Casuals: The Unsuspecting Harbinger of European Fashion
Most trends & movements find their origins with the youth. This particular one is no different. A rise in violent yet fashion-conscious & posturing young supporters combined with the prevalence of European competition enabled a unique sort of cross-pollination to occur. One in which violence was exported alongside the latest trends and brands from across Europe. A game of one-upmanship ensued as supporters used their away day trips to find the latest & greatest brands not available at home. The result? A unified style not defined by region, but shared interest. The casuals, perhaps unwittingly, ushered in one of the first globalized trends.
My moodboards sought to capture not only look & feel, but also to document the history of the subculture. I referenced various football annuals from the 70s and 80s and used them as templates in designing my own moodboards.
Luxury brands like Burberry & Stone Island dominated the scene. The Burberry check and stone island compass became synonymous with hooliganism.
Cult figures like The Gallagher brothers embodied the spirit of casuals. Their swagger, disrespect and fashion sense made them icons.
Originally donning scarfs in support of their club, the practice was abandoned as serious ultras & hooligans sought to evade police detection.
It was really just the same as hanging out with friends, just moved in front of a football pitch. This being said, drinking played a major role in most of these clashes.
