As co-author of the 1990s Fashion blog, my partner and I asked the question, "Have the 1990s had any influence on today's fashion trends and lifestyle (taking into consideration the decade's role models and the use of drugs)?"
Well, Grunge has recycled itself among other 1990s fashion trends, as well as some others: Hippie, and Rave. Grunge, born in Seattle, Washington as a result of financial hardships and the growth of rock music, is a style that features ripped denim, plaid, heavy eye make up (for women), combat boots, and anything that says, "I just don't care" (WiseGeek). This fashion statement paired well with the abuse of the drug heroin. Bob Timmins, a former heroin addict who now counsels rock stars said that he's been called to work with his rock musicians and bands for their heroin use. According to Seattle Times staff reports, "Heroin is more of a loser drug...it fits in more with the grunge thing" (Seattle Times Company).
Hippie, born in the 1960s with the use of psychedelic drugs, features long hair, headbands, braids, dreadlocks, vintage clothing, vests, bell bottoms, and a natural, calm, look. The Hippie style is closely related with the use of marijuana, to conjoin with the calm, laid back style.Rave style clothing was influenced by people who would go to raves, beginning in the late 80s and early 90s. At raves, people would gather, much like a concert, and listen and dance to EDM, or electronic dance music. Because raves lasted for many hours, ravegoers dressed with comformality and as a way to express themselves through outlandish clothing and accessories. Little as much clothing is worn because ravegoers are there for so long and sweating so much. Common rave looks include tutus, fishnets, crop tops, underwear, neon and nonprescription big glasses. Since the 80s, ravegoers have been abusing ecstasy in the rave atmosphere. "Ecstasy is used most frequently by [those] who attend night clubs and raves" (Ecstasy Statistics). The side effects caused by ecstasy are the reason for the outlandish, colorful, and lack of clothing, because it gives high energy and a sense of euphoria and emotional peace (Drug Abuse).
These clothing trends are closely related with specific drug use and when worn by people, can cause assumptions that that person has a relation to drugs. So, I ask the question: By wearing these styles of clothing, are we endorsing the use of drugs? If a person dresses in a business suit then one would assume that they are involved in the business world because that is how business men dress. Alternatively, this can be adapted to grunge, hippie, and rave clothing styles. Because a person is wearing a certain outfit associated with a drug, people may assume that that the drug is part of their lifestyle, just as the clothes. Is this ethical, to make assumptions, such as these?
The fashion industry has mainstreamed these clothing trends so that anyone that wears them may be into the drugs, or just may be following the fashion trend. Does this mean that by wearing these trends that we are condoning the use of drugs? Had it not been for these drugs, it is hard to believe that these fashion trends and styles would even be around. These clothes are not just a trend to those that partake in the drug use, but it is how they live, what they believe, and who they are. By wearing these styles, consumers, even if they don't know it, are encouraging these lifestyles which include the main factor, drugs.
Resources
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-grunge-fashion.htm#
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940420&slug=1906421
http://www.ecstasy.ws/e-statistics.htm
http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-ecstasy-use/
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