5 VERY ODD FASHION TRENDS FROM SA
News | Posted by Elizabeth Joss on March 19, 2013, 1:20 p.m.
South African fashion is a mishmash of styles and looks. This can be attributed to the diversity of the country, its eleven official languages and the variety of cultures and ways of life that all have its influence on our attire.
It is therefore particularly difficult to describe what constitutes SA fashion without taking a look at some the oddest fashion trends to emerge from the country. These are 5 weird and wonderful trends that have been worn by locals over the years. These are trends sported by young and old across numerous groups and are slightly odd to outsiders but are nonetheless an important cultural facet of the country.
1. The German Military Jacket
This fashion trend is still popular with men all over South Africa. Believe it or not, the trend emerged in the 80’s and was initially worn by teens. South Africans caught onto the trend years ago and many youngsters are in fact still sporting this olive green ensemble bearing the German national flag. Military jackets rarely date and remain classic pieces for years. Achtung, I say!
2. The Jean Pant
“I are wearing a jean”. “I are wearing a jean pant” (to be more exact). You don’t get better than a fashion trend spoken in a thick Afrikaans accent whereby singulars and plurals are mixed up.
Jeans are no doubt a popular form of dress in South Africa. Locals have taken their cue from the western world but have added a significant, original aspect to the look – the rubber flip flop or ‘plakkie’ – see undermentioned.
3. Plakkies
Plakkies - the infamous thong as Australians call them. Plakkies are much-loved by South Africans and can complement almost any outfit, from jeans, to shorts or even skirts. Do not, I tell you, call ‘plakkies’ by any other name when in South Africa. People will just look at you funny.
4. Khaki is King
This trend is evidently here to stay and stems from local farmers who once took their cue from their European ancestors who wore khaki-coloured apparel. Today farmers still very much take pride in their traditional khaki and olive shirts paired with denim shorts, socks, sandals or even ankle boots. A khaki-coloured peak cap completes the outfit. Think Cape Union Mart, Jeep and German tourists for inspiration.
5. No Front Teeth
The ultimate and by far the most striking SA ‘fashion’ statement has to be the removal of one’s front teeth (the infamous ‘passion gap’). The trend was popularized in the Cape Flats whereby scores of people began sporting a slightly odd toothless grin.
The removal of front teeth was initially started by gangsters in the area (who found inspiration in the grin of toothless fisherman). However, the trend quickly translated to other groups of society who now modify their incisors as part of a culturally-inspired fashion statement and simply just to look cool.
South African fashion trends can be a little weird and seemingly off track to the outsider but they are part and parcel of our society and this is what makes us truly unique as a nation.
Overall, fashion in South Africa is still in its emergent phase whereby young South Africans are seeking ways to embrace changing, divergent and vibrant styles that comprise not only a mishmash of patterns, colours and fabrics but of a merging of cultures and lifestyles. The above 5 odd trends only touch the surface of what constitutes SA fashion.
Can you think of any other odd fashion trends that have become popular within South Africa over the last couple of years? Tell us in the comments section below this post.
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Posted by Elizabeth Joss on March 19, 2013, 1:20 p.m.
