The Re-Birth of Punk Fashion

Punk is a wide ranging fashion expression that is infused with arts culture. The style originated in the 1970s in England where it became a form of expression, related to the rebellious themes in music such as The Ramones and Patti Smith. Leading musician and designer Malcolm McLaren helped lead the way, spread the designs from London to New York and helping to craft the modern punk look.

Some of the core accessories in punk fashion include boots, tapered jeans, retro shirts and spiked hair, although petticoats and piercings soon became a core part of the look. The American punk scene took off in the 1980s lead by bands such as Black Flag and The Misfits, which became an increasingly popular sub-culture in major cities.

Today, the sheer diversity of punk looks is defined by the various types of cultures: from traditional “combat” punks to more political branches, female punk looks often incorporate a petticoat as an underskirt. Even spin offs such as “skate punk” and “pop punk” have made the look part of standard fashion, gaining traction among teenagers and young adults alike. Many popular designers such as Vivienne Westwood have incorporated a punk look into their lines, leading to commercial adoption at boutiques across the country.