The Boho look is out, Beatnik is back
The Beatnik look provides a sharp alternative to boho. Kate Moss, in her skinny drainpipe jeans and `baker boy` caps, is naturally already wearing it, writes Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director
Black of eye and dressed in black, The Beatnik is back. High street stores are planning a major fashion shift this month to sweep away the romantic gipsy look that has turned city streets into a pastorale of pavement skimming boho skirts and peasant blouses.
The look is short, sharp, graphic and 1960s influenced, a complete about-turn from florals, paisleys, frills and flounces.
Aimed at the 16-25 age group, the New Beatnik will drive a wedge between the generations, eliminating the ageless dressing which in recent seasons has seen mothers and daughters wearing almost identical clothes.
"The kids are bored with boho, all this sweetness and light. They want something sharp and graphic - and Beatnik is it," says Jane Shepherdson, brand director for the Topshop chain.
By mid-July, all 300 Topshop stores will have collections of black and white striped mini-dresses, winkle-picker-toe, flat knee-boots and striped, loose fitting sweaters designed to fall off one shoulder, priced between £2 for a black and white necktie to £120 for a short, belted black cotton mac.
to be continued...
