It strikes me here that so many people wear the exact same clothes. A uniform of sorts.
It might be a simplistic analysis, but fashion silhouettes often reflect general economics. The giant shoulder pads of the 80s reflect the general prosperity and eager consumerism of that decade. The austere 90s saw a narrow silhouette, waif models, narrow pants.
Here in Mostar, the uniform for young women is based on skin tight pants, often jeans that are intentionally ripped and worn. The top is frequently a baggy top or sweater. Shoe are often converse sneakers. And as the fall approaches, the simple cheap canvas shoes, are replaced by clunky boots, often with some ort of cheap metal stud pattern. Heavy mascara and eye shadow are omnipresent. And nearly every woman, no matter her age, carries a large handbag. One that is large enough to carry a laptop, several books, and so on. But the bags seem empty but for a wallet and a few items. (Mine has my laptop, books, notebooks, wallet, calendar, and lunch!)
The economy here is pretty lean; but clothes aren’t inexpensive. So, why do these young people buy clothes that use little fabric, or are purposely destroyed?
Is it a simplistic analysis to wonder if this fashion is a reflection of some ironic embrace of lean economy? We don’t have any resources: look at how we dress. Yet, you can find piles of clothes thrown in dumpsters. People crowd the shops. There is a love of fashion here. There are as many shoe shops as betting shops as cafes here.
Amy in Mostar 