Diverse fashion
Youth Voice: Want to be different? Start with your attitude.
I remember when I was 10, my mother made my sister and I wear our national Thai costumes to our school’s annual party. There I was admiring all the girls in their trendy tank tops and matching mini skirts, while I sulkily looked down at my silk pants. Never did I feel so different, resulting in me spending the entire night hiding in a corner like an exotic coat hanger.
10 years later I still feel different but this time, it’s not so bad. Now I am crazy about anything that shows ethnicity and diversity. I have finally learnt what looking different from everybody else really means. Originality- something that is desperately needed in Clonmel in Co. Tipperary.
Would I wear my national costume again? Probably not- that’s just not my style. However, when I walk in the street, it feels like I’m drunk from all the ‘double visions’. Until I realise that it’s just group of teenage girls passing me by.
Here is what some young people living in Clonmel have to say on Irish and ethnic fashion and their personal style:
Fiona Ni Cheirin, 23, student
What is your view on Irish fashion?
It depends on the individual and which city. The fashion is up to date in big cities, like Dublin.
What do you think of ethnic fashion?
I think it’s a good thing. It tells about the person’s background, history, culture and influence.
5 Top Fashion essentials?
1) Skinny jeans
2) UGG boots
3) Headscarf – it can be used as a belt or a choker.
4) Hats-J.Lo (Jennifer Lopez) has nice ones.
5) Bangles / big chains.
No. 1 Fashion icon?
Cat Deely
Colette Phelan, 27, telesales agent/ teacher
What is your view on the Irish fashion?
Non-existing. Irish people have no style.
What do you think of ethnic fashion?
It’s cool if you can carry that.
5 Top Fashion essentials?
1) Bracelets
2) Rings
3) Earrings
4) Mascara
5) Matching handbag and shoes
No. 1 Fashion icon?
Victoria Beckham
Simon Curran, 22, student
What is your view on the Irish fashion?
I think Irish fashion pretty much sucks, there is not enough individuality. The clothes you wear seem to tie you to a certain social group, so everybody in these groups are all the same. I’m not really sure what the design side of Irish fashion is like but I’m sure there are some cool creative people working in the country.
What do you think of ethnic fashion?
I like ethnic fashion when it is integrated into a person’s own personal style. Kind of like a person’s own remix of styles and cultural influences.
5 Top Fashion essentials?
1) Classic jeans (slightly baggy)
2) Tee shirts (with cool designs or graphics)
3) Trainers (anything)
4) Hoody (nice colours)
5) Jacket (something simple)
No. 1 Fashion icon?
I don’t have a fashion icon. If I like something I like it.
Neha Gupta, 19, student
What is your view on the Irish fashion?
The Irish fashion follows MTV-follows the U.S. All the clothes in the shops are non-Irish. There is no Irish fashion.
What do you think of ethnic fashion?
It’s cool for ‘new’ people but boring for people wearing it everyday. Irish people will probably find it interesting because it is new.
5 Top Fashion essentials?
1) Hoop earrings
2) Sandals
3) Flip flops
4) Short skirts
5) Tight jeans
No.1 Fashion icon?
Don’t have any.
By: Wannita Phanchana
The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.
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