Fashion Theory

THE SUBCULTURAL LEADERSHIP THEORY

"Fashion came from the streets and was then adapted by the couture.”-Coco Chanel

Explanation-

The Trickle-Up theory explains that subcultures such as youths, African Americans, hippies, and blue collar workers became highly visible parts of society and changed the forms of status symbolism and started to control fashions. The lower class unintentionally started their own fashions which were stolen by the higher class. American capitalism took these styles and adapted them to higher fashion.

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Reasoning/Hypothesis-

This theory is understood by the fact that the style of small subcultures is recognized by the majority as artistic and creative and is then accepted by the larger population and soon after the high class. The lower class style originates from cultural heritage (like the Indians) or a practical need basis that is unique to their class and slowly trickles up to the higher class by being an actual fashion statement. These subcultures are not intending to make fashion statements but merely defining their identity and culture by how they dress.

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Research-

Gap bridges must exist to introduce these styles and legitimize then in the real market. Gap bridges are persons such a celebrities, leaders or anyone of prestigious position that go to small subcultures and help innovate their style into the larger population.

Having a great visibility of different cultures because of social equality helps these small subcultures become noticed and appreciated.

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