Subcultures

Subcultures are people who have formed a distinctive network of behavior, beliefs and attitudes to what is classed the "norm". When mentioning subcultures automatically punk rolls off the tounge.

Working as a make up artist, subcultural trends influenced each era with great dramatical changes, one of my favourite subcultures in regards to make up are The Mods, the pic on the right is a typical make up look, this look was popularised by iconic model Twiggy and has been replicated over and over in the fashion circles. Here is a little insight of my favourite subculture:

A Mod was a product of working class British youth of the mid-sixties. They portrayed an image of being stuck up, emulating the middle classes, and acting snobbish. The Mod boys dressed in suits, neat narrow trousers, and pointed shoes. The girls displayed a boyish image, they darkened their eyes and wore their hair short to fit a unisex type of culture.

The Mods were essentially from London and the South East and were complete followers of the latest fashion. Each had to have a Lambretta GT 200 or a Vespa GS 160, scooters that they rode as part of their stigma that connected them to being a Mod. Like most gangs of their time, The Mods had a very distinct, yet common interest in music. They adopted to modern jazz, which was a style of music originated in Black America. Through the jazz music of Black America, the Mods appeared to distinguish themselves from mainstream society. They seemed to be attracted to the "cool" demeanour and elegant clothing possessed by jazz musicians, and strived to emulate their style.

I feel in todays society especially in multicultural australia we have come to accept all nationalities, cultures, and subcultures. In the past subcltures shocked society because they were not the "norm" and stood out, in todays society so many people stand out, we dont look differently apon them, well at least i dont, its a look of acceptance of there culture, of their lifestyle choices and self expression.