The AtoC Magazine Instagram page is a wild place. Some of their posts feature undeniably stylish pieces of clothing that would flatter anyone, while there are also models covered in countless packages of ramen noodles gracing a runway. But what makes this page so fun is the fact that there is fashion and humor. The world of fashion can sometimes be seen as pretentious or elite, but we can all appreciate great clothes and laugh at how ridiculous the industry can be.
AtoC also often features pieces from the EGNARTS clothing brand. This is a Seoul-based company whose name comes from the word "strange" spelled backwards. “EGNARTS adds wit to strangers and presents a new path to creating two concepts of incompatible unfamiliarity and familiarity,” their site explains. And while they do sell clothing items that I would love to wear myself, they also undoubtedly have a sense of humor on social media.
As far as what exactly fashion is, it can be difficult to define. But according to a PBS publication from 1999, International Fashion Editor Cynthia Durcanin says that it’s a state of mind.
“A spirit, an extension of one's self,” Durcanin shared. “Fashion talks, it can be an understated whisper, a high-energy scream or an all knowing wink and a smile. Most of all fashion is about being comfortable with yourself, translating self-esteem into a personal style.”
And if we take Instagram into account, fashion can also be sneakers that look like rats or a shirt that looks like hair. It can be whatever we want it to be.
While the looks on this list might seem ridiculous, considering what makes it on runways, they’re probably not too far off from high fashion. Have you ever wondered why Fashion Week is always filled with unrealistic and completely impractical looks? Aren’t these designers supposed to be dictating the trends for the upcoming year? Well, according to Tutorials Point, these shows are really about creative expression more than anything else.
Runway shows are a chance for designers to experiment and showcase avant-garde looks that you might never see in real life. Plus, it’s much more fun to see shocking outfits gracing a runway than looks that you see everyday walking down the street (just on much taller and more attractive individuals). These designs might be unreasonable to wear to an awards show or a birthday party, but at least they can see the light of day for a brief moment during Fashion Week.
The idea of featuring crazy looks on the runway also isn’t anything new. Tutorials Point explains that showcasing avant-garde looks dates back to the 1960s and 70s when iconic designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, and Paco Rabanne created unique and bold looks that subverted the fashion of the time. And while there is always some controversy surrounding the inaccessibility of high fashion and the need for runway looks that no one would actually wear, we can simply choose to see this fashion as an art form and means of expression. Or we can laugh at it! That works too!
There’s certainly no need to go out and buy any of the crazy creations featured on this list. But if you actually like some of them, we’re not judging you! Just like anything else in life, we are all entitled to our own opinions when it comes to fashion. Not everything will be your cup of tea, and you shouldn’t have to explain your preferences to anyone else. I’ll never stop wearing baggy sweaters and high-waisted jeans no matter how many teens on TikTok tell me not to! As long as you’re comfortable, you do you, fashionistas.
