Kim’s take on the rise of “West Coast” influenced fashion
If you grew up in a Latine family in the 2000s in Califas like me, I’m sure you could recall your older sisters or primas taking pictures at the indoor mall with their coordinated fits, thin eyebrows, lined-glossy lips, gold necklaces and hoops in front of a background with airbrushed hearts, playboy bunnies or drama masks.
Sure we’ve seen folks go crazy these past two years for the preppy Paris Hilton, juicy couture type “Y2K fashion.” Finally the various fashion styles I remember seeing growing up are being praised, even in high fashion and I am most definitely here for it!
Willy Chavarria is a Chicano fashion designer who has styled celebrities such as YG, Julia Fox, Billie Eilish and Beyonce. Most recently in his music video for “Not Like Us,” the west coast’s very own, Kendrick Lamar wears Chicarria’s designs that are heavily influenced by his Mexican-American Central Valley of California upbringing.
Another Chicano designer, Brian Saucedo of “Ghetto Rodeo” also had his designs featured in “Not Like Us.”
From reimaging thick, animal print swap meet blankets as puffer jackets, to casting neighbors as models and photo shoots at a panaderia. Up and coming, Latine owned and operated brands such as Paisa Boys, Bella Doña and Ghetto Rodeo serve Latine pride and nostalgia through their styling of clothing, hair, makeup and accessories. Even larger sportswear brands and teams are hopping on the opportunity to tailor to the rise of west coast fashion.
In a place like Humboldt, where I among others at times, feel out of place, away from home. It’s heartwarming to see other students serve, flaunt and “take up space” in styles that remind me of my childhood and hometowns.
Growing up being interested in fashion always seemed like you had to water yourself down, and be “European-like” to be considered “a la moda” but these designers, stylists and creatives show us that fashion can very much be cultural, bold and unapologetic. Fashion is for everyone, and culture is meant to be shared and celebrated. Giving credit and respect when due, is all that matters.
Students’ Perspectives:
Arianna Buccio wearing a Tumbette inspired outfit
“I would say my biggest inspiration has been my sister because like, I always grew up stealing her clothes,” Buccio said. “So a lot of what my fashion is now was inspired by what I grew up around.”
Rene Monzano wearing street/work wear
“The only problem I see with modern day street wear is that if your white and conventionally attractive wearing street wear your seen as stylish and up to date, but if you’re black or brown wearing this style your seen as ghetto and poor,” said Manzano.
Emerson Rodas wearing a Blokecore inspired outfit
“I think the reason why I love wearing the Guatemala/ USA jersey is because it represents both sides of my life and culture… My family makes me feel proud to be Guatemalan, so I think that’s why I love rocking the jersey,” Rodas said.
Alexis Nataly Quirroz wearing a Coquette pin-up outfit
“My style works as a connection to my roots. I love mixing old Mexican glamour and traditional folklorico styles with modern pin up silhouettes. There’s something so empowering in styling huaraches with pencil skirts!,” Quirroz said.
Definitions:
Streetwear: Cargos, Chinos and Dickies work pants are a key component to working class communities. Over the years they became a staple and a statement in the culture, no longer “just workwear.”
Blokecore: This aesthetic has Y2K English youth origins, vintage soccer jerseys, with loose denim jeans or jorts paired with chunky sneakers, just screams Latino dad to me.
Coquette: Is a hyper feminine aesthetic that includes pastels, skirts, dresses and of course the infamous ribbons and bows worn in hair. Some Indigenous creators such as have shared online that coquette seems to be a “watered down” version of Latine indigenous women’s clothing, especially with the use of ribbons in their hair, embroidered clothing and ”roman catholic” influences.
Blokette: Blokecore + Coquette, one masculine and one hyper-fem aesthetics mashed together, who else can really slay and balance the duality of a “full beat” makeup look and a sports jersey, but Black and Brown women?
Norteño/ or paisa: This style comes from the Northern region of Mexico, the area under the Southwest of the USA. This style includes plain or flashy button ups, denim jeans and of course, cowboy boots.
Tumbette: When you put all of these aesthetics together you get a tumbette! The OG name comes from the Blokette style mixed with the style of a “corridos tumbados’ ‘ listener which includes inspiration from street style and Norteno. It’s pretty much a cool mix of all of these and I LOVE IT!!
