High school conjures various images, thoughts and emotions depending on the person reminiscing. The initial rush of aggravating classes, odd teachers and disgusting lunches are all common denominators when recanting those four pivotal teenage years. However, another interesting facet often lurks in the background undetected until closer inspection. Attire is unquestionably a vital element embedded in the academic process for those wearing uniforms or other school board-approved garments. Everyone remembers what they wore in high school just like they can recant whatever music, films, or cars filled his or her free time. The countless cultural aspects surrounding one’s tenure directly impacted the brands and styles one gravitated toward, regardless of decade. But outside the well-known manufacturers attached to different generations, schools actually produced admirable designs on their own accord. Although it may seem odd upon initial thought, pieces, especially those produced pre-2000, boast enviable graphic design work that all levels of fashion have imitated. Countless brands flip the classic P.E. shirt with the blank space for the student’s name. Physical education class produced an iconic American garment despite the lackluster memories associated with sweaty outings and foul-smelling locker rooms (the occasional fist fights were amazing). Athletics always account for interesting merchandise, and most schools have an abundance of programs with corresponding gear. All activities considered, track and field reigns as a personal favorite. The winged foot representing the magical sandals worn by Hermes and Mercury descended from the mythological beings and became synonymous with track sports. (In terms of modern brands, Noah consistently utilizes the winged foot and other related imagery with connections to high school athletics.) The vast majority of this school-created clothing has that loveable quality innate to hand-drawn graphics. There’s a slightly crude and amateurish feel stemming from the human error that can’t be replicated through computer-assisted renderings. Kapital undoubtedly plays off this sentiment by creating products with thoughtful irregularities and flaws people now associate with high-quality Japanese craftsmanship–countless Japanese brands reference vintage styles from American high schools and colleges. But, it feels completely natural because a 15-year-old kid is wearing it while daydreaming in English class instead of a fashion house attempting to recontextualize something deemed mundane and unspectacular. The human element makes the imagery interesting. (The slightly offset letters and number on the Cannelton hoodie are perfect mistakes.) Chances are students, faculty, or parent volunteers played some role in creating these pieces, definitely adding a heightened element of care and pride. Graphics aside, schools started off on a great note by selecting blanks that are now treasured by aficionados for the fit, style and colors. Russell and Champion seemed extremely viable options because of the admirable quality, low price point and historical connection to sports. Those square tags boasting Russell’s falcon head or Champion’s emblem are the perfect subtle additions that peak collectors’ interest. It’s refreshing to see these companies’ products in an original context. The retro sports trend plastering oversized logos on every imaginable product dilutes how interesting these school renditions are. (How many “fashion” collaborations has Champion done in the last decade?) Similar to military or outdoor garb, it’s always more intriguing to envision these items utilized in the intended setting and capacity. I think a dangerous line can be crossed when discussing an item’s “essence” or “soul, but these garments embody a unique culmination of cultural practices far removed from the modern fashion world. No high school football coach or equipment manager is personally heat transferring graphics to the team’s sweatshirts in 2019. Amateurish graphics, recognizable subject matter and vibrant blanks combined to form things far more interesting than the “R15E UP” sold during my 2015 commencement.
0 Comments
Most horrific, grotesque, frightening acts leave vivid imprints in people’s memory. Every September, America pauses for a brief moment to memorialize the losses on 9/11. Memorial Day is a national holiday. Besides the immense pride instilled in these events, a never-ending array of corresponding apparel, bumper stickers, aprons, and decorations is sold. However, several sinister events led to an opportunistic cash grab in the 90’s. Instead of t-shirts honoring a national tragedy or deceased celebrity, certain incidents evolved into absurd historical tokens. The two episodes with the most online evidence are Ted Bundy’s execution and the 1993 Waco siege involving David Koresh’s Branch Davidians. Both situations had the nation in a chokehold, and bystanders seized the occasion by selling graphic t-shirts. Eager opportunists swarmed outside the Branch Davidian’s compound selling a variety of themed merchandise. The 51-day siege allowed vendors to get extremely creative, offering countless variations for customers to try out. I guess the items aren’t bootlegs because there is no original basis for the designs, but the lo-fi 90’s graphics play heavily into the vintage parking lot merch craze in recent years. The lines of booths and salesmen resemble a music festival far more than a horrific event resulting in 82 casualties. In a similar vein, Ted Bundy’s 1989 execution evolved into a fashion runway showcasing homemade creations. Bundy’s actions disgusted the country, and the crowd surrounding his death looked eerily excited. The Bundy bystanders favored custom shirts instead of the vendor-made goods from Waco, but that “Burn Bundy, Burn” caricature shirt is just too ridiculous not to mention. Some favored classic white crewnecks with simple references to his inevitable fate in the electric chair, while some went the extra step and tie-dyed their creation for a vibrant but laid-back effect. Although it seems odd to design a shirt glorifying a man’s death via electric shock or purchase a garment representing a cult leader, tantalizing situations usually trickle across all mediums, including fashion. Both events are embedded in American history and will continue to be explored through film, literature and of course - t-shirts. |
AuthorMax Theriot Archives
November 2019
Categories |