Unraveling American Fashion: A Critical Transatlantic Analysis

Fashion serves as a mirror reflecting the cultural ethos of a nation, and when it comes to American and British fashion, the differences are stark. In this exploration of fashion on both sides of the Atlantic, the focus shifts to scrutinise American style, delving into how it can be perceived as disappointing in contrast to its British counterpart. The pervasive influence of sportswear and the occasional missteps on the illustrious Met Gala red carpet will be examined to shed light on the nuanced aspects of American fashion. “The massive decline in dressing nicely and appropriately in our country has gotten so bad that Bill Maher addressed our world of "slob culture" on Real Time in October 2013”.- go retro.

American Fashion: A Tapestry of Discontent

While American fashion prides itself on diversity, a closer inspection reveals a pervasive reliance on casual wear, particularly sportswear. An article in the "Journal of Cultural Studies" by Garcia et al. (2020) suggests that the dominance of sportswear in the American wardrobe may contribute to a homogenised aesthetic that lacks the depth and sophistication seen in other global fashion capitals. “Apart from professional business attire, American fashion is eclectic and predominantly informal.”-Wikipedia

American fashion can be interesting, sometimes

At times american fashion can be interesting. If you walk down the streets of New York or Los Angeles, you tend to find that the population likes to dress up. New York City and Los Angeles are two epicentres of american fashion that you can call amazing. Both boast of distinctive styles that captivate fashion enthusiasts, especially lovers of designer brands. Within The hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, New York fashion week Is celebrated and brings out the eclectic mix of different styles. Influences from various neighbourhoods converge To create a dynamic of unique styling and clothing. Meanwhile in Los Angeles, fashion takes on a more relaxing look yet influenced by flashy designer labels. The West Coast style often embraces casual sophistication, embodying the city's sunny and carefree spirit. Fashion journalist Johnson observes, "LA fashion is a fusion of comfort and chic, where the boundaries between street style and high fashion blur seamlessly" (Johnson, 2022). If you watch the Netflix shows selling sunset, oc Etc, you’ll get a gist of what LA fashion is. When you ask people what “American fashion” means, the responses you get tend to be a lot like Justice Potter Stewart’s definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.” - Andrew Bolton The Met Institute of Costume.

James Dean‘s influential style

James Dean, the iconic rebel of the 1950s, left an indelible mark on American fashion, forever associating coolness and rebellion with a timeless sense of style. With his brooding demeanour and penchant for classic pieces like blue jeans, white T-shirts, and leather jackets, Dean epitomised a rugged yet effortlessly chic aesthetic. His role in "Rebel Without a Cause" solidified him as a symbol of youthful defiance, and his off-screen persona further fuelled the cultural fascination. Dean's influence on American fashion extended beyond the 1950s, permeating subsequent decades as a symbol of counterculture and individualism. Decades later, his rebellious spirit continues to resonate, reminding us that true style is not just about clothing but about embodying an attitude that defies conformity. “the 1950s, the decade just before that subcultural boom took off in film and music? Just as stylish and just as rebellious in spirit, we'd have to argue the decade's main style nexus is James Dean.”- British GQ

Casual Cool: The Sportswear Predicament

The love affair between Americans and sportswear, often celebrated as a symbol of comfort and versatility, has also been a subject of criticism. Smith's (2019) study in the "Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management" notes that the prevalence of athleisure may inadvertently contribute to a dilution of individual expression, with the line between athletic wear and everyday attire becoming increasingly blurred. When you go to the States and you want to go out for dinner, you’ll find yourself overdressed as everyone else is in Nike leggings and basketball shorts. “Sportswear has been influenced the American fashion as well, and comfort, relaxed and functional cuts became to influence fashion with help from Hollywood“ (Welters & Cunningham 2005).

The Met Gala: Glamour Amidst Disappointment

While the Met Gala stands as a beacon of high fashion and innovation, the event is not immune to criticism. An analysis by fashion critic Johnson (2021) points out that, despite the potential for stunning displays of creativity, many celebrities miss the mark at the Met Gala, opting for spectacle over substance. The red carpet, though undeniably glamorous, can become a showcase of fashion misfires that fail to capture the true essence of the event. Almost every year the celebrity guest list fails to be on theme Especially with the gilded glamour. Billie Eilish And Blake Lively were the two people to get it right that year.

Bloody awful

Up the town! Wrexham!!

Rethinking American Fashion

When scrutinizing American fashion, it becomes apparent that the allure of diversity may not always translate into a captivating sartorial narrative. The overreliance on sportswear and occasional disappointments at events like the Met Gala prompt a reconsideration of the trajectory of American style. As we navigate the transatlantic fashion landscape, perhaps it's time for American designers and celebrities to embrace a more nuanced approach that goes beyond casual comfort, striving for a fashion narrative that captivates the world with its depth and innovation. It’s okay to dress up! “Olivier Gabet, the director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, rolled his eyes at the whole idea, labeling it an outmoded concept in a global world.” - NY Times.