Haute Couture

The word "scene" has been used to describe certain subcultures and movements. It is used along with an adjective to describe former scenes, such as the "punk scene," but also used singularly to describe the predominant scene of the moment.

We all know what a scene is, at least I thought I did until the other day when a couple friends of mine where discussing some local scene kids at a show. However, their description of the scene was completely opposite than my own.

Scenes can revolve around music, literature, art, theater, etc, but they embody a lifestyle. It is not just a certain band or a type of artwork that defines a scene, but rather the movement itself and the lifestyle that accompanies their passion.

Believe it or not, fashion plays a monumental role in establishing and identifying scenes. Tracing scenes from the past, you can pinpoint certain fashion trends that arose out of that particular scene. The current scenes are no different. In fact, they might be even more fashion-oriented.

I had not heard of the "fashionxcore" scene before a couple days ago.

The predominant scenes today revolve around music. Each genre and sub genre has a group or following that adopts similar characteristics, behavior and even fashion trends.

However, the "fashionxcore" scene is a subgroup that focuses more on the fashion trends of scenes than the music itself-or so some say. Instead of concentrating on the music portion of the scene, they put their time and energy into the fashion aspect of the scene, music coming secondary.

This devergence has led to some very negative views about "fashionxcore" followers. I can partially understand the argument against it. Being passionate about something does not necessarily lead to an absorption in the culture. Just because you like the music of a scene does not mean you should dive into it and abandon your own style.

However, our culture is based off of fashion trends and movements. I know there are some arguments that "fashionxcore" does not have a purpose or a cause, and therefore their scene is somehow diminished. But why does a scene have to have a cause?

Yes, the hippies wanted peace, the beatniks wanted freedom and the punks wanted anarchy. But the "Hannah Montana" scene of adolecents does not have any ambitions or goals. They are not listening to the Radio Disney as a rebellion against adulthood.

A scene is not a revolution. It does not warrant a cause. It is merely a group of kids creating a similar lifestyle. The "fashionxcore" scene enjoys immersing itself in the current trends. They enjoy exploring different aspects of fashion, making clothing, accessories and themselves the art movement. It is often criticized that this scene lacks individuality or creativity.

I beg to differ.

Yes, it is true that many of the members of these subcultures dress similarly, oftentimes they are the causes for some of the unique and inspiring fashion statements.

And fashion, in and of itself, depends on people creating trends and others following those trends.

There is a saying that you never want to be the first one to start a trend or the last one wearing it.

Fashion trends are meant to be followed. What people do is bring their own tastes and spins to the style.

I personally think it is great that fashion cannot only represent scenes, but be a scene.

I mean, what is the point of sounding good if you do not look good doing it?

( Aliya Khan is a sophomore psychology and textiles and apparel merchandising major. She can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu.)