GRUNGE- Social Attitudes

The scruffy fashion of grunge was symbolic of their general disenchantment with the state of society, discomfort with social prejudices and perceptions of Generation X. This is further exemplified in the lyrics of grunge music - typically angst-filled, often addressing themes such as social alienation, apathy, confinement, and a desire for freedom (bearing similarities to those addressed by punk rock musicians at the time). Music critic Simon Reynolds said in 1992 that "there's a feeling of burnout in the culture at large. Kids are depressed about the future."

This rebellion against fashion, however, contradicted itself as it hit the mainstream - as has happened to many sub-cultures before. When grunge became a 'trend', it became fashionable to wear flannel shirts and Doc Martin boots became popularized. Stereotypical items became mass-produced and stylized and the thrift-store shopping, unwashed hair idealisation that grunge had - of not conciously caring about creating an appealing fashion - lost all its basis - which could subsequently be a reason for its decline in the latter half of the 1990s. Grunge is now a source of inspiration for many designers and has become a popular modern look.

Original Grunge -

Nirvana

Stoke Newington grunge festival, 1993

Seattle Grungers

Modern Grunge -

Mary-Kate Olsen

 Rhianna

Lindsey Lohan