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Cyberpunk trend: from Fritz Lang to latex

Written by Tania Braukamper

This will probably sound weird, but I've always been a sucker for movies and books that focus on bleak, dystopian futures where the boundaries of humanity are blurred, and the earth is on the edge of chaos and destruction. I thought perhaps there was something slightly wrong there, but turns out I'm not the only one after all. Cyberpunk influences have been infiltrating designer collections; even those from who you'd expect nothing less than dainty refinement (we're looking at you Christopher Bailey).

Wondergirl shoot; outfit by Jessie Hill; Chloe Boots; Sean Young in Blade Runner.

So what is Cyberpunk?

Without going into detail overload on specific subcultures and their creeds, it's a science fiction genre that's dark, grim and technology-focused. Just imagine some cyborg in a dark underground world, a few decades in the future, with a black trench-coat and a machine gun for an arm and you've pretty much got the idea.

Over the past few seasons designers have been working in a bit of Cyberpunk to their designs. Here in Australia we noted Jessie Hill's Broken Windows collection as having the Cyberpunk feel. Meanwhile, PVC - particularly for leggings - has actually become quite popular as a fashion trend (special thanks have to go to Kate Moss and her Glastonbury outfit for that one.)

We weren't really sure how much further the trend would go, but then we spotted the 'Wondergirl' photoshoot for September's French Numero: Cyberpunk outfits meet perfectly Femme Fatale hair, to striking effect. Seems it's not over yet.

Who Has Been Wearing It?

Rihanna loves the cyberpunk trend

Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte, Spring/Summer 2010

Rihanna: Cyberpunk Meets Fetish Trends

Beyonce with the ultimate cyber accessory

Victoria Beckham in latex leggings

The Influences:

1. Film Noir
2. Japanese Anime - Ghost in the Shell, Akira
3. Riddley Scott's Blade Runner
4. Fritz Lang's Metropolis
5. Dystopian science fiction novels
6. Genre-based roleplaying computer games

The Elements:

1. Latex and PVC leggings
2. Chloe's A/W07 chunky goth boots
3. Burberry's studded leather accessories and patent heels (pictured)
4. Patent or metal waist-cinching belts
5. Dark, heavy eye-makeup
6. Androgyny

Trend Status

Elements can be mixed into everyday wear, creating a definite edge. As a long term trend, it's more likely to survive underground than on the surface, but for the meantime fashion magazines are using the opportunity to come out with dark, edgy shoots, and back-alley cigarette-smoking fashionistas are rejoicing in the bold, sexy looks that PVC and patent pumps bring forth.

Written: 16th November 2007 at 22.58

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