The characteristics of the elite techno fashion market pays close attention to detail with fabrics, cuts, and clean defining lines. Not for everyone, the techno circuit can also intimidate with sheer and contouring lines that magnify body flaws to the hilt. So, if you were contemplating a gym membership, perhaps now is the time to sign on the dotted line. However, in the same vein as affliction clothing, the techno fashion statement sets the body free to express itself in its own unique way.

With your techno fashion clothing, complimentary accessories are a must. The techno fashion hand bags serve not only a fashion companion to the clothing line, but have proved to be some of the most practical and functional bags for gals on the go. The small, medium and large DJ bags are made with form fitting straps to hold tight when its time to hit the dance floor. No more flimsy straps and useless open compartments. The techno fashion bags are designed for utility, and lots of it with compartments for your cell phone and more, neatly arranged and secured for your active lifestyle.

The timing is right for the techno fashion wave, as women have had enough of binding clothing and restrictive shoes and accessories. The techno fashion line makes a bold statement that says you are a free spirit and refused to be defined by ruffles and frills. Power, strength and aggression are celebrated with a line of clothing that lets your inner strength shine through. The techno fashion line may not be for everybody, but for those who wear it well, it might just be the most liberating line of clothing ever created.

Today’s woman will do her own self definition, thank you, and the fashion moguls have finally caught on. Techno fashion offers a bevy of creations appropriate for street ware to Saturday night specials, with a boundless collection to reach the innermost expression of every woman. Choose from light and wispy dresses to full metal motifs, all created to shout it out that you are a leader, not a follower.

The female body was made to bend, stretch and take part in every aspect of physical activity, and for centuries, this basic human function has been ignored by the fashion industry. Whether by suggestion or by revolt, the tide has turned. Techno fashion clothing makes a bold statement that says “we are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore”. Be confident and be yourself with bold techno fashion garments for a dynamic statement that comfort and utility trumps everything else. Strong women are outspoken and assertive and have finally demanded a clothing line that agrees.

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Sports EyeTap

A very cool, sci-fi looking device that may one day come to replace eye glasses- the Sports EyeTap allows the wearer, while in a stadium, to follow a particular player in a field and have the EyeTap display statistics relevant to that player in a floating box above. This kind of technology would be useful in just about any field where a user would benefit from real-time interactive information. The EyeTap is also being explored as a potential tool for individuals with visual disabilities.

Pollution Dress

Designed to raise environmental awareness, the LED-Equipped “Climate” Gown responds to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere using conductive embroidery that transmits information to hundreds of tiny LED’s laced into the dress. This results in patterns that range from slow pulses to rapid flashes depending on the concentration of the greenhouse gas.

AK-39

Though for now the AK-39 is a wearable keyboard intended specifically for military use, devices like it are already underway for the general public, providing instant and reliable means of communication. Designed by iKey to be worn on the arm, this rugged keyboard provides a simple compact data-input solution that does not restrict the user’s arm movements. It is designed to meet MIL-461 standards and is intended for use in very harsh electro magnetic interference (EMI) environments, as well as withstand harsh environmental conditions such as rain, dirt or extreme temperatures.

Hug Shirt

The shirt that lets you give love even when you’re far away, the Hug Shirt, made by Cute Circuit, allows you to send and feel hugs to and from other Hug Shirt owning friends. The Hug Shirt is filled with wearable sensors and actuators, with a Bluetooth and Java enabled mobile phone- running on the ‘Hug Me’ Java software application. The sensors feel the strength of the touch, the warmth of the skin and the heart-rate.

MOTION RESPONSE sportswear

Designed by Kerri Wallace, MOTION RESPONSE sportswear, uses thermochromic printing techniques which enable fabric to change color in response to the wearer’s heart rate and body temperature. Much like the concept of a mood ring, the fabrics change colours based on the change in temperature. The technical term for this is thermochromism and as the athlete heats up, the Thermochromic ink disappears while the Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC) ink becomes colorful. The color spectrum ranges from clear to turquoise to black and allows you, as well as others, to see the intensity of your workout.

HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam

Every lady needs a good clutch and now it seems she also won’t leave the house without her computer. Vivienne Tam’s stylish computer clutch has a 60GB hard drive and weighs 1kg. It has a 10-inch LCD display, a built-in webcam, and is powered by Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processors. Designed for the fashion-forward, woman on-the-go; the HP Mini 1000 sells for $1,199.

Dream Jammies

There is an element of creepy to this wearable tech fashion. Dream Jammies allow you to see how your loved ones are sleeping, even if they are on the other side of the world. The pajamas’ sensors are embedded into the embroidery and connect you to your loved ones’ phone which then displays an ambient colour that represents the state of sleep.

Designer and inventor, Alexander Reeder explains: “As you lay down to sleep, the screen fades from green to blue, the shade of blue reflecting your body temperature. As you roll around, the screen flickers red. By shaking the iPhone your partner is able to reach out, causing the chest of your pajamas to vibrate. Not pleasant while you sleep, but a perfect alarm clock. Not only are you able to keep in touch while living on opposite sides of the world, Dream Jammies offer insight into how you sleep by capturing data as you snooze.”

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Boot or Neck Knife

The next time you spot a woman wearing a necklace which is partially obscured by her shirt take caution. These double-edged knives are often worn on the inside of a boot or on a belt; but as you can see the clip on the sheath can be attached to a chain and worn around your neck.

Brass-Knuckles Belt Buckle

The idea of using a belt as a weapon is not new a new one. The old ’swinging the buckle like a mace’ technique bares that out. For a more contemporary beatdown, you might want to invest in a creative brass knuckle belt buckle design. Despite their name, brass knuckles are most often created from a piece of steel that is shaped to fit around your knuckles. The point of this design is to increase the power of you strike by delivering it through a smaller and much harder contact zone. A punch thrown with a pair of these can lead to cuts and has the possibility of fracturing a bone.

Pocket Knife Tie-Clip

A tie-clip is a common addition to any suit ensemble. It not only looks good but it serves a purpose as well; it has the added benefit of holding your tie in place. However, when a compact, lightweight and flashy pocket knife is used as a tie-clip, the purpose becomes violent. The above knife has the perfect size and weight to serve as both a self-defense weapon and tie-clip; in fact the company that produces the above knife states that it can be used as a money or tie-clip. As if that wasn’t the intended purpose…

Garrote Watch

Fans of the popular British spy films will recognize this deadly fashion accessory. Concealed in this watch is a tough cord that is called a garrote. This weapon was used as a form of capital punishment in Spain where the condemned individual would have the collar tightened around his neck until death occurred due to the damage to the spinal column or strangulation.

Pen with Concealed Blade

Personally I believe in carrying a pen on my person because there are times when you need to write down something important. That is why people tend to carry fancy looking pens in their shirt or jacket pockets. However, the owner of this knife is less concerned with writing down appointments or taking down phone numbers; he is more worried about self-defense.

Dagger Shoe

Here is another fashionable weapon for all of you espionage fans out there. These ‘overly pointy’ shoes can be seen in the 007 film “From Russia with Love”. They have also made appearances in other action movies such as “The Punisher”, “Wild Wild West” and “The Dark Knight”. The idea is that there is a concealed blade in the shoe which can be triggered to emerge from the tip, similar to a switch blade. With the addition of this footwear all kicks have the potential to do lethal damage.

Chinese Prayer Beads

These beads can be worn around your neck or a shorter version can be placed around your wrist. The beads can be carved out of material like wood, amber and other more precious sources. This fashionable and religious accessory becomes dangerous when a durable cord is used to string the beads together since it can then be used as a garrote. Take a look at the first fight scene in this Jet Li video and you can see how deadly this item can be in the hands of an expert.

The Steel Rimmed Bowler Hat

Here is another deadly item of clothing from the James Bond film franchise; this dangerous headwear was sported by the assassin Oddjob in Goldfinger. It is a modified version of the late 19th Century design by William and Thomas Bowler called a Bowler hat. In the movie Oddjob was able to throw this hat at his victims and the brim was so sharp that it could cut through bone. This may not be completely realistic; but being hit in the face by a steel brimmed hat would do some damage.

Stiletto Heel

This vicious looking piece of footwear has intimidated me for many years; not only does it seem dangerous to the owner’s ankles but the heels look extremely sharp. In fact, the heel was named after a thin Italian dagger. These heels can be as long as five inches and have a narrow point with a diameter of only three-eighths of an inch. Some films have picked up on this potential for violence. In the film “Single White Female” Jennifer Jason Leigh used the spike of her stiletto to kill someone.

Machine Gun Briefcase

A briefcase is a necessary accessory to the attire of many businessmen. Most of the time these stylish cases contain business papers; however, this version has been modified to contain a sub-machine. The handle of the briefcase has been rigged with a trigger to enable the owner to fire rounds through a hole in the briefcase. Surprisingly this device is rumored to be quite accurate.

T-handle Knife Worn as a Belt Accessory

With an overall length of 2 5/8’’ this pair of t-handle knives can fit snugly into their sheath and be attached to your belt to look like a harmless accessory. However, as Sly Stallone demonstrates in this clip from Rambo: First Blood part 2, these knives can change the direction of a conflict once they have been unsheathed

With all of these potential fashion weapons I think that I’ll be a little more aware of the people surrounding me the next time I go shopping for some clothes.

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But what to wear? Here are some of the hot and practical fashion trends (yes they do exist) I’ve compiled to rock the slopes in style.

Snowsuit

One of the big snowsuit trends this year is the one-piece. Though I remember making fun of these not too far back, I have to admit that they really are the most effective ways of keeping snow out and the bod nice and warm. When it comes to winter clothing I always look for quality, durability and style so I tend to stick with reputable name brands such as North Face, Burton and Columbia.

My pick:

North Face Women’s Shugga one-piece snow Suit. The Shugga one-piece is pricy ($498.95) but North Face always offers lifetime warranties and is amongst the warmest of winter-wear out there. Some of the features include:

• Waterproof breathable HyVent 2L denim and fully taped seams block wetness
• 60/80 Grams of Heatseeker insulation in torso, butt, and knees for extra warmth where you need it
• Underarm vents and Chimney Venting System in pants (thigh and gaiter vents) dump excess heat
• Leg gaiters keep snow out on deep pow days
• Adjustable waist-belt for the right fit
• Lycra hand cuffs bridge the gap between cuffs and gloves

Boots

Whether I’m on the hill or cozying up at a ski lodge, sipping a yummy alcoholic beverage to warm my tummy, I like to walk around in a lightweight and warm pair of ski boots. Ski boots represent a considerable investment but they’re not the place to trim your ski budget. Look for a boot that provides comfort, but that keeps the foot secure. If the foot is not secure you will lose mechanical advantage while skiing.

My pick:

The Salomon Foil Ski boot. It’s gotten excellent reviews. Very comfortable, highly adjustable, lightweight, buckles easily and retains warmth.

Goggles

One of the most important pieces of equipment for any snowboarder or skier is a quality pair of ski goggles. They protect your eyes from the snow in harsh conditions and keep them from tearing while you are going down the hill. If you wear a helmet then look for a pair of goggles that are helmet compatible.

My pick:

Smith Anthem Goggles. They are the top rated and most popular ski goggles for women. The design best fits women’s facial features, which means no sliding off your face. The Smith goggles are helmet compatible and they come with a protective microfiber storage bag.

Gloves

I have incredibly bad circulation so a warm pair of gloves is an absolute must.

My Pick:

Marmot’s Randonnee Gloves provide excellent water resistance and can withstand repeated wet/dry cycles without cracking. Plus, they are twice as warm as many similar insulations, yet not as bulky.

Hat

No only do I have a profound love for hats, but also for men in diesel clothing. So, to at least partially get the best of both worlds, I’ve decided to marry hat and Diesel into one deliciously warm head-fashion accessory.

My Pick:

The Diesel Eyecapa Cap. This will definitely be my fashionable head warmer on the slopes as I am also mad about pompoms. Made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, I can be assured maximal warmth and a whole lotta style.

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Baggy In All The Wrong Places

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems the only explainable reason for skinny celebrities to wear such unflatteringly large garbs must be to hide an eating disorder. Either that, or a baby bump. But with their alcohol and drug consumption, we sure hope not, as the pregnancy would surely be a cause for medical alarm.

Solution: If you have a skinny bodytype and don’t want to accentuate your bony structure you can still wear tailored clothing. In fact, baggy clothes may highlight your inability to fill out clothing.  If you’re looking for an alternative to the skinny-pant try a flared or boot-cut instead. Layered clothing is also an asset to skinny women. Pairing a sleeveless cardigan with a fitted tee is a good example. Belts are another way of adding shape to your body.

Tight In All The Wrong Places

Where to begin while trying to avoid ejecting part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements? These outfits go beyond the realms of trashy.  For what not to do, consult the above photo. Big can be beautiful, but let’s tidy up the packaging a little. Lacing ropes tightly up and down your pudge is no good way to attract attention. Also, even the nicest of asses should leave themselves to be discovered, rather than flag themselves at onlookers against their will.

Solution: I’m not at all suggesting that fuller figured women hide themselves from head to toe. Most men enjoy something to hold on to, but it would be nice if they also felt comfortable bringing you to a restaurant. Finding a bra that fits is key. Most decent lingerie stores have women who will measure and fit you. Keeping the girls up where they should be will make the rest of dressing easier. Go for clothing that is tailored, but not form-fitting. Purchase skirts and dresses that go to the knee, and avoid the skinny jean. Pants should be boot cut or slightly flared and go all the way to the ground. Avoid round necked and extremely deep ‘V’ cut tops; instead opt for blouses, three quarter lengthed sleeve tops or a wrap top.

Hips Don’t Lie

Curves are one of the most beautiful and defining traits of woman, but for those packing in a lot of extra badonkadonk, form-fitting attire that looks like it has been painted on to the skin is not the way to go. Also, structured corsets squeezing your upper half don’t help either. Detailing on the hip itself is another no-no, because it leads the eye to what you’ve now made into a problem area.

Solution: For bigger hips, bring the attention upwards. Wear shirts with texture, detailing or other accents. Look for a boot or straight leg pant, steering very clear of the skinny jean which will only amplify the pear shape. If you need to wear a belt, stay away from the bulky loud ones. For dresses, seek out ones with a high, umpire waist which will detract from the hips and bring out your bust.

Inedible Muffin Tops

Mmmmmmany women are leaving the house with untucked rolls nowadays. Yes, we love a low-waisted jean, but not if it reveals a tire of belly and back-fat. These are the things that make a curvy body look wrong, when curvy women are so right.

Solution: Get a nice pair of moderate to high-waisted jeans. Wear your shirt tucked in, or long, past the waist of the jeans. Avoid crop tops or shirts that show your skin whenever you’re reaching for something. Pants you have to pull up or shirts you have to pull down are only a struggle and a bulge revealer.

Sausage Rolls

Some people think that squeezing oneself into a tight body stocking is a good way to seem slim. A slim Jim is more like it. If you have to lie down on a bed to get your pants up, they are too tight.

Solution: Skinny jeans can be fabulous. The key is to find some with a good amount of stretch to them so they aren’t cutting off your circulation. Non-stretch jeans will also stretch out more and not go back to their original size as easily.

Peek-a-butt

We all have one, but some of us feel more like sharing than others. This semi-exhibitionist trend is beyond me.

Solution: Guys, pull up your pants and purchase a belt.

Tall Tees

Shirts like these are great paired with such eloquent expressions as ‘”hey brah” and “dude, your kicks are tight”. They aren’t, however, good for second dates or respect.

 Solution: Long shirts only make you look shorter, which for a man is not ideal. Tall Tees if they must exist at all are, as the name suggests, for tall people. Crop it. Stop it.

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Coats

Throughout the chilly Canadian winter months, your coat will be the first (and often only) glimpse many people get of you. It is worth spending a bit extra to buy a coat that fits you perfectly. A coat made of French or Italian wool will probably last you at least 3 years, which means you will get your money’s worth even if the price tag is a bit steep. Classic colors include brown, black and gray, but why not try something a bit different? Today’s coats are available in animal prints, plaids, and vivid shades of red, pink or orange, Canada Goose jackets come in blue, white, brown and green, or for the less conspicuous you can wear g star jackets in various grays, beige, or black colors.

Enjoy a return to a classic shape by purchasing a cape, capelet, or cloak. These traditional styles are enjoying a fashion resurgence and are a great staple in cold weather climates. You can easily layer them over your clothing to help provide additional warmth. Depending on the style you choose, your cape can add an elegant, gothic, or quirky touch to your regular attire.

Winter Shoes and Boots

The models walking the catwalks this season are sporting knee boots, lace-up boots, and ankle boots.  All of these styles work perfectly in cold weather climates and are a quick way to update your look. If you enjoy a more daring style, mimic the models and choose above-the-knee boots or even thigh high ones.

On days when you feel like regular shoes, try cut-out shoes or fringed and tasseled ones like those sold by Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. Menswear-inspired lace-up oxfords are also hot this season, in addition to being practical for cold weather climates.

Cashmere and Knits

There is a reason that cashmere sweaters, jackets, coats, pants, and scarves remain fashionable year after year. Cashmere is thin enough to be great for layering, but it is also strong and warm. You can safely stock up on cashmere at department store sales since it is virtually guaranteed to remain in style season after season.

Chunky knits with a lot of texture play a starring role in this season’s fashions. These warm knits offer exceptional warmth as well as fabulous style. And lest you think chunky means clunky and dowdy, consider open-weave knits that reveal a hint of skin. The easiest way to wear these knits might be in accessories, but they also make great sweaters or even dresses.

Denim

While skinny jeans have been seen everywhere throughout the last several seasons, this winter they have finally made the leap into a fashion staple. They are a great way to slim down the look of a heavy item such as a knit sweater or cape. Balance is key to wearing skinny jeans and they should be worn with flowing tops, such as this season’s tunic or babydoll styles.  Skinny jeans also look fabulous tucked into your knee high boots or worn with sexy ankle boots.

Women have rediscovered the slimming effect dark denim offers for their hips and thighs. Dark denim is also a great way to add a more professional or grown-up element to your basic jeans look. If you are interested in a more casual jeans look, the weathered look is extremely fashionable this winter. Jeans with rips, stains, and holes are everywhere this season, but you also find more classic jeans with subtle weathered details.

Accessories

The hot color for your accessories this winter is purple. You can find purple bags, jewelry, wallets, gloves, and scarves everywhere. Why not incorporate a number of hot trends and splurge on a fantastic pair of purple gloves? The gloves will keep you both warm and trendy throughout chilly Canadian winter weather.

Scarves are an easy and fun way to add warmth and style to your look. Colorful hand-knit scarves are very “in” this season and can be left plain or adorned with pompoms. Designers such as Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and Diane von Furstenberg offer signature scarf designs. Plaid is all the rage this season, and a scarf is a great way to add a bit of plaid to your look.

Handbags adorned with metal accessories such as a chain handle are extremely trendy this season. A chain handle handbag will stylishly take you from a day at the office to an evening on the town. Studded handbags continue to be the hottest way to embellish your handbag, but fringe and sequins are also on trend this season. Try a brown, tan, or black suede bag to add subtle bohemian accents to your look.

A hat is a great way to have some fun with your winter look and protect your head during the cold winter months. Faux fur accents are everywhere this season, in styles ranging from high fur-topped hats to ear flapped ones. Knitted or velvet berets continue to be seen on all of the runways, and you can choose to accent yours with feathers or sequins.

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Remember these?

Slap Bracelets

I used to have a collection of these self-harming accessories, including my very own New Kids on the Block one. They were popular among pre-teens and teens in the late 80’s but were eventually banned from schools after many students suffered wrist injuries. Now that enough time has elapsed and people have forgotten the potential dangers of  arm jewelry that once splayed open a kid’s artery, slap bracelets are back!

Jelly Bracelets

To go with their giant hoop earrings, girls used to wear jelly bracelets up to their elbows. Mine went about half way, on one arm only, and glowed in the dark.

Fishnet Gloves

My mother would never let me leave the house wearing a pair of these, but the hooker-look was certainly as fashionable then as it is now.

Off-The Shoulder Sweaters

Colorful Wayferer Sunglasses

Flip through the pages of Nightlife or Vice and you’ll find scenesters love to hide their coke-blasted eyes behind a pair of Wayferers. My pair was neon pink and black and I used to wear them while playing my Sanyo synthesizer.

Nerd Glasses

Flip through the pages of Nightlife or Vice and all of a sudden that kid who used to get pointed at, or pummelled for wearing those enormously awkward, thick, plastic-rimmed glasses is a sexy, love-getting machine. The nerds finally got their revenge.

Scrunchies

Though the elasticity of scrunchies was sometimes debatable, I loved them because they were gentle and didn’t rip out the fragile hairs from my scalp. Scrunchies have now made a comeback, continuing to help ponytails stay high and off-centered.

Gem Sweaters

Gaudy, grotesque and utterly glam. For those of you have never had the privilege to see Leslie Hall sing about her gem sweaters check this out:

Leg Warmers

Certainly practical when wanting to keep those shins warm, leg warmers bring back another fond 80’s memory. Anyone else use to layer their socks?

Animal Print Leggings

Animal print tights used to be a girl thing. That trend seems to have extended to some guys now too.

Tapered Acid Wash Denim

Now, this was probably one of the most shocking comebacks I thought I would never see again. Stripping the color of the top layer of denim, acid wash jeans were sincerely hideous, but when I slipped into my skin-tight pair of acid-washed Guess jeans with zippers at the bottom, I was a rockstar. Can’t say I’m glad to see these again though.

Kid Bikes

Not sure how or why it is cool to ride around on your kid sister’s bike, but I’ve seen some of the baddest looking guys do it.

BMX

BMX will always be rad.

Peewee’s Bicylce

I know you are but what am I?  Unlike Peewee’s awesome bike, which could fly over rooftops, I’ve seen bikes like these being sold for over $600 with but one measly speed.

Keds

Now worn in white to better amass dirt.

 Converse

Reebok Freestyles

Let’s get physical.

Jellies

Snap-Crotch Bodysuits

Personally, I was never a fan of the wedgies I’d constantly tug at in snap-crotch bodysuits. Guess I’m alone on that one.

Parachute Pants

Parachute pants have been all the rage in Europe for at least five years and are slowly beginning to infiltrate the North American market. Perfect if you like the diaper look.

Cycling Shorts

I lived in cycling shorts, though I preferred the black neoprene ones with thick neon stripes running along the sides.

Adidas Tennis Shorts

Stirrup Pants

Any other 80’s fashions that have made a comeback, you can think of?

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KKK robes

It’s hard to understand how it is that a costume comprised of bed sheets and a dunce cap could be utterly, shake-in-your-boots terrifying, but the Ku Klux Klan managed to do just that, and here’s how. Symbolism played an integral role in the formation of the Ku Klux Klan. The name, derived from the Greek word kuklos (meaning circle) and klan (from the English word clan) meaning brotherhood, represented the unity of white supremacists. And what could be more symbolic of white power and unity than white wizard robes.

But aside from looking like creepy Merlins, inspiration for the uniform came from the dress of slave patrolmen from the Civil War era who patrolled areas looking for escaped slaves. Klansmen believed that “superstitious blacks” would think they were the ghosts of Confederate soldiers. They would even put sheets on their horses to make them look like ghost horses. On some of the KKK robes, members would wind red thread around the seams and in the mouth and eye areas, to give the impression of being “blood thirsty” ghosts. [Source]. The masks and robes hid Klan members’ identities as most of them lived in small towns and could be easily recognized and prosecuted for free-lance violence.

SS uniform

Likely one of the most recognizable and fear-instilling uniforms of the century, the SS uniform was designed by Prof. Karl Diebitsch and graphic designer Walter Heck and manufactured by Hugo Boss. (Yes, before becoming a world-renowned fashion empire, from 1933 until the end of the war, Hugo Boss produced the Nazis black uniforms along with the brown SA shirts and the black-and-brown uniforms of the Hitler Youth.)

The black SS uniform was introduced in 1932 by Reich SS leader, Heinrich Himmler replacing the SA brown shirts. Although I think we’re all guilty of having yearned for an Albino in uniform at one time or another, the uniforms, coupled with the pale, blond-hair, blued-eyed officers that wore them, were meant to look anything but friendly. Inspired by Benito Mussolini’s Blackshirts (the nickname for the Fasci di Combattimenti), black was a popular color with fascist movements, was meant to foster fear and assert authority, not to mention look aggressive and evil.

In 1935 certain SS units were issued grey uniforms with the same cut as the black ones in order to better differentiate roles within the party. [Source].

Adolph Hitler designed the Nazi party flag using red, white and black, a return to the colors of the old German Empire flag. The swastika, (a symbol which in the Indian subcontinent is still used as a religious symbol of good fortune, not to mention one of mankind’s oldest symbols) became the central emblem of Nazism- a symbol of the Aryan cultural descent of the German people. Hitler used the German word “hakenkreuz” to describe this symbol, the translation meaning “hooked cross”. According to cryptologist and symbologist, Dr. Rex Curry, the hakenkreuz was a morphing of the letter S, which stood for “socialism” and the overlapping “S” represented socialists joining together as the National German Workers Party.

The Black and Tans

Sent to Ireland to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) against the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the fast-spreading anti-British sentiment, the Black and Tans were mostly comprised of ex-British army officers, acting more like an occupation army than a police force protecting the people. They came to be known for terrorizing local communities in Ireland. Due to a shortage of RIC uniforms, the Black and Tans were issued khaki military trousers and dark green police tunics, which is how they acquired the name Black and Tans. They had minimal police training and a vehement reputation for brutality. To give you an idea of why the Black and Tans have held such a terrible reputation among the Irish, this excerpt from a speech by a division commander of the RIC to his constables, Lt. Col. Smyth, encapsulates why:

“….If a police barracks is burned or if the barracks already occupied is not suitable, then the best house in the locality is to be commandeered, the occupants thrown into the gutter. Let them die there - the more the merrier. Police and military will patrol the country at least five nights a week. They are not to confine themselves to the main roads, but make across the country, lie in ambush and, when civilians are seen approaching, shout “Hands up!” Should the order be not immediately obeyed, shoot and shoot with effect. If the persons approaching carry their hands in their pockets, or are in any way suspicious-looking, shoot them down. You may make mistakes occasionally and innocent persons may be shot, but that cannot be helped, and you are bound to get the right parties some time. The more you shoot, the better I will like you, and I assure you no policeman will get into trouble for shooting any man …”

Georgian Riot Police

These freaky-Mickey Mouse masked riot police are another prime example of fear-instilling uniform. A five day rally that took place in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in November of 2007 ended with police beating demonstrators and shooting fleeing protesters with rubber bullets while trying to disperse anti-government demonstrations. Riot police evicted a small group that had camped on the steps of parliament, including more than a dozen people on a hunger strike, and arrested several opposition leaders. According to media reports, the police prevented journalists from filming the incident, and confiscated and destroyed several television cameras. [Source]. Riot police, without warning, attacked using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons.

Peruvian Riot Police

What looks like a scene from Judgment Day, this picture was taken during a parade celebrating Peru’s Independence Day. It’s always comforting to see how well the government equips itself against its own people.

Any other suggestions to add to this list are gladly welcome.

*UPDATE*
The Black Panthers

Though the Black Panthers initially established themselves as an organization to promote socialist and nationalist doctrines, Black Power and protect African-American neighborhoods from police brutality, the group’s militant and often violent tactics came to overshadow their primary motives. Because California law permitted the carrying of a loaded rifle or shotgun (as long as it was publicly displayed)- the Panthers took advantage of this and developed a reputation for being a violent organization. Members were encouraged to carry guns to defend themselves but whereas some members had joined in order to support Panther’s social programs, others held more of “street mentality” and acted more like a gang.

Post from: Jewelry, Fashion & Celebrities | fashion-victims.org

The Beginning of Sexy Fashion

More than a fictional detail added in depictions of Adam and Eve, the fig leaf is the first article of clothing in fashion history. Though not exactly worn for style, this tropical costume was actually meant to hide pubic hair and separate humans from the animal world. Source

From Fig Leaf To Cloth

By 20,000 BC sewing needles and thread were perfected, and around 8,000 BC, the invention of the loom enabled cloth to be woven. Ancient societies that lived in tropical climates eventually dropped the fig leaf and switched to loincloth, a piece of material, leather or cloth, passed between the legs covering the genitals- with the buttocks usually exposed. Long before lrg jeans, loincloths were mostly worn by men and segregated classes and genders. Those who wore cloths were considered god-like, whereas slaves were kept naked. This is all long before jewelry items like stud earrings differentiated haves from have nots. When Westerners first came into contact with loincloths, they were considered indecent and shameful. Being highly religious- nakedness was believed to be the original sin.

The Corset

During the fourteenth century, women were wearing an outer bodice known as a cotte which flattened the breast. This was the earliest form of the corset. By the sixteenth century, the corset had become a woman’s undergarment. The corset was also referred to as a ‘stay’, its implication being that a woman’s body was weak and needed support, “a surrogate for the body itself” Source. The corset is definitely one of the most controversial garments in fashion history. Erotically appealing not only in how long it physically took to remove the garment, but also the way it accentuated a woman’s curves, making the breasts and hips protrude in an exaggerated hourglass shape. Corsets are less beauty secrets and more beauty obvious and in your face. Some theorists also argue that the lacing of the corset was symbolic of sexual intercourse.

Off With Her Corset

During the French revolution, French aristocratic women revolted against the corset, opting for camisoles and looser undergarments. But the Victorian Age made sure this trend fade out quick.

The Victorian Age: Back To Corsets

The Victorian Age introduced some terribly unsexy undergarments such as knickers and drawers. Being so prim and modest, Victorians were actually great innovators of underwear- hence the adoption of the name ‘Victoria’s Secret’ by today’s famous lingerie line. But despite all their efforts to constrict and cover up, it was during the Victorian era that the first striptease shows took place. And if there is one sexy fashion that Victorians can definitely take credit for- it’s garters. Garters that hooked to a woman’s stockings were pretty riling for the time. Popular among French dancers, they would often teasingly lift up their skirts to give a little peek at their garters.

The Gibson Girl

The Gibson Girl is said to have set the first national standard for a “feminine beauty ideal”. “The Gibson Girl was tall, slender yet with ample bosom, hips and bottom in the S-curve torso shape achieved by wearing a swan-bill corset” Source. She was also well-educated. The quintessential Gibson Girl was Belgian-American stage actress, Camille Clifford (pictured above).

Bye-bye Gibson Girl, Hello Flapper

With the outbreak of World War I, Flappers emerged and pretty well adopted the complete opposite values to those of the Gibson Girl. Flappers were cutting their hair short, getting Bob cuts, Eton crops, and Shingle bobs. Their dress lines got significantly shorter, sinful clothing was a new form of freedom and rebellion; they wore long necklaces, bright colors, feathers, fur, head scarves… Flappers openly rejected prohibition laws. They hung out in jazz clubs and speakeasies; they drank, they smoked, snorted cocaine (as it was legal at the time) and a good number of them had probably already attended a petting party. It was the first time since the French Revolution where women were defining their ideal of ‘sexy’, and that definition factored in comfort.

The 50’s: Lana, Marilyn, and the Notorious Bettie Paige

Lana Turner was known as the “Sweater Girl” because of her famous cone-shaped brassieres.

December 1953: Marilyn Monroe appears on the first issue of Playboy Magazine. It was the first time in magazine history that a model would appear nude.

Known as the “Queen of Bondage”, Bettie Paige began her notorious career when photographer Irving Klaw, who specialized in S&M photography, took her under his wing. Bettie’s often sadomasochistic poses were sold on a lucrative subscription basis in which customers made specific requests as to the scenes taking place in the pictures.

The 60s: Return of the Androgen

In the 1960s the young, free, androgynous figure of the 1920s came back in full force. The Women’s Lib Movement was also a predominant part of the 60’s. During the famous 1968 protest of the Miss America contest women were tossing their bras, girdles, nylons and other articles of constricting clothing into the trash can. There is some debate as to whether or not they actually burned their bras though.

The 70’s: A New Kind of Sexy

Pam Grier a.k.a. “the baddest one-chick hit-squad that ever hit town!” helped change white America’s ideas of sex appeal to include Black women as well. She was a staple of early 1970s Blaxploitation movies, always playing bold, assertive roles and looking damn fine with a gun in her hand.

The 80’s: T’was The Worst of Fashion Times…

I would elaborate, if I could only find the words.

Sexy Fashion Today

The Skong

The roots of fashion revisited, “the skong” (i.e. skirt/thong) is the newest thong trend, inspired by the loincloth

Conclusion

Today’s sexy fashions tend to encompass a blend of all the sexy styles through time. Walk into any lingerie store or sex shop and you will be surrounded by fashions which poke fun at traditional beliefs and ideals. As our views about clothing, sex and sexuality are in constant evolution and change, it will be interesting to see what revolutionary fashions will come next.

Post from: Jewelry, Fashion & Celebrities | fashion-victims.org