While the concept of style tribes is certainly not new, I think that style tribes are as relevant as ever and continue to be a source of influence and inspiration for fashion designers all over the world today. There are two style tribes that I have come across recently, which serve to illustrate the fascinating balance of individual expression while belonging to a very distinct group.
For the Congolese Sapeurs, haute couture has become a sort of religion where the individual purchases and wears the most expensive, luxurious, extravagant clothes possible while often living in squalor and otherwise barely able to make a living. Considering that the average annual income in the Democratic Republic of Congo is about US$100, it gives a whole new meaning to the concept of “obsessed with fashion”.
Examples of the incredibly stylish yet somehow extremely tough looking Congolese Sapeurs From cyanatrendland.com
Oh, and check out a side-by-side comparison of a couple of the Sapeurs next to models from Paul Smith's Spring/Summer 2010 runway show.
In both photos... Left: A Sapeur, Right: model from Paul Smith's SS2010 show
Also from From cyanatrendland.com
Japan has long since been known for its distinct style tribes, and the Mori (or “Forest”) Girls are no different. I liked the description of the Mori Girl style from http://imomus.livejournal.com/462034.html.
“Mori in Japanese means "forest" and a Mori Girl (森ガール) is a girl who looks like she lives amongst cedar and pine trees. She's part Little Red Ridinghood (although she prefers dark blue, dark green or bordeaux brown to bright red), part Marie Antoinette pastoral fantasy, part Alice in Wonderland .”
A look that started two years ago, Mori Girls now number close to ten thousand! Here are some other examples of Mori Girls I’ve found.
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