STORY AND GRAPHIC BY FREYA PINEDA, OPINIONS/FEATURE EDITOR
As Los Angeles Fashion Week sneaks its way onto our phone screens and the music industry flourishes, it is clear that fashion and music go hand in hand creating timeless looks and new fall trends.
The music and fashion industries have opened doors to allow for self-expression and exploration to grow. Artists and bands throughout time have established their style through their performances and most importantly appearances.
When analyzing each rock-band, pop-star, or boy band, one might notice the obvious distinction amongst their fashion and their sound. Rock bands like Guns N’ Roses rock out in their leather pants, black eyeliner and signature accessories while hip-hop artists like Soulja Boy bring their baggy wear and flashy jewelry onto the fashion scene.
Music and its many genres have their own fashion influence on designers, high end to retail, in their designs. Designers like the late Vivienne Westood took the grunge, punk aesthetic from former band The Sex Pistols and incorporated their style into her fashion shows and Thierry Mugler who once worked with artists from David Bowie to Beyonce, designing costumes and pieces influenced by said artists. Marc Jacobs came out with their 1992 collection inspired by the band Nirvana, specifically lead singer Kurt Cobain who famously popularized the grunge, zero effort look.
It is undeniable that the same can be said for students at Cypress College, with the several different styles and aesthetics that contribute to the fashion scene on campus. Students can be seen wearing punk denim vests with custom patch work while others have cardigans paired with Doc Martens.
In regards to music influencing Cypress students’ fashion, Political science major Bianca Alcantara said, “I like to think that it does…there’s this band…called LoveJoy and their lead singer dresses a very certain way..very goofy proportions. I remember seeing that and saying I want those big, fat pants; those massive corduroy jackets. There’s also something so appealing about being able to look like the aesthetics of your favorite band, they make you feel like the music is a part of you in order to really embrace yourself in it”.
Business major Guadalupe Jaurez is one of the many who take inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo along with her other favorite artists. She takes the different pieces to create inspired looks that don’t completely copy the artist(s) she listens to. Rodrigo is famously known for popularizing her punk-pop style, influencing the wardrobe of many tweens and young adults. Musicians have a great impact not only on the fashion world but individuals alike. They are able to fuse both worlds effortlessly creating a sense of style many take inspiration from. However, for many their style is influenced by the people around them like Business major Brianna Vasquez who takes inspiration from her older sisters.
Something that can be said about both fashion and music is that they both convey and provoke an emotion within us. When listening to soothing, relaxing music one is more inclined to comfort and likely to stick to the basics, meanwhile someone who listens to EDM or techno music is likely to be seen wearing striking, trendier clothing. Both are two beautiful art forms that have been shared and loved across many cultures and communities.
