The Threads of Tunes

What do you see when you think of Hip-Hop? Is it the blaring boom box or the loose, free style of clothing accompanying the music and dance? What about disco? I imagine the subculture that emerged from the music style and the fashion that followed. The flare pants, bright colors, and big hairdos were so beloved in the 70s. Music is powerful. Not only can it captivate an audience with the message of its tunes and the emotion contained in every word and melody, but it also has the ability to create new styles. It has the ability to birth fashion sensations. Endless fabrics and threads lay at the mercy of music, allowing themselves to be molded by songs and melodies. Each music style is accompanied by a unique style of clothing catered to the emotions elicited by the harmonies, lyrics, and culture of each genre.

Think back to the origin of Hip-Hop. On an otherwise ordinary day, a group of kids threw a block party and mixed music that would one day create a whole genre of music and a clothing style. Today, modern artists like Drake, Kendrick, and Doja Cat embody the hip-hop style. As seen by the music of these prominent rappers, Hip-Hop has the ability to change the mood of the listener drastically. Born in the Bronx within an immigrant enclave, the music was born to lighten the challenges immigrants were thrown into daily. With the booming base and poetic lines accompanying the beats, the music truly builds confidence. It encourages people to take control of their lives and create movement– make what they want to happen, happen.

The message is seen in the clothing of the style; they speak of freedom. With the loose, baggy pants, graphic shirts, and accessorization with hats and chains, the music makes a name for itself through fashion. The fusion hip-hop style draws elements from African and Latin cultures, showcasing that cultural diversity has grown since the 1970s. The chains and gold accessories that accompanied the movement screamed success. Hip-hop creates a mode for self-expression through physical attributes, not only through words and actions. Often known as “streetwear,” Hip-Hop fashion has expanded to its own aesthetic in the 21st century.

Let us explore a blast from the past and move on to Rock n Roll. Born in the 50s, this style of music includes electric instruments, heavy beats, and more simple melodies. From this emerged the fashion of leather jackets, large spiky hair, and band t-shirts. The color palette consists of darker tones like black and red and touches of blue in denim. Think of the numerous band tees from local thrift stores and the rock bands on them. Metallica, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd are all examples of an entire aesthetic emerging from a style of music. These iconic bands paved the way for fashion surrounding Rock n Roll to emerge.

The message of Rock n Roll is reflected in its style. The music expresses rebellion and feelings of angst, both of which have translated into the clothing of the Rock n Roll aesthetic. The black and red symbolize anger and angst, while the leather typically correlates to biker gangs and the ideas of rebellion surrounding them. Throwing on a leather jacket usually means going for an edgier look, and spikey hair went against typical fashion norms in the 50s. The accessories of this subculture included sunglasses, dark makeup with bold lipstick for women, and guyliner.

Lastly, let us dive deep into disco. With songs like “Funkytown” and “Stayin’ Alive,” disco has never failed to brighten the mood of listeners. Not only does the music have this impact, but the fashion following the disco sensations could create a party of its own. The disco aesthetic has followed us as a common party costume theme through the decades. With flare pants, big hairstyles, and bright-colored patterns, disco emulates funkiness and fantasy. It created a safe haven for people to escape outside of their busy, stressful lives and get dressed up, portraying a new version of themselves for the night. The style and music grew together and reflected the upbeat nature of disco.

Looking within, music has changed the way I present myself. Each occasion has music to match the vibe. Doja Cat and Drake accompany me as I get ready for a party and put on clothes and makeup that make me feel bold, and R&B songs blast through my headphones at the library when I wear an outfit that is loose fitting and relaxing. Simply put, there is music for every occasion, every outfit, and every emotion.

Not only can music create a world of our own in our minds, but it can also be a source of self-expression through fashion, where people can be whoever and everything they want to be. Both of them express the period they emerged from through such distinct mediums. They bounce off one another and grow in such harmony that, together, they create an everlasting aesthetic. Not a victim to time or to change, these aesthetics have stuck around and continue to allow people to express themselves and their creative sides. Whether it be music or fashion, both are so interconnected that one cannot exist without the other. They continue to evolve together and grow in the constantly changing world. Forever lasting, forever immortal.