Alt fashion | 2009 in review; archives

'09 in review

'09 was a very mixed year, with an even wider selection of styles cropping up across the alternative scene. From a rise in interest in Steampunk style, to an unusual take on a new rave meets emo twist.

Trends over the year saw the widest variation of styles yet. With a mixture of everything on the shelves, from rockabilly frocks (hell bunny) and pin up heels (Bordello), new rave meets emo styled streetwear (Criminal damage, & Blue banana), a touch of steampunk (Alchemy, & Laughing vampire), and notes of gothic, lolita, and punk.

One key trend this year was accessorising; with the recession still pulling on many a purse string it saw us taking a note to update our wardrobes with less this year. Looking to accessories to add a new lease of life to our outfits.

With a flurry of fabulous fascinations, and hats in style; seeing a wide range of styles from the unique with designers like Twinklebug creating glittery ice cream fascinators, to the range of gothic mini hats by Phaze.

But these tightened purse strings also saw an increase in diy, and crafting within the scene. Taking on the approach of make do and mend, there was an increased interest in knitting, and crafting groups across the country. As well as diy kits cropping up in online stores from Lady luck rules ok with their new speedcrafting kits, to a plethora of cross stitching, and craft project kits by Miso funky.

Footwear was another area wear where we were spending in abundance. With the release of killer high heels by Bordello wowing with dashings of glitter, and animal prints; to the punkier style of printed heels by Iron fist.

Steampunk also made quite a mark on the alternative scene in '09 as we predicted in '08. With events such as the Bizarre ball, and Club antichrist taking on steampunk themes, to companies such as Alchemy taking a steampunk influence to their latest ranges.

But '09 also saw a few new launches amongst the trends. Glamour bunny launched their new collection of hourglass inspired pin up frocks; whilst Queeni-B launched their boutique webshop earlier in April, & Mookow army opened the doors to their Liverpool shop at Gostins arcade over the summer.

Whilst a few closures may have occurred over the year, it was certainly refreshing to see so many new launches over the year and new ranges being produced.

As we run into 2010 alternative fashion is as wonderfully varied as ever. With a return to the traditional gothic look, seeing more gothic attire making it's mark with oodles of lace, brocades, and dark shades. Amongst a return to more nautical rockabilly style with anchors, stripes, and shades of blue and red a plenty. Not to forget a touch of the experimental with one off designs, and a touch of handmade, and customized apparel.