Infiltration in Glasgow’s Alternative Fashion Scene: Is There Any Prevention?
By Shishoka Senk via Unsplash
By Kayleigh Morrison
It’s no secret that alternative communities have always been a minority in the world, with aesthetics such as clean girl, athleisure and old money seemingly taking over today.
Shops such as Primark, Next, Quiz and H&M dominate British high streets with the latest trendy clothing. However, this leaves people with less popular styles such as goth, scene and emo struggling to find places to shop amongst the storm of “basic” pieces.
Subculture has always been centred around specific politics and ideologies alongside the style of dress. The avid disdain for fast fashion, favouring sustainable brands and turning towards DIY to attain their unique clothing, is a vital part of the community. However, with the slow decline of places to shop, what happens to the ones who don’t have the time or skill to make their clothes?
Glasgow is a place that used to be known for its thriving alternative music scene and as an “alternative and cultural hot spot”. It was formally recognised as the European City of Culture in 1990, a major success in the business and the arts sectors.
Iconic shops such as Killstar, Flip and Cyber were pillars of alternative clothing stores. However, Killstar is now exclusively online and Flip and Cyber have faded out over the years.
The only stores left in Glasgow are Damaged Society in St Enoch’s and Dee’s of Trongate and Osiris on Queen Street. Even then, many of the clothes in these shops look cheap or downright gimmicky.
It seems the only way to get readymade alternative fashion is by spending an arm and a leg on online sites such as Minga London and Killstar. However, to save money, you could feed into non-sustainable and problematic brands such as SHEIN. With the slow death and decline of high streets and the loss of unique fashion stores, can people really be blamed for where they’re getting their clothes?
Another fashion issue prominent in the alternative community is the rise of the “clean goth,” people who wear some eyeliner, a black top and black leggings and call themselves “alt.”
Subculture is not just about fashion, but a key part of the community that people are warping to fit “normality.” Alternative culture has always had a kind of radicality about it. They’re not meant to fit in. It is, at its core, a rebellion against the conformity, rules and elitist attitudes showcased by society.