GRUNGE FASHION | JD Institute Of Fashion Technology
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GRUNGE FASHION

April 21, 2021
The word GRUNGE sounds onomatopoeic, conveying a meaning that is synonymous with dirt or filth, especially when difficult to clean -dirt. filth. grime. muck. So, what is this fashion that has these negative attributes? Well, it all started out with the growth of Alternate Rock, a genre of music created by Seattle based bands – the more notable ones being Pearl Jam and Nirvana, whose advent dates back to the mid to late 1980s 
Nicknamed Seattle Sound, the music is distinct because of its distorted electric guitaring and the grinding, sludgy sound of Seattle. Due to paucity of funds and time required to get recording sound clean, these local North-western bands let the sound quality remain ‘as is’ or sound ‘dirty’. All they did was turn up the volume. This dirty sound may have been the genesis of the term Grunge. The lyrics of their songs reflected the introspective ethos and subculture that emerged during the mid-1980s. With that, and the fusion of elements from punk rock and heavy metal; Grunge aesthetics and its darker, edgier style of guitar playing, glitches, vinyl records, cigarettes, neon lights, and the colour black- all seemed to resonate with vast swathes of that generation. 

Grunge was commercially successful as the most popular form of alternate rock music due to several hit releases and the huge popularity of these bands amongst fans. Buoyed by the wide acceptances by their followers, their influence extended beyond music. Thus, the Grunge culture unleashed unwittingly by the band members, more importantly their iconic band Leaders, influenced the dress sense of that generation. Grunge Fashion was a culmination of this. Landing squarely on the catwalk, it changed the outlook on fashion, thereafter.

Grunge ‘chic’ as it were, was influenced by the clothes band members wore on and off stage. These were the regular Seattle styles sported at that time, albeit a little ‘off’ or off beat. The long baggy T-shirts and long johns caught the fancy of the fashion-conscious. Grunge fashion stood for an American society ready to discard glamorous ideals of the 1980s that painted an unrealistic picture.
What caught the fancy of the fans was the first public performance of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain—the iconic poster boy of Grunge belting out songs of Smells Like Teen Spirit, attired in an ordinary flannel shirt over an ordinary T-Shirt.
Grunge fashion reached a watershed moment with the release of Nirvana’s second album Nevermind. Following this, Grunge-like elements made its way into Calvin Klein’s collections, and even had an 18-year-old Kate Moss as his model. This was in 1991..
What became staple soon after at the New York Fashion Week, was Plaid, shapeliness and silhouettes that hinted at suburban wealth. This included styles like shrunken baby-doll dresses and antique-styled slip dresses. A veritable change was sweeping across the music and fashion worlds.
The famous fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ collection of an all-grunge themed American sportswear label Perry Ellis was on display. The style reflected the universal youth movement
Effortlessly cool, this Grunge style of the 90s made a comeback, with plaid shirts and ripped jeans dominating the streets and runways alike. An overall edgy look, with baggy shapes, metallic jackets, and clashing designs. Embrace the imperfect was the perfect Grunge style of the ‘90s.
80s Grunge The Grunge of the ‘80s drew inspiration from punk fashion, not to forget band T-shirts, acid washed, and mom jeans. The air to put on was that of nonchalance, casually! This style opposed the materialistic excesses and glamour of the decade.
Soft Grunge With the return of the Grunge in today’s world, Soft Grunge is a novelty. More modern influences for a lighter appearance, however plaid and ripped jeans continue, with a bit of a contemporary look. Just a touch of rebellion.
Pastel Grunge When edgy Grunge is juxtaposed with a traditionally feminine look, set against a backdrop of pastels – Pastel Grunge is achieved. Softness is brought out by pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow and purple…less black of course.
Cute Grunge Grunge takes on a neat and charming look with this rendition of Grunge- ‘Cute Grunge’. By sporting a sweet yet edgy style, like a skater dress in a dark print, plaid shirt dress or band t-shirt dress, one can turn out with a Cute Grunge look. Finish off with a cropped leather jacket and a crossbody bag for a pretty picture!
Indie Grunge Indie Grunge is a more straightforward contemporary version of Grunge. The effortlessly cool aesthetic continues here, this style also features vintage details and alternative music references. Cut-off shorts, oversized denim jackets, loose T-shirts, boots, and mini backpacks can get you ready for a festival or concert attendance.  
Vintage Grunge Beautiful and edgy. That’s Vintage for you for Grunge followers. Slip dresses, floral prints, retro accessories, Dr Martens, and classic blazers pretty much completes a Vintage Grunge look.
Gunge Shoes Completing a look is never over unless you take care of how you are shod. So, is it with Grunge. Here shoes are big, bulky and flat. The comfort of Dr Martens, canvas trainers, such as Converse or Vans, combat boots, gumboots, flatform sandals, and creepers. Kick off time for Grunge!