Youth culture began to grow in the 1950's with the rise of teenage consumers which sparked a new age of fashion especially within film. The Hays code became increasingly relaxed with time which allowed people on screen to DO more and spectators to SEE more. We then see subcultures begin to emerge with the earliest being mods, bikers and then of course punks. As viewed today, 'Easy Rider' depicts a movie made outside the studio system reflecting popularised music of the time (a strong factor of subcultural factions), drug deals and the Hippie lifestyle that appealed to young responders.
We have seen a myriad of subcultural movements in which film has helped build upon in relation to fashion. The classic examples demonstrate opposition to mainstream values and resisting mass taste which are apparent within 'Jubilee' 1977 where fierce black coats, zippers and metallics are like that of a warning to mainstream society - threatening. What interests me more is those contemporary subcultures displayed within film and since i am so drawn to costume I have studied Cosplay and it's effect on trends.
In the present context, scholars have shifted the focus towards the fluidity of identity within these groups that reflects upon our highly individualised technologically mediated worlds. Cosplay or ‘costume-play’ is distinctively embedded within the technological realm that extends one’s notion of self far beyond bone and sinew. To a great extent, Cosplay exists as a subculture through the collective aspiration to redefine one’s self through dressing up not only as famous characters from films, but also as characters that they have developed themselves (Versegi, M. 2007). Cosplay enthusiasts engage deeply with technology, immersing themselves in anime, movies, TV series, books, comics and video games to embody a character they feel most similar, which extends their own sense of self and group identity.
I found an article demonstrating how one cosplayer connects with Ramona Flowers, the supporting actress in 'Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World'.
http://screencrush.com/cosplay-scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-ramona-flowers/
Cosplay is a most vivid expression of what Daniel Casey describes as ‘lucid secrecy, interweaving childhood terrors, sheer pleasure, mystic fantasy, and sacred awe’ (Casey, D, 2010). These individuals thrive off both the anxiety and euphoria that comes with assuming the essence of another being such as film characters or heroes which has the propensity to make the most mysterious more relatable. They seek to mould their identity through whole body transformations and supplements such as costume, hair, makeup accessories and adopted mannerisms.
By assuming an avatar, members immediately set themselves apart from mainstream society, allowing them to experience the psychological intensity of ‘not fitting it’ via an extension of identity.
We have seen a myriad of subcultural movements in which film has helped build upon in relation to fashion. The classic examples demonstrate opposition to mainstream values and resisting mass taste which are apparent within 'Jubilee' 1977 where fierce black coats, zippers and metallics are like that of a warning to mainstream society - threatening. What interests me more is those contemporary subcultures displayed within film and since i am so drawn to costume I have studied Cosplay and it's effect on trends.
In the present context, scholars have shifted the focus towards the fluidity of identity within these groups that reflects upon our highly individualised technologically mediated worlds. Cosplay or ‘costume-play’ is distinctively embedded within the technological realm that extends one’s notion of self far beyond bone and sinew. To a great extent, Cosplay exists as a subculture through the collective aspiration to redefine one’s self through dressing up not only as famous characters from films, but also as characters that they have developed themselves (Versegi, M. 2007). Cosplay enthusiasts engage deeply with technology, immersing themselves in anime, movies, TV series, books, comics and video games to embody a character they feel most similar, which extends their own sense of self and group identity.
I found an article demonstrating how one cosplayer connects with Ramona Flowers, the supporting actress in 'Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World'.
http://screencrush.com/cosplay-scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-ramona-flowers/
The woman on the right, Leilani Jo,y covers every minute detail of Ramona Flowers costume she wears at the climax of the film complete with the blue wig.
Cosplay is a most vivid expression of what Daniel Casey describes as ‘lucid secrecy, interweaving childhood terrors, sheer pleasure, mystic fantasy, and sacred awe’ (Casey, D, 2010). These individuals thrive off both the anxiety and euphoria that comes with assuming the essence of another being such as film characters or heroes which has the propensity to make the most mysterious more relatable. They seek to mould their identity through whole body transformations and supplements such as costume, hair, makeup accessories and adopted mannerisms.
By assuming an avatar, members immediately set themselves apart from mainstream society, allowing them to experience the psychological intensity of ‘not fitting it’ via an extension of identity.
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