Q. How can I wear punk without the fetishistic whips and chains that are so fundamental to the look's roots?
Punk subculture is one of the most defining youth movements of the past century. Since its birth in the mid-1970s Punk's iconic aesthetic has had an undeniable influence on fashion. Fast-forward nearly 40 years and what was once seen as a revolutionary trend eager to embrace anything that was considered offensive, vulgar or in bad taste became predictable and unoriginal within the mainstream.
Until now, that is! In the Autumn and Winter 2013 collections countless designers successfully revisited punk in a thoroughly modern new way. The punk trend has been re-imagined and turned into a hyper-luxurious high fashion look. The true anarchic punk of today revolts against the original gothic aesthetic defined by fishnet stockings, studs, spikes, cats' eyes, chokers and head-to-toe black latex and leather. Ditch the obvious 1990s revival homage pieces such as the studded leather jacket, plaid shirt and pants, ripped denims and heavy combat boots. Punk's power lies in the refusal of the status quo.
Be prepared to break punk's wardrobe mould. The key to achieving this modern punk look is to juxtapose textures and prints, creating a slightly messed-up punk chic. Class up your look by throwing a blazer over your ensemble and add pearl embellished hardwear in the guise of shoulder armour. For a more sporty take on this trend overlay a colourful textured sweater with a harness made of jet crystals and team with shorts and slogan printed leggings. Choose details such as full-length zippers, oversized jewellery and multi buckles on footwear to infuse high fashion looks that seal an authentic modern punk look with extra attitude. After all, punk is much more about an attitude than any specific aesthetic.
Look 1
Monochrome silk shirt by Stella Macartney, £520, and printed textile skirt by McQ Alexander McQueen, £440, both at Harvey Nichols Edinburgh. Rhythm necklace by Crezus, £160, at Thou Shalt Covet. Oversized pearl necklace made to order by Euan McWhirter at www.euanmcwhirter.com. Jetty ring in gold vermeil, £117, and Fathom ring in gold vermeil, £153, both by Jane Gowans available at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. Priscilla leggings by Bebaroque £195 at www.bebaroque.com. Mitzi shoe by Terry De Havilland £350 available at www.tdhcouture.com
Look 2
Pink blazer by Zoe Jordan, £475, at Jane Davidson. Two-tone zip front wool dress by McQ Alexander McQueen, £425 at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. White shirt with crystal embellished collar by Moschino Cheap and Chic, £195, and pearl embellished teardrop (used as shoulder decoration) by Her Curious Nature, £99 each, all available at House of Fraser Glasgow. Pearl expandable cuff made to order by Euan McWhirter at www.euanmcwhirter.com. Almaz gold and gray bracelet, £89, Ermina silver ring £75, Irin silver ring £55, Torso silver ring £55 and Masia crystal ring, £89, all by Dyrberg Kern, available at Thou Shalt Covet. Wet look print leggings by Maison Martin Margiela MM6, £85, at Urban Outfitters. Joni silver boot by Terry de Havilland, £499 at www.tdhcouture.com
Look 3
Jet crystal harness made to order by Euan McWhirter at www.euanmcwhirter.com. Printed jacquard sweater by McQ Alexander McQueen, £310, at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. Silk print shorts by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, £110, at House of Fraser, Glasgow. Slogan printed leggings by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, £195, at Urban Outfitters. Marina knuckle ring in sterling silver, £120, and Loop ring in sterling silver, £72, both by Jane Gowans available at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. Kim leopard boot by Terry de Havilland £499 at www.tdhcouture.com
Styling: Lisa Ringrose
Photography: Jeff Mars
Hair: Isabella Watson Creative Director at Toni & Guy Glasgow using Label M
Make Up: Susan Lucas using Nars Cosmetics
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