Hi everyone,
Last night I went out on the town (on a school night nogal) in an attempt to tap into the mode de jour. I felt it was high time that I reconnected with the nightlife, the youth, and the pulse that beats so relentlessly in this city of creativity.
I also wanted to drown my sorrows. (Spoiler: It didn’t work)
I am loathe to sound like an old fogey, but I have to admit, I was quite taken aback by the youngsters roaming the streets in slightly feral, yet oddly friendly packs. They were mostly sweet and enthusiastic and silly and they cheered me up a lot...
But their clothes!
It’s plain to see this generation missed the '80s only to make exactly the same mistakes that we did. The silly pants. The stupid hair. The ridiculous accessories. Fashion is a cruel mistress.
And they all look so shiny! Where do they get the money and the time to groom so much? Aren’t students supposed to spend their disposable income on alcohol, coffee and cigarettes?
And heavens, the music! Have you HEARD dubstep? It’s freaking hilarious. Although not as hilarious as the way they dance these days. It’s flamboyant and camp and extremely self-conscious. So adorable.
I am being deliberately obtuse of course.
I am well aware that my teen uniform – a school skirt, fishnet stockings and boots (with no visible grooming whatsoever) puzzled my mother just as much as I am tickled by these young ones. And I know the mix of grunge and punk and metal that I played at ear-splitting volumes was probably even more annoying than this new fangled dubstep and emo sobbery. And of course moshing and jumping up and down like a lunatic on a pogo stick wasn’t exactly endorsed by the Royal Academy of Dancing.
But you see, when you’re young you think the world belongs to you. You think you’re the first person ever to fall in love, rebel, be angry, philosophise, have dreams and feel true pain. And it’s magnificent.
As you get older though, you realise that humans have been going through those motions for countless generations. But somehow, YOUR youth and the culture of those short years will always feel just a bit cooler and a bit more valid than anyone else’s.
So think back with me.
What were the trends when you grew up? Was your hair permed? Did you wear a step? Pink leggings? '60s minis?
And if you really want to make our day, send us a picture of yourself from your late teens and/or early 20s. I promise you, it’s a good kind of nostalgia. Funniest picture will win respect, fame and a t-shirt!