Modern Punk

This fall, punk is back with a vengeance. During New York Fashion Week, designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, and Diesel Black Gold took a Vivienne Westwood inspired detour. They bypassed prim and proper, opting instead for chains, studs, combat boots, and colorful, punk-inspired hairstyles. I found a few locals following suit.

24-year-old Adam Williams had a modern take on punk. He wore an updated flannel shirt. His tattoos worked as accessories. His arm tattoo that reads "May the wind always be at your back" is a tribute to his mom. William’s neck tattoo is an ode his friends back in Wisconsin. It stands for Kenosha Hardcore Punk.

Meanwhile, Lauren Jarman looked ever-so-80s in a crisp oversized tee paired with chunky pendant necklaces. Her tribal detailed jeans are BDG from Urban Outfitters. Jarman’s cross necklace is from Forever 21 and her heart necklace is thrifted. The 18-year-old is a Mesa College student majoring in environmental psychology. Jarman’s least favorite current trend is upside down crosses used as fashion statements.

MJ Howell likes to wear tights with just about everything. “They are my favorite wardrobe item,” Howell told me. The 26-year-old has a sweet job. She gets paid to play video games as a game tester for Sony. She purchased her white Harry Potter t-shirt from Comic-Con. Her shorts and tights are from Target. Her hat is hot Topic. Howell made her purse. “It's supposed to be an apple,” she told me.