Graphic design by co-founder Adrienne J. Romero.
**A La Moda is a monthly Slice of Culture series where we explore different cultures, trends and more in the fashion world. “Moda” translates to “fashion” in several languages from Spain, Eastern Europe, South Asia and more.
This month’s subculture has set the tone for many to follow. Let’s break it down.
Cyberpunk is often best described as “High Tech. Low Life” because of its recognition of the impact that technology can have on society. Many of the themes presented in this science fiction subgenre can be related to modern society.
What is Cyberpunk?
Similar to last month’s subculture, cyberpunk originated as a sub-genre of science fiction literature. It came to life in the 1960s and 1970s with the New Wave science fiction movement.
The New Wave was a literary movement that introduced a new style of experimental writing. This era rejected stereotypical science fiction plots and explored even more complex topics like the human condition, politics, societies and various cultures.
Writers like James Graham Ballard, Phillip K. Dick and William Gibson have had a huge influence on the evolution of cyberpunk culture.
All cyberpunk stories take a nihilistic approach to a dystopian futuristic setting. It heavily focuses on the relationship between humanity and technology, specifically the overextended involvement of technology within human lives.
A very common theme presented in cyberpunk stories is the loss of humanity because of futuristic technology and achievements such as artificial intelligence (AI), hackers and cyberware.
Science fiction writer Lawrence Person describes cyberpunk literature as:
“Classic cyberpunk characters were marginalized, alienated loners who lived on the edge of society in generally dystopic futures where daily life was impacted by rapid technological change, an ubiquitous datasphere of computerized information, and invasive modification of the human body.”
Characters in popular cyberpunk media usually dress the complete opposite of the ruling class. Cyberpunks prioritize functionality over form. They prefer the practicality of working class’ clothes rather than luxurious and fancier attire.
To cyberpunks, functionality is vital.
Wardrobe Staples
The cyberpunk aesthetic is based on unpleasant weather and pollution in the storylines of their society. When it comes to cyberpunk fashion, layering is key. Many can be seen wearing distressed and faded clothing.
Although there are many specific themes throughout the cyberpunk culture, there is still room for self-expression and people have the ability to approach the style as they please to make it their own.
A few cyberpunk style categories are:
- Techwear: Techwear is the most common style within the cyberpunk subculture. The clothing consists of functionality and high-tech fabrics/materials. A few staple pieces are rain coats, rider jackets and utility belts.
- Military/Tactical: Those into the military cyberpunk look wear military garments such as vests or jackets with patches and cargo pants with many pockets. Most of the clothing tends to be dark colors for a discreet look.
- Goth/Ninja: This style is very similar to tech-wear, but face masks with big hoods are utilized. Cyberpunks like this look to be inconspicuous.
- Cybergoth/Raver/Clubwear: This style is a newer approach to the cyberpunk aesthetic and inspired by the Matrix trilogy. These cyberpunks wear neon color clothing and hairstyles, bodysuits, goggles, skirts, leggings, latex, platform boots and fishnet stockings.
Cyberpunk fashion is all about breaking fashion norms and experimenting with what makes one most comfortable.
Iconic Cyberpunk Media
Cyberpunk culture has inspired many comics, video games, films, manga, art, and music throughout the years.
The classic cyberpunk films that most people are aware of are “Blade Runner” (1982 and 2017), “Robocop” (1987) and “The Matrix” trilogy (1999-2003).
Cyberpunk also has a huge presence in Japan and has inspired some of their most popular anime and mangas. “Akira” (1988) was the first of many Japanese cyberpunk films which eventually inspired other works such as “Ghost in the Shell” (1989), “Cowboy Bebop” (1998) and “Serial Experiments Lain” (1998).
One of the most current forms of cyberpunk media is the “Cyberpunk 2077″ video game that was released in 2020. The game’s lore follows a version of the US that becomes riddled in war, greed, pollution and technology. In this universe, corporations use technology to wage new wars where people–including soldiers and civilians–are able to use cybernetic implants. This, however, leads to some high-tech, futuristic areas and underdeveloped landfills; by 2077, in the video game, New Jersey becomes a chemical dump.
Influence on Mainstream Fashion
Mainstream designers have picked up on cyberpunk themes and reflect those elements into their own collections, reflecting the aesthetics in their designs.
A few popular brands that have incorporated cyberpunk elements into their designs are:
- Yeezy: Yeezy is a clothing brand by the rapper Kanye West. Within his first few collections (Season 1 & 2), West included heavily faded/distressed, functional and military inspired pieces into his collections. West has named the anime film “Akira” (1988) as one of his inspirations when it comes to designing.
- PSYLO: PSYLO is a sustainable alternative clothing brand that draws inspiration from different cultures to create pieces that have bold, edgy, rebel and punk elements without compromising comfort and functionality.
- ACRONYM: ACRONYM is an independent brand that prides themselves in fusing style and technology into functional apparel. They are known for their versatile designs and monochromatic palette.
My thoughts on Cyberpunk
The concerning aspects of technology advancement in cyberpunk media seems to be manifesting into our own world. Even if our technology continues to become advanced, it evidently has been used to divide the masses rather than benefit them.
As time goes on, I look forward to, but also dread seeing how much the themes in cyberpunk media continue to present themselves in our reality.
I respect cyberpunk’s approach of using fashion as a way of rebelling against the ruling establishments. The emphasis on edginess while still maintaining practicality is one of my favorite things about this subculture.
I can definitely see myself incorporating key elements of cyberpunk fashion into my own style.
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