Articles of Interest 6. Punk Style
Dec 11, 2018
Don Letts, a legendary DJ and filmmaker, shares his experiences at the intersection of reggae and punk cultures. He discusses how punk's visual style emerged from defiance and the importance of clothing as cultural expression, especially for marginalized groups. The conversation delves into the DIY ethos of punk fashion, its global spread, and how figures like Vivienne Westwood shaped its aesthetic. Letts also explores the political nature of fashion and how style can empower individuals, bridging historical influences with modern expressions.
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Early Punk Identity In College
- Don Letts recalls being pulled aside on his first day at college and warned about Satan because of his look.
- He wore one battered Husker Du T‑shirt from age 14 to 19 and even safety‑pinned it to keep it together.
Style As Marginalized Expression
- Clothing and style are often dismissed because they are associated with young people, women, queers, and people of color.
- These groups have used fashion to express identity where other voices were denied.
Black Cultural Roots Of Punk Ethos
- Don Letts links Black cultural creativity to punk's DIY ethos and resourceful music forms.
- He argues reggae and hip‑hop are forms of 'black punk rock' born from scarcity and ingenuity.
