to belong, to provoke, or to push back? Can an outfit really be an act of rebellion?

From the 1950s onwards, British youth culture turned clothing into protest. Teddy Boys shocked post-war Britain with Edwardian revival suits and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Mods and Rockers clashed on seaside promenades. Then punk exploded out of economic crisis and political disillusionment – ripped fabrics, safety pins and DIY slogans all exuded anti-establishment energy. By the 80s, goth and alternative subcultures emerged and continued to captivate young and old alike. 

In this talk, we’ll explore the history and politics of fashion through punk, goth and alternative style: how subcultures form and why they’re labelled rebellious. Together, we’ll trace how clothing became the language of resistance and ask whether dressing differently still has the power to disrupt.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Speaker Bio:

Dr Nathaniel Weiner is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London). He holds a PhD in Communication & Culture from York University and Ryerson University’s joint program. His research interests include consumption, digital cultures, masculinity, menswear and style subcultures. He is currently researching subcultural style in heritage menswear branded content, Japanese vintage reproduction subcultures, and the Blitz Club. Nathaniel has published in The European Journal of Cultural Studies, The International Journal of Fashion Studies, Men and Masculinities and Punk and Post-Punk. His monograph Sharp Dressed Men: Menswear, Masculinity and Consumption Online is forthcoming from Palgrave Macmillan. 

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