What I really got from this video is "Buy Oakleys." But nah, I super agree with everything here. When you're new to fashion, it's easy to fall into the trap of "If I'm gonna be into this style scene, I HAVE to keep up with the latest trends -- OH GOD WHY'S IT GOING SO FAST" On top of that, you're likely to get overwhelmed when you don't have the knowledge to understand that there are more options to you than just cheap crap like Shein or the most expensive of the big ticket brands. Moderation and research is the name of the game; understand the aesthetics you enjoy, keep an eye on trends mostly just to see if there's anything that really speaks to you, and then do some internet legwork to find reputable, reliable stores that work with your budget.
I've been recently getting sucked into the rabbit hole of fashion and some of the best advice I've heard is not just to wear what you want but to wear stuff that means something to you. Family heirlooms, a symbol you find really important, wearing stuff that represents your culture, a color that reminds of you of someone important, etc. Things like that will never go out of style because they were never based on trends in the first place--it's all personal and I think that's what fashion should be about ultimately.
It's always good to be inspired but the whole appeal of techwear is the durability and utility which are, by their very nature, aspects that give clothes a lot of longevity. It might go out of style, in the mainstream sense, but that's exactly where a bit of curiosity and thinking outside your usual boxes can help things feel fresh. The microtrend thing is just exhausting and it does kind of scream "stand for nothing you'll fall for anything" to me, even if you're a full time influencer or so. So yeah, what Antwon said but more grumpy and with more emphasis on overconsumption being wholly bad and very not sustainable.
I've just been doing my emo/punk with korean/japanese inspiration for like 20 years now so microtrends wouldn't really do anything for me and I never paid them any mind, but hearing about you how you took a microtrend and recontextualized it for your own style with SISP was kinda cool. Might need to try that some time.
When i was a tween girl I fell pretty hard into the Mori kei aesthetic on tumblr, but I wore a uniform to school, had no money to buy my own clothes and otherwise wore my cousin’s hand me downs, which is not something I really resent because I was 12 and who cared what I was or wasn’t wearing. But I really liked the Mori kei stuff (think cottagecore but japanese street fashion and therefore 1000x cooler, with extra layering, lace and big chunky cardigans. It literally means forest girl). So I never got to consume or wear Mori kei while it was still a thing. But by the time I was an adult with the ability to buy and style my own wardrobe all of that stuff that I looked at for hours online still stuck with me and influences my fashion to this day, mixed in with other stuff I picked up along the way that makes my clothing feel like a part of who I am. By the time cottagecore became a huge trend it was like I’d been cool before everyone else was, just because I still loved this niche Japanese aesthetic from way back in the 2010s. If you like something, engage with it, even if you’re not buying it. It’s still a part of who you are, until you decide it’s not for you anymore. Trends are cyclical, yada yada yada, i just like wearing five different layers of muslin and wool, sue me.
Really enjoyed this discussion fam. I don’t use TikTok just simply because it’s overwhelming enough to follow fashion influencers on YT and IG, let alone scrolling through hyper focused fashion content on TikTok. However, your positive outlook on micro trends gave me hope that people will really start to expand on their own personal style through experimentation
I'm with you, I just can't do it. It's stressful to even try to be inquisitive about TikTok, even YT shorts kinda piss me off. And while some people are good at getting a lot from 1 min videos it'll never compare to something more in depth, nor is it usually very entertaining or educational.
The boxy shirts with a camp collar are awesome for summer because they are typically in a light cotton or linen with a nice open weave. I have a cotton one that is my go to shirt on hot days because it keeps me comfortable thanks to the absolute volume of airflow.
This is a nice video-- I like what you said about learning before buying. I'm reminded of when I first got into fashion, it was around 2016 and I chose to examine how fashion/adornments have been used to complete the performance of identity for a year long research paper. I spent countless hours looking at fashion subcultures (lots of stuff I didn't like, few things I loved), and that's how I learned to care about why people were dressing the way they were. I ended up coming out with way more respect for DIY fashion than high-fashion and I ultimately ended up developing my own style, which ended up being neither DIY or designer. Furthermore, it gave me the understanding that it's perfectly normal to be interested in the appreciation of fashion without having to purchase into specific niches.
Love these kinds of videos, they're probably what got me to subscribe to this channel. Definitely interesting to hear your insights and how people might think about the things that they wear, as someone who's only been recently trying to get into this kinda stuff!
Acquiring knowledge about styles you like is under-rated, I discovered your channel 2 years ago and got into techwear then, the more I wait the more I am satisfied with the pieces I buy, I still am very far away from the style I want to end up with but I love wearing every piece of tech clothing I got ! (except for the first one I bought on the "where can I find the best X" impulse lol) I wear all my favorite tech pieces for the first two weeks after I washed my clothes and then have to dress not tech at all for two weeks again cause they are all dirty, that's how much I love them
As someone who wore Asics for years because they were the most comfortable shoes for 8 hour work shifts, it's very weird to see them become hype. I always thought they were ugly but functional.
Love the sit-down logical thinking type video, it's really interesting to see your take on the current state of fashion. I would definitely watch more videos in this style...
Sick video. Really outlines and defines the characteristics of fast paced modern trends. Really engaging content that made me think about fashion in a way that I haven't before. Thanks!
My buying strategy is having custom and bespoke stuff made for me, and wearing that for thirty years. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm buying less in the long run, at a very high level of quality, but I will to be not involved in the ever changing fashion world. It's interesting comparing slow fashion to fast fashion.
i appreciate being able to step back and actually discern the good from the bad when it comes to online culture. It's so easy to be black and white about it.
I'm 35 now. In the late 90s early 00's I used to be obsessed with style-arena. A site that showcased Japanese street wear. Theres still much to learn about Japanese fashion. One thing that defined contemporary Japanese street wear through the 90s and early 00s was the constant search for the next thing. I see this happening global. Not sure if this is a good thing. But theres much to be said about hyper consumerism in the late stages of capitalism. As I get older I start to see how so much of fashion feels like costume and dress up. I used to find much inspiration in Kanye designs as they seem to reference all the things I love: anime, video games, mega Man, comics, empowerment. But lately everything including Balenciaga just looks like try hards. I start to vaule simplicity, elegance, sexiness, sophistication, sleek and effortless clothes. minimalism. Ultimately the dream is to find my one cartoon closet outfit I can wear forever.
unrelated, but the anticipation for the ACRNM FW22 drop is killing me. I've gotten so much use from unexpected purchases coyote P39M & S25PRB after having never veered from skinny jeans & not trying tank shirts, it feels like a long wait and Im excited to see whats in store, esp after the Korea Exclusive P30A-DSKR-BKS pull strap & JA1-GTKR-BKS non-zip reloadable grav pockets.
I Love your content because you're always very aware of the impact that our Culture has on our own Nature, and just about how people will naturally gravitates toward the group because we're just like that humans, we love getting involved, even people with very distinct style got inspired somewhere and took their inspiration, not matter what they say it always come from somewhere, and its true for the average population too
I think social media was the worst thing for fashion. There may be more "stylish" people walking around due to social pressures to conform and a mass blueprint for how to do it but everyone looks the same. I feel like there are no regional variations like there once was. I'm from the D[M]V, and I remember traveling to tournaments all up and down the east coast and cities and regions having distinct styles that I could adopt, admire, and bring back. Even at my high school, the various clicks all dressed drastically different with their own unique vibes. Now when I go outside, all these kids look the same. Its like I'm looking at generic fashion robots. I mean they look fresh but it doesn't seem authentic.
Very insightful video Applejacks! I think it’s so important to try and find a balance between being grounded in your own style and being open to trying new things
Very good content, Antwon. Love how this feels as a video-report, very informative and easy to understand. The didactical level of these videos is underappreciated but imo, it's what adds more value to your channel beyond reviews. Keep them coming!
Cool to see you picked up a pair of the eye jacket redux! I bought three pairs in different colors because they go with my style and fit my face really well.
Sick, I've been enjoying them a lot so not surprised to hear you ended up grabbing multiple pairs. There aren't too many shades on the market with that authentic early 2000s era shape either
Brilliant! My favorite vid of yours to date. I really love your “think pieces” and would love to see more. For example, a “The top 5 things I’ve learned in my journey through ‘X’ trend” might be interesting.
Those 50's kind of shirts reminds me of the outfits worn by the 'bad guys' in the post-apocalyptic film Cherry 2000. I could see those shirts going with leather or pleather trousers. EDIT: I have been creating my own style of dystopian/post-apocalyptic clothing. I usually DIY the heck out of clearance rack clothing. I do a lot of slashing and spiking with a little bleach, paint and patches. I get almost all of my sewing supplies from Etsy, it's a goldmine. I haven't followed a trend since maybe high school in the late 80's, I have always done my own thing.
I usually watch longer videos like this on 2x speed (attention span difficulties thanks to the short form videos lol) but this was so packed with thoughts and insights I had to slow it down! Thanks for making this, i wish I could force everyone in the community to watch this.
I've had a rule for myself to only buy stuff that fits my wardrobe in a way that i can just pull 4 items out and the fit still is coherent and makes me feel comfy. This also makes me love every piece i own and wear them to death haha
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Anton. As a 30yo, I too don’t want to spend money on fashion, just to participate. It’s a cruel joke that most of us are under the impression of.
So true king, short format content nukes people's attention spans. It feels like a deliberate step towards turning people into perversely refined mindless consumerists instead of allowing people live up to our fullest potential as human beings. I love video games as much as any millennizoomer, but consuming content isn't my life's purpose
Patience is key in expanding your wardrobe and OBVIOUSLY buy what YOU like. Best example recently bought a pair of Needles tracks (keep in mind retail 300-350) from HIP store UK for £80. Crazy pick up
Absolutely love this video¡ the title doesn’t do the subject matter justice but, the people who need to hear this the most wouldn’t be pulled in as easily with a more accurate one
i've really appreciated your insights about these trends, and i completely agree with you! it's always a good thing to take some time to learn and observe all the various matches and items new trends bring, by doing so you also avoid impulsive consumption and get to identify what you actually like. i think that, even tho a certain piece won't be on trend for ever, you can be able to appreciate it and maybe give it the justice it deserves, possibily making it a lifelong piece for yourself :)
In all honesty my intro to tech wear was through your TikTok’s. Techwear being Techwear though I wasn’t comfortable forking out that much cash right away. Instead i got some simple things from primark to put with stuff I already had to see how I felt wearing it as opposed to just looking at it on a video. Never been much into fashion but learning to make my own style but taking bits and pieces is proving to be enjoyable.
Hey Antwon do you by chance have recollection of when you were talking about a pair of pants (I think it was the p38 but I’m not 100% sure) and talked about how the oversized belt loops on the front are a feature in themselves because they can fit a carabiner and lanyard? I’ve been searching for this segment for a while but it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack 😭
I like to think of fashion, style and trends as 3 distinct things - fashion being the broader discipline/artform, style being an expression/quality of fashion and trends being the themes of expression that emerge. These might not be the truest definitions of these words, but I think it's useful to understand that these are separate concepts because it makes these things more accessible. Everyone can have their own style without needing to understand fashion, anyone can have an interest in fashion without having to own trendy pieces, and even trends can be less of a dirty word if you see the trend as overlapping with your personal style. A lot of people see fashion as synonymous with trends and disengage with it because they see it as inherently superficial, but I think fashion as a concept is deeper than the continuous cycle of trends we see come and go. Not sure if much of this makes sense outside my own head but hopefully there is at least some wisdom in some of that.
I took an example from Rick Owens. In one of the interviews with him, he showed his wardrobe. There was a set of 5 clothing items, that he wears everyday for like 5 years and then change. I want to be like Rick.
I would love to see tests done between actual brands and cheaper alternatives. Because near me is a really pricey clothes shop and some of it appears really high quality and others look really cheap
Really value your intelligent approach to fashion and ultimately consumption. These things need to be discussed properly in the context of modern life.
I haven’t purchased much this year as I am trying to practice responsible consumption, but I did score the white JJJJound ASICS Gel Kayano 14. Partially because of the name brand association, but mainly because I wanted to add another pair of ASICS trainers to my collection. I respect Japanese culture and am grateful to be able to participate, albeit a few degrees of separation.
I've been a fan of Asics for years. They seem to always fly under the radar despite the very selective and good collabs they do. GmbH, Kiko Kostadinov. They seem to prefer a bit edgier collabs. I find usually artsy types attracted to asics.
@@Maxatrillion08 Right. I first got in on Asics during the Gel Lyte 3/5 resurgence around 2013. Picked up some cool collabs and I don’t regret a thing. Happy hunting, friend :) Edit: Gel Lyte 5 Sand/Tan Workwear Pack, Gel Lyte 3 Reigning Champ. Also a Designer, lol
I enjoy cargo pants and gorpcore bc i enjoy hiking and the lifestyle of being outdoors but i feel like i look like everyone else now like cargo pants dont feel cool anymore but they are still my favorite pants. Micro trends i feel steal from each niche and just jumbles it together to appease the most people. ACG supreme drop looks dope tho and i like how after supreme “died” their designs actually became different and not just tees and hoodies
😍BEST VIDEO YET 🤩 - loved this, had to pause often so I could laugh at the text jokes and listen to the 🤔 you dropped. As you said micro trends are nothing new, the popularity of the short form video used to sell these trends is. I think the video format, like any media, has the potential to do both good or bad. Typically this is a rush to the bottom in the 'boom' times of the new media trend, so hope that happens here too, and fewer 'how to spend more money without reason' videos dwindle, and more informative ones trend. We'll see. 🙏Stussy + technical clothing 🙏 and zeitgeist. 🧠💪
Thanks so much! I certainly hope so, and companies are always tweaking the way algorithms work so there's potential for movement towards more highly-produced content in future, or at least striking a balance between that and quick recommendations and product-based stuff. Appreciate your comment as always sir 🙏
Whilst I agree with a lot of the sentiment of this video- I think sometimes we get a bit caught up in our little echo chambers that are the results of our social media ‘algorithms’ / follows. Ultimately, all ‘trends’ aren’t random flashes in the pan; but more likely slow simmering shifts in taste that often take years to permeate. To sight the 2 examples in this video: the ‘open collar’ shirts you attribute to Bode and ALD, have actually been in trend for around 6 consecutive summers now. Prada’s acclaimed FW16 Christophe Chemin colab , and that amazing ‘Important Ones’ shirt seemed to REALLY kick this off. Basically every brand under the sun has released options in a Camp Collar shirt the last 5 years; yes including ALD and Bode. So to you, in your echo chamber, it might seem like a ‘micro-trend’ ; is actually part of a much larger shift to this style as a whole. The JJJJound x ASICS colab seems to have also struck fire - but (as you mentioned) it too can easily be traded back through influences of gorp-core, and before it, norm-core and the whole dad-shoe trend. Also- a much larger, longer spanning period of time. All this to say, that yes, consumerism seems to be racing at hyper speed. But imho, ‘trend cycles’ are still going through the same top-down trickle that it always has, taking several years / seasons to get from large fashion houses all the way down to your local big box suburban stores. Similarly, maybe what you describe as ‘micro trends’ has always been around; but maybe previously more known as ‘style tribes’ and known under terms such as flappers, swing kids, mods, rockers, surfers, hippies, punks, disco, hip hop, Harajuku and hipsters. I Can see how the term Micro could apply to fashion, the same way genres have totally splintered in the digital music space. There’s so much option now for kids that it’s so hard to put a singular label on things- and consequently is also seems to move on pretty fast too. But it’s worth remembering that even still, all these trends exists and stem from somewhere. Trace the line up far enough and you can see it’s influences and where it came from.
Even before I saw the video, I stopped and thought why would there be a positive side to a microtrend and what would it be and I came to a very similar conclusion. It generally shows wider content so it may allow people to discover new things they otherwise wouldn't. But I still believe what I think for some time, that ALL trends are bad and they are just made up marketing concept to boost consumerism.
You're quite right! I think I misremembered as I saw a video w/ him recently talking to someone else about their clothes which were 1920s/1930s iirc. Thanks for the correction
My main piece of techware was diy based on one of many common designs you'll see floating around. Said design was attempted with poor results by a drop shipping type company so I decided to make it myself instead. So many hours of hand stitching were required as the original design was not made with production in mind. I could have used my machine for it but it would require changing the design to the point where I thought it wouldn't look as cool, and I was risking restricting how much the fabric could move around in use. Only down side is that my clothing options are not stuff that can work well with the techware look and I'm more careful about when I wear the pants since I don't want to damage them after all that work lol
If it helps at all for future projects, for hand sewing I try to opt for French seams or felling down the edges since it creates a second set of stitches to fall back on. You can choose many different ways to finish the edges and make the area stronger (even stronger/ more durable than machine) also I kinda swear by Abby Cox's video on hand sewing lol
@@ah57588 The pants I made were made from an exiting pair I liked the fit and material of, and then a second pair I bought for the material alone since it was very reflective. Tore out all the seams of the donor pants and then cut strips of fabric out. I used that material and some bias tape to make the strips of reflective fabric to add to the paints. The strips were held together with fabric glue to start with and to hold the shape I wanted. The way they were sewn on to the pants had the threads passing through the strips on all layers except the top layer of fabric. So even if the glue failed in the future the pants would be fine. The reflective fabric edges were completely hidden/ folded under but even if they weren't the fabric would never fray anyway. It was some form of plastic made fabric but didn't have a tag so I can't say which type. I mainly used hand sewing most my life and while I may not know the fancy names for stitches I do know which one to use where and which is best. I do prefer using my machine where it is possible since it is so much faster though
@Approach Cautiously that's fair, plus I realize for technical wear, bias strips probably would work better for finishing anyways. I didn't mean to make it sound like i thought you didn't know how to sew, it's more that I found handsewn garments for me last equally as well as store-bought ones even after years of use. So I tend to have faith in them and the stitches I mentioned for lasting through the wash. (And really, a fancy name or really just a search term) From the way you described it, the pants you made sounds pretty cool and high-key I love anything that has a reflective look. Though I get the feeling of wanting to protect the garment you make with all the work it takes. Especially if it becomes a personal favourite
@@ah57588 You're good. Didn't think you were being mean or insulting about anything at all. The bias tape was used just to add some structure/ an easy way to make sure all the strips were close in size. I did start by using fabric glue to attach the reflective material to it, but once I stitched it to the pants the stitching is also holding the bias tape to the reflective fabric. Saved me from having to make sure the layers didn't shift around. I had used a pair of pants as my fabric source so I couldn't cut the fabric with extra materials in case things got slightly out of line. Normally I cut extra fabric and would have just re ironed the fabric if it got out of place to save time and cut out the extra step of gluing it up.
Just at the 06:20 mark, something really fucked up happened in the techwear community, which is a lot of the DIY resources you could get online dried up, and it was those resources that could really 'inform' you about it besides consumption or fashion TH-camrs. Obviously some resources still exist and definitely check out those communities, but particularly a lot of the more tactical stuff went bye-bye for good about 3 years back.
I personally think it has to do with cheap entry price point these "micro-trends" tend to be. A lot of social media creators get sponsorship from SHEIN and Co. and the viewer/buyers is fine of potentially buying some short-lasting micro trend, because it was really cheap. But when it comes to more pricy gadgets I automatically do some intense research and look into the subject & the brand image. Do I feel a connection to the brand and does it resemble to my personal style I already own. What kind of variations are out there & which one suits my use case the best. In my case it was the Rick Owens Ramones shoe which took my 3 years of research, graving & development interests of the whole avant garde fashion culture. A lovely journey and way better then a beige Flannel-Shirt, which everyone currently owns. I own my Ramones now since 3 years and its such a timeless piece which still stuns me when I see myself in the mirror. :))
It’s crazy because as of right now thanks to stuff like TikTok there’s a certain number of people that have gone into avant garde stuff and in a way you see like a lot of the celebrities and influencers wearing Rick clothes or sneakers making it kinda “mainstream” (specially the Ramones, Geobaskets and the boots) so it feels kinda odd but I feel like it’s also just a trend that’s gonna come and go and the real people that might be invested in brands like Raf, Margiela, Yohji, CDG, TakahiroMiyashita, and other brands like that because they love the actual design and work behind the pieces will stay and the bandwagon wave will just go
It's like how Herschel was the _only_ brand of backpack teens and college kids wanted in America and Canada until Fjällräven Kånken became the hit cool bag and suddenly your very expensive Herschel backpack was social _trash_ .
I remember back in 2012 I was the first person in my high school to get a Herschel bag and kept getting comments about it. The first time where I felt that I was before the curve. At the time I could only find them at Nordstrom... imagine!!!
Not sure the binary between “aspirational” vs “transactional” social media paradigms is quite right. I think it’s more about a fragmentation of audiences and attentions from more concentrated sources of power (ie fewer influencers living hugely inaccessible lives) to way more diffuse sources (ie many more “kind of cool” influencers who aren’t that much different to me)
Imagine how funny this world is. some is worrying he is not keeping up with fashion trends while on the otherside someone is worrying for not having food or the security of their lives
Thats why you should love and use what you buy. Its not about consuming as much as you can , its about feeling that you have everything you need!
Spoken by a no-ACR having dork
Jk!
💯💯💯💯
What I really got from this video is "Buy Oakleys."
But nah, I super agree with everything here. When you're new to fashion, it's easy to fall into the trap of "If I'm gonna be into this style scene, I HAVE to keep up with the latest trends -- OH GOD WHY'S IT GOING SO FAST" On top of that, you're likely to get overwhelmed when you don't have the knowledge to understand that there are more options to you than just cheap crap like Shein or the most expensive of the big ticket brands. Moderation and research is the name of the game; understand the aesthetics you enjoy, keep an eye on trends mostly just to see if there's anything that really speaks to you, and then do some internet legwork to find reputable, reliable stores that work with your budget.
Excellent comment, pretty much nailed it 🙏
"Buy Oakleys." Again?
I've been recently getting sucked into the rabbit hole of fashion and some of the best advice I've heard is not just to wear what you want but to wear stuff that means something to you.
Family heirlooms, a symbol you find really important, wearing stuff that represents your culture, a color that reminds of you of someone important, etc. Things like that will never go out of style because they were never based on trends in the first place--it's all personal and I think that's what fashion should be about ultimately.
It's always good to be inspired but the whole appeal of techwear is the durability and utility which are, by their very nature, aspects that give clothes a lot of longevity. It might go out of style, in the mainstream sense, but that's exactly where a bit of curiosity and thinking outside your usual boxes can help things feel fresh. The microtrend thing is just exhausting and it does kind of scream "stand for nothing you'll fall for anything" to me, even if you're a full time influencer or so. So yeah, what Antwon said but more grumpy and with more emphasis on overconsumption being wholly bad and very not sustainable.
Haha I appreciate the grumpy take - good comment!
i actually love trends. it means that i can find stuff that i like that goes out of style for fractions of the cost of when they were in style.
I've just been doing my emo/punk with korean/japanese inspiration for like 20 years now so microtrends wouldn't really do anything for me and I never paid them any mind, but hearing about you how you took a microtrend and recontextualized it for your own style with SISP was kinda cool. Might need to try that some time.
That’s my favourite style and I’m really starting to get into it, that’s so cool that you’ve been doing it for 20 years
When i was a tween girl I fell pretty hard into the Mori kei aesthetic on tumblr, but I wore a uniform to school, had no money to buy my own clothes and otherwise wore my cousin’s hand me downs, which is not something I really resent because I was 12 and who cared what I was or wasn’t wearing. But I really liked the Mori kei stuff (think cottagecore but japanese street fashion and therefore 1000x cooler, with extra layering, lace and big chunky cardigans. It literally means forest girl). So I never got to consume or wear Mori kei while it was still a thing. But by the time I was an adult with the ability to buy and style my own wardrobe all of that stuff that I looked at for hours online still stuck with me and influences my fashion to this day, mixed in with other stuff I picked up along the way that makes my clothing feel like a part of who I am. By the time cottagecore became a huge trend it was like I’d been cool before everyone else was, just because I still loved this niche Japanese aesthetic from way back in the 2010s. If you like something, engage with it, even if you’re not buying it. It’s still a part of who you are, until you decide it’s not for you anymore. Trends are cyclical, yada yada yada, i just like wearing five different layers of muslin and wool, sue me.
Really enjoyed this discussion fam. I don’t use TikTok just simply because it’s overwhelming enough to follow fashion influencers on YT and IG, let alone scrolling through hyper focused fashion content on TikTok. However, your positive outlook on micro trends gave me hope that people will really start to expand on their own personal style through experimentation
I'm with you, I just can't do it. It's stressful to even try to be inquisitive about TikTok, even YT shorts kinda piss me off. And while some people are good at getting a lot from 1 min videos it'll never compare to something more in depth, nor is it usually very entertaining or educational.
The boxy shirts with a camp collar are awesome for summer because they are typically in a light cotton or linen with a nice open weave.
I have a cotton one that is my go to shirt on hot days because it keeps me comfortable thanks to the absolute volume of airflow.
This is a nice video-- I like what you said about learning before buying. I'm reminded of when I first got into fashion, it was around 2016 and I chose to examine how fashion/adornments have been used to complete the performance of identity for a year long research paper. I spent countless hours looking at fashion subcultures (lots of stuff I didn't like, few things I loved), and that's how I learned to care about why people were dressing the way they were. I ended up coming out with way more respect for DIY fashion than high-fashion and I ultimately ended up developing my own style, which ended up being neither DIY or designer. Furthermore, it gave me the understanding that it's perfectly normal to be interested in the appreciation of fashion without having to purchase into specific niches.
Love these kinds of videos, they're probably what got me to subscribe to this channel. Definitely interesting to hear your insights and how people might think about the things that they wear, as someone who's only been recently trying to get into this kinda stuff!
Thanks so much! Really glad to hear that
One of the best fashion vids ive seen this yr, gr8 job man
the Vautour shoutout!!! one of the best out rn
Acquiring knowledge about styles you like is under-rated, I discovered your channel 2 years ago and got into techwear then, the more I wait the more I am satisfied with the pieces I buy, I still am very far away from the style I want to end up with but I love wearing every piece of tech clothing I got ! (except for the first one I bought on the "where can I find the best X" impulse lol)
I wear all my favorite tech pieces for the first two weeks after I washed my clothes and then have to dress not tech at all for two weeks again cause they are all dirty, that's how much I love them
As someone who wore Asics for years because they were the most comfortable shoes for 8 hour work shifts, it's very weird to see them become hype. I always thought they were ugly but functional.
nice too see you talk about constant practice they are indeed doing very qualitative stuff, loved the vid
Thanks!
Love the sit-down logical thinking type video, it's really interesting to see your take on the current state of fashion. I would definitely watch more videos in this style...
Thanks! much appreciated
I LOVE HYPERCONSUMPTION I LOVE HYPERCONSUMPTION
I SIMPLY MUST CONSOOOOM
Sick video. Really outlines and defines the characteristics of fast paced modern trends. Really engaging content that made me think about fashion in a way that I haven't before. Thanks!
That's what bothered me so long about fashion, that people don't look for resources and getting more knowledge but see something and buy
Thank you man
WOULD LOVE A VIDEO SHOWCASING DIY FASHION ACCOUNTS/TECHNIQUES
My buying strategy is having custom and bespoke stuff made for me, and wearing that for thirty years. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm buying less in the long run, at a very high level of quality, but I will to be not involved in the ever changing fashion world. It's interesting comparing slow fashion to fast fashion.
Nice video, enjoyed the change in approach by having a think piece (and quite meta) on the changing trend in trend types.
The new kicks for the 5 minute trip down to the shop lmao that hit a little too close to home
i appreciate being able to step back and actually discern the good from the bad when it comes to online culture. It's so easy to be black and white about it.
I'm 35 now. In the late 90s early 00's I used to be obsessed with style-arena. A site that showcased Japanese street wear. Theres still much to learn about Japanese fashion. One thing that defined contemporary Japanese street wear through the 90s and early 00s was the constant search for the next thing. I see this happening global. Not sure if this is a good thing. But theres much to be said about hyper consumerism in the late stages of capitalism. As I get older I start to see how so much of fashion feels like costume and dress up. I used to find much inspiration in Kanye designs as they seem to reference all the things I love: anime, video games, mega Man, comics, empowerment. But lately everything including Balenciaga just looks like try hards. I start to vaule simplicity, elegance, sexiness, sophistication, sleek and effortless clothes. minimalism. Ultimately the dream is to find my one cartoon closet outfit I can wear forever.
unrelated, but the anticipation for the ACRNM FW22 drop is killing me. I've gotten so much use from unexpected purchases coyote P39M & S25PRB after having never veered from skinny jeans & not trying tank shirts, it feels like a long wait and Im excited to see whats in store, esp after the Korea Exclusive P30A-DSKR-BKS pull strap & JA1-GTKR-BKS non-zip reloadable grav pockets.
I Love your content because you're always very aware of the impact that our Culture has on our own Nature, and just about how people will naturally gravitates toward the group because we're just like that humans, we love getting involved, even people with very distinct style got inspired somewhere and took their inspiration, not matter what they say it always come from somewhere, and its true for the average population too
Woo!! This is the only 2022 recap on TH-cam I care about!!!
I think social media was the worst thing for fashion. There may be more "stylish" people walking around due to social pressures to conform and a mass blueprint for how to do it but everyone looks the same. I feel like there are no regional variations like there once was. I'm from the D[M]V, and I remember traveling to tournaments all up and down the east coast and cities and regions having distinct styles that I could adopt, admire, and bring back. Even at my high school, the various clicks all dressed drastically different with their own unique vibes. Now when I go outside, all these kids look the same. Its like I'm looking at generic fashion robots. I mean they look fresh but it doesn't seem authentic.
Love your channel I think you do a superb job of explaining things.
Love the Julian Carter shoutout, he's actually the person that got me into fashion. Very big inspiration for me!
Very insightful video Applejacks! I think it’s so important to try and find a balance between being grounded in your own style and being open to trying new things
Thanks! Totally agree
Very good content, Antwon. Love how this feels as a video-report, very informative and easy to understand. The didactical level of these videos is underappreciated but imo, it's what adds more value to your channel beyond reviews. Keep them coming!
Cool to see you picked up a pair of the eye jacket redux! I bought three pairs in different colors because they go with my style and fit my face really well.
Sick, I've been enjoying them a lot so not surprised to hear you ended up grabbing multiple pairs. There aren't too many shades on the market with that authentic early 2000s era shape either
Brilliant! My favorite vid of yours to date. I really love your “think pieces” and would love to see more. For example, a “The top 5 things I’ve learned in my journey through ‘X’ trend” might be interesting.
Thanks very much! I like the idea of discussing things I've learned (and mistakes made along the way!) over a longer period of time
Those 50's kind of shirts reminds me of the outfits worn by the 'bad guys' in the post-apocalyptic film Cherry 2000. I could see those shirts going with leather or pleather trousers. EDIT: I have been creating my own style of dystopian/post-apocalyptic clothing. I usually DIY the heck out of clearance rack clothing. I do a lot of slashing and spiking with a little bleach, paint and patches. I get almost all of my sewing supplies from Etsy, it's a goldmine. I haven't followed a trend since maybe high school in the late 80's, I have always done my own thing.
I usually watch longer videos like this on 2x speed (attention span difficulties thanks to the short form videos lol) but this was so packed with thoughts and insights I had to slow it down! Thanks for making this, i wish I could force everyone in the community to watch this.
I've had a rule for myself to only buy stuff that fits my wardrobe in a way that i can just pull 4 items out and the fit still is coherent and makes me feel comfy. This also makes me love every piece i own and wear them to death haha
Very good attitude, I think most people wish they could do that!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Anton. As a 30yo, I too don’t want to spend money on fashion, just to participate. It’s a cruel joke that most of us are under the impression of.
So true king, short format content nukes people's attention spans. It feels like a deliberate step towards turning people into perversely refined mindless consumerists instead of allowing people live up to our fullest potential as human beings. I love video games as much as any millennizoomer, but consuming content isn't my life's purpose
Patience is key in expanding your wardrobe and OBVIOUSLY buy what YOU like. Best example recently bought a pair of Needles tracks (keep in mind retail 300-350) from HIP store UK for £80. Crazy pick up
Absolutely love this video¡ the title doesn’t do the subject matter justice but, the people who need to hear this the most wouldn’t be pulled in as easily with a more accurate one
i've really appreciated your insights about these trends, and i completely agree with you!
it's always a good thing to take some time to learn and observe all the various matches and items new trends bring, by doing so you also avoid impulsive consumption and get to identify what you actually like.
i think that, even tho a certain piece won't be on trend for ever, you can be able to appreciate it and maybe give it the justice it deserves, possibily making it a lifelong piece for yourself :)
In all honesty my intro to tech wear was through your TikTok’s. Techwear being Techwear though I wasn’t comfortable forking out that much cash right away. Instead i got some simple things from primark to put with stuff I already had to see how I felt wearing it as opposed to just looking at it on a video. Never been much into fashion but learning to make my own style but taking bits and pieces is proving to be enjoyable.
Nice! Honestly great to hear TikTok is introducing new people to technical fashion. Sounds like you have a healthy approach 🙏
Hey Antwon do you by chance have recollection of when you were talking about a pair of pants (I think it was the p38 but I’m not 100% sure) and talked about how the oversized belt loops on the front are a feature in themselves because they can fit a carabiner and lanyard? I’ve been searching for this segment for a while but it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack 😭
6:18 you made a perfect point while simultaneously overlapping my interests
i dont even care about fashion all that much but i could listen to this guy talk abt anything and be captivated
thank you algorithm
Really well and articulate video. Well done. The growth has been great.
I agree 100% so glad to see someone else finally vocalize this
Super happy this was recommended in my feed
I like to think of fashion, style and trends as 3 distinct things - fashion being the broader discipline/artform, style being an expression/quality of fashion and trends being the themes of expression that emerge.
These might not be the truest definitions of these words, but I think it's useful to understand that these are separate concepts because it makes these things more accessible. Everyone can have their own style without needing to understand fashion, anyone can have an interest in fashion without having to own trendy pieces, and even trends can be less of a dirty word if you see the trend as overlapping with your personal style.
A lot of people see fashion as synonymous with trends and disengage with it because they see it as inherently superficial, but I think fashion as a concept is deeper than the continuous cycle of trends we see come and go.
Not sure if much of this makes sense outside my own head but hopefully there is at least some wisdom in some of that.
I took an example from Rick Owens. In one of the interviews with him, he showed his wardrobe. There was a set of 5 clothing items, that he wears everyday for like 5 years and then change. I want to be like Rick.
you re awesome broo ,loved this video!
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!
I would love to see tests done between actual brands and cheaper alternatives. Because near me is a really pricey clothes shop and some of it appears really high quality and others look really cheap
i thought i was the only person in the world that like video games and fashion. he uses so many references i love it
Really value your intelligent approach to fashion and ultimately consumption. These things need to be discussed properly in the context of modern life.
Great video Antwon! I really like this talking head format
Thanks very much!
buy less, buy better
buy once, cry once
I haven’t purchased much this year as I am trying to practice responsible consumption, but I did score the white JJJJound ASICS Gel Kayano 14. Partially because of the name brand association, but mainly because I wanted to add another pair of ASICS trainers to my collection. I respect Japanese culture and am grateful to be able to participate, albeit a few degrees of separation.
I've been a fan of Asics for years. They seem to always fly under the radar despite the very selective and good collabs they do. GmbH, Kiko Kostadinov. They seem to prefer a bit edgier collabs. I find usually artsy types attracted to asics.
@@Maxatrillion08 Right. I first got in on Asics during the Gel Lyte 3/5 resurgence around 2013. Picked up some cool collabs and I don’t regret a thing. Happy hunting, friend :)
Edit: Gel Lyte 5 Sand/Tan Workwear Pack, Gel Lyte 3 Reigning Champ. Also a Designer, lol
[insert comment here about how exuberant I am to be seeing another new video from this spectacular content creator]
[insert response of gratitude for the positive comment and for boosting my engagement metrics]
Very well and fair said Antwon!
I enjoy cargo pants and gorpcore bc i enjoy hiking and the lifestyle of being outdoors but i feel like i look like everyone else now like cargo pants dont feel cool anymore but they are still my favorite pants. Micro trends i feel steal from each niche and just jumbles it together to appease the most people. ACG supreme drop looks dope tho and i like how after supreme “died” their designs actually became different and not just tees and hoodies
11:42 dat Michelin man jacket...💀
😍BEST VIDEO YET 🤩 - loved this, had to pause often so I could laugh at the text jokes and listen to the 🤔 you dropped. As you said micro trends are nothing new, the popularity of the short form video used to sell these trends is. I think the video format, like any media, has the potential to do both good or bad. Typically this is a rush to the bottom in the 'boom' times of the new media trend, so hope that happens here too, and fewer 'how to spend more money without reason' videos dwindle, and more informative ones trend. We'll see. 🙏Stussy + technical clothing 🙏 and zeitgeist. 🧠💪
Thanks so much! I certainly hope so, and companies are always tweaking the way algorithms work so there's potential for movement towards more highly-produced content in future, or at least striking a balance between that and quick recommendations and product-based stuff. Appreciate your comment as always sir 🙏
I never understood how people sort of wear styles rather than the styles coming from their personality and who they are.
Microtrend that I will forever “consume” are seasonal anime release tees lol
nah im sitting here yearning to buy the same things ive been wanting for the past two years
5:15 those bags do be looking similar tho
(Couldn’t help myself)
Antwon you make me chuckle and learn to be a more informed consumer at the same time!
The best compliment I could hope to receive 🙏
wut r the shoes @ 1:37 tho
Whilst I agree with a lot of the sentiment of this video- I think sometimes we get a bit caught up in our little echo chambers that are the results of our social media ‘algorithms’ / follows.
Ultimately, all ‘trends’ aren’t random flashes in the pan; but more likely slow simmering shifts in taste that often take years to permeate.
To sight the 2 examples in this video: the ‘open collar’ shirts you attribute to Bode and ALD, have actually been in trend for around 6 consecutive summers now. Prada’s acclaimed FW16 Christophe Chemin colab , and that amazing ‘Important Ones’ shirt seemed to REALLY kick this off. Basically every brand under the sun has released options in a Camp Collar shirt the last 5 years; yes including ALD and Bode. So to you, in your echo chamber, it might seem like a ‘micro-trend’ ; is actually part of a much larger shift to this style as a whole.
The JJJJound x ASICS colab seems to have also struck fire - but (as you mentioned) it too can easily be traded back through influences of gorp-core, and before it, norm-core and the whole dad-shoe trend. Also- a much larger, longer spanning period of time.
All this to say, that yes, consumerism seems to be racing at hyper speed. But imho, ‘trend cycles’ are still going through the same top-down trickle that it always has, taking several years / seasons to get from large fashion houses all the way down to your local big box suburban stores.
Similarly, maybe what you describe as ‘micro trends’ has always been around; but maybe previously more known as ‘style tribes’ and known under terms such as flappers, swing kids, mods, rockers, surfers, hippies, punks, disco, hip hop, Harajuku and hipsters.
I Can see how the term Micro could apply to fashion, the same way genres have totally splintered in the digital music space. There’s so much option now for kids that it’s so hard to put a singular label on things- and consequently is also seems to move on pretty fast too.
But it’s worth remembering that even still, all these trends exists and stem from somewhere. Trace the line up far enough and you can see it’s influences and where it came from.
Even before I saw the video, I stopped and thought why would there be a positive side to a microtrend and what would it be and I came to a very similar conclusion. It generally shows wider content so it may allow people to discover new things they otherwise wouldn't.
But I still believe what I think for some time, that ALL trends are bad and they are just made up marketing concept to boost consumerism.
Really liking these videos which discuss the climate of fashion
Thanks! Much appreciated
waited 2 weeks for another antwon video, almost didn’t make it
Videos take longer these days! (Also I do more short-form videos myself so that takes some time as well)
Regarding Zack's fashion, it's mostly regency era so 19th not 20th century so an even harder flex.
You're quite right! I think I misremembered as I saw a video w/ him recently talking to someone else about their clothes which were 1920s/1930s iirc. Thanks for the correction
Cool take, thank you for your takes and content 🤝
Excellent points made in this video
ayy thanks!
Really interesting, enjoyed that video a lot!
TY TY 😍
My main piece of techware was diy based on one of many common designs you'll see floating around. Said design was attempted with poor results by a drop shipping type company so I decided to make it myself instead.
So many hours of hand stitching were required as the original design was not made with production in mind. I could have used my machine for it but it would require changing the design to the point where I thought it wouldn't look as cool, and I was risking restricting how much the fabric could move around in use.
Only down side is that my clothing options are not stuff that can work well with the techware look and I'm more careful about when I wear the pants since I don't want to damage them after all that work lol
If it helps at all for future projects, for hand sewing I try to opt for French seams or felling down the edges since it creates a second set of stitches to fall back on. You can choose many different ways to finish the edges and make the area stronger (even stronger/ more durable than machine) also I kinda swear by Abby Cox's video on hand sewing lol
@@ah57588 The pants I made were made from an exiting pair I liked the fit and material of, and then a second pair I bought for the material alone since it was very reflective. Tore out all the seams of the donor pants and then cut strips of fabric out.
I used that material and some bias tape to make the strips of reflective fabric to add to the paints. The strips were held together with fabric glue to start with and to hold the shape I wanted. The way they were sewn on to the pants had the threads passing through the strips on all layers except the top layer of fabric. So even if the glue failed in the future the pants would be fine.
The reflective fabric edges were completely hidden/ folded under but even if they weren't the fabric would never fray anyway. It was some form of plastic made fabric but didn't have a tag so I can't say which type.
I mainly used hand sewing most my life and while I may not know the fancy names for stitches I do know which one to use where and which is best. I do prefer using my machine where it is possible since it is so much faster though
@Approach Cautiously that's fair, plus I realize for technical wear, bias strips probably would work better for finishing anyways. I didn't mean to make it sound like i thought you didn't know how to sew, it's more that I found handsewn garments for me last equally as well as store-bought ones even after years of use. So I tend to have faith in them and the stitches I mentioned for lasting through the wash. (And really, a fancy name or really just a search term) From the way you described it, the pants you made sounds pretty cool and high-key I love anything that has a reflective look. Though I get the feeling of wanting to protect the garment you make with all the work it takes. Especially if it becomes a personal favourite
@@ah57588 You're good. Didn't think you were being mean or insulting about anything at all.
The bias tape was used just to add some structure/ an easy way to make sure all the strips were close in size. I did start by using fabric glue to attach the reflective material to it, but once I stitched it to the pants the stitching is also holding the bias tape to the reflective fabric. Saved me from having to make sure the layers didn't shift around.
I had used a pair of pants as my fabric source so I couldn't cut the fabric with extra materials in case things got slightly out of line. Normally I cut extra fabric and would have just re ironed the fabric if it got out of place to save time and cut out the extra step of gluing it up.
Okay Persona 5 OST in the back, I see you Antwon
Does anyone knows, what are the brand and model of those navy and lime gree sneakers behind him??? Those are dope
8:04 make this a sound!
You know it's a great day when Antwon uploads.
Even better when Veian comments 🤘
nahhh what video editor was that in the B-roll! lmao
makes me think of the "cool hunting" in the universe of Pattern Recognition by Gibson
really enjoyed these videos. plz make more thx
Thanks!
Très intéressant continue ce genre de vidéos stp !
Just at the 06:20 mark, something really fucked up happened in the techwear community, which is a lot of the DIY resources you could get online dried up, and it was those resources that could really 'inform' you about it besides consumption or fashion TH-camrs. Obviously some resources still exist and definitely check out those communities, but particularly a lot of the more tactical stuff went bye-bye for good about 3 years back.
I personally think it has to do with cheap entry price point these "micro-trends" tend to be. A lot of social media creators get sponsorship from SHEIN and Co. and the viewer/buyers is fine of potentially buying some short-lasting micro trend, because it was really cheap.
But when it comes to more pricy gadgets I automatically do some intense research and look into the subject & the brand image.
Do I feel a connection to the brand and does it resemble to my personal style I already own. What kind of variations are out there & which one suits my use case the best. In my case it was the Rick Owens Ramones shoe which took my 3 years of research, graving & development interests of the whole avant garde fashion culture. A lovely journey and way better then a beige Flannel-Shirt, which everyone currently owns. I own my Ramones now since 3 years and its such a timeless piece which still stuns me when I see myself in the mirror. :))
It’s crazy because as of right now thanks to stuff like TikTok there’s a certain number of people that have gone into avant garde stuff and in a way you see like a lot of the celebrities and influencers wearing Rick clothes or sneakers making it kinda “mainstream” (specially the Ramones, Geobaskets and the boots) so it feels kinda odd but I feel like it’s also just a trend that’s gonna come and go and the real people that might be invested in brands like Raf, Margiela, Yohji, CDG, TakahiroMiyashita, and other brands like that because they love the actual design and work behind the pieces will stay and the bandwagon wave will just go
THIS.
FUCKING.
CHANNEL.
HITS
(where can I buy some stuff related to this content?)
Exclusive 'stop buying stuff you don't need' limited collectible merch drop w/ collab Funko Pops coming soon 🤑
@@ThisIsAntwon Ah Yes, the Funko Pop, a cultural validation peak. Congratulations, Antwon, long time coming
It's like how Herschel was the _only_ brand of backpack teens and college kids wanted in America and Canada until Fjällräven Kånken became the hit cool bag and suddenly your very expensive Herschel backpack was social _trash_ .
I remember back in 2012 I was the first person in my high school to get a Herschel bag and kept getting comments about it. The first time where I felt that I was before the curve. At the time I could only find them at Nordstrom... imagine!!!
Hahaha totally, and Kankens were EVERYWHERE
I like the Nike? Muscle 'Just Blow It!' shirt short coming by.. Must watch! :D
One of the things I hate the most about microtrends is just how much they hurt the environment
Not sure the binary between “aspirational” vs “transactional” social media paradigms is quite right. I think it’s more about a fragmentation of audiences and attentions from more concentrated sources of power (ie fewer influencers living hugely inaccessible lives) to way more diffuse sources (ie many more “kind of cool” influencers who aren’t that much different to me)
is cyberpunk coming back? seeing any of those trends entering techwear?
I was super into the trends and stuff for a while. Then I got really into thrifting and now my wardrobe is made up of old discarded clothes lmao
Bruh, not the backwards long jump up DSM stairs looool
Imagine how funny this world is. some is worrying he is not keeping up with fashion trends while on the otherside someone is worrying for not having food or the security of their lives
About time antwon jeeez
😭
@@ThisIsAntwon don't worry king, your content is worth waiting for ❤