Subcultures are less identifiable in society today, unlike groups such as the Teddy Boys in the 1950s or the emergence of Punks in the 1970s. Fashion subcultures aren’t non-existent but have taken a different form because of the internet. A singular form of identity to a group is lost, as everyone online has access to any subculture at any time. Today, you could be part of a multiplicity of subcultures, but too much choice has meant people don’t commit to a particular identity.
In the past, subcultures attracted people who felt liberated by unconventional or rebellious fashion, music and attitude. Location and interaction were important in creating a sense of belonging for individuals. Being in the online age means that fashion subcultures don’t have to physically connect with each other. A lack of physical environment and space means people don’t invest time in engaging with their subculture. Is this the reality of fashion subcultures in the modern world?
Social media has meant that trends or ‘fast fashion’ are replaced so quickly that subcultures don’t have time to develop.
The commodification of fashion has diluted subcultures down to trends. Social media has meant that trends or ‘fast fashion’ are replaced so quickly that subcultures don’t have time to develop. Fashion subcultures have somewhat been replaced by aesthetics or ‘core styles’ shared across platforms like TikTok. Online, many aesthetics gradually become mainstream or viral, therefore fashion begins to become blended. A sense of sameness can be identified among fashion subcultures today, as they form an unoriginal and uninspiring image.
Fashion subcultures are still prominent today, but now function in different ways which reflect the influence of the internet and role of social media. Engagement with time and place might see a spark in popularity towards subcultures in the future.