How did Kurt Cobain influence a generation of people regarding fashion and music, you ask? Well, let me tell you about his legacy and beliefs that have been imprinted on our society to this day. Cobain unintentionally started trends that will benefit our environment forever.
Kurt Cobain maintained the image that he could care less about styles of clothing, wearing dresses to show the world that clothes do not define gender. As the late 80s/90s rolled around, the younger generation needed a change from the vibrant colors and neon socks. This is around the time when the grunge scene in Seattle, Washington took off.
The grunge scene revolved around music, fashion, political views, and lots of baggy clothing. As the band Nirvana (a grunge band that started in 1989 with their first album “Bleach” being released) came into popularity with Kurt Cobain as their front man, the younger generation focused on his style and embraced the new era of grunge music and fashion.
(Left and right Photos were taken by Getty Images) (Cobain in a floral dress in 1990 . . . @ Steve Double/Camera Press)
As this progression started, many realized the ultimate switch between the decades. The 80’s were full of colors and high-waisted everything, while the 90’s focused on clothes that did not fit. Cobain showed this generation that he was against the trends and was going to wear whatever he pleased. He amplified his feelings about repairing clothing and buying second-hand.
Kurt Cobain dressed out of necessity and not style. Cobain was not a wealthy individual, therefore he did not have money for new clothes, let alone anything trendy. As Cobain came into the public eye, they recognized him for his baggy clothes, ripped jeans, old shoes, and scruffy look. The teenagers grabbed this style and ran with it.
Everyone suddenly was wearing hand-me-downs, thrifted, or repaired clothing. The step forward into renewing or buying clothing that had already been created was monumental.
(© Kurt Cobain during the taping of MTV Unplugged in New York, 1993 © Getty Images Steve Double/Camera Press)
The ironic part of the 90s grunge history was that big fashion companies and designers began taking inspiration from grunge and putting their designs on the runway. One designer who took heavy inspiration from grunge was Marc Jacobs. He took the inspiration and began making clothes that were made out of expensive material. The idea of conserving energy and buying secondhand was tossed out the window as these big corporations started making new clothing in factories. This was the opposite of grunge's intention, causing the style and movement to lose some of its meaning.
The funny thing about this situation is how Courtney Love (Kurt Cobain’s wife) and Cobain responded to Marc Jacobs's designs. In an article called, “How Kurt Cobain’s Iconic 90s grunge fashion influence lives on 30 Years after the Nirvana frontman’s death” quotes, “He sent samples to Cobain as a tribute. “Do you know what we did with it?” his wife Courtney Love later told fashion site WWD. “We burned it.”’ However, even though the big fashion companies tried to capitalize on this movement the main message this era was putting out to the world still holds its value and association with protecting the Earth.
(Imagine from vogue) Marc Jacobs designs
The fashion industry is one of the main contributors to carbon emissions. As stated by Victoria Whalen in Fast Fashion and Climate Change 101, “In 2021, the World Economic Forum identified the fashion industry and its supply chain as the world’s third-largest polluter. On average, it releases 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions annually. Per year, the industry contributes 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”(VW). The fashion industry has a huge impact on the world and the environment, therefore change is needed desperately.
This sudden shift in the 90s from purchasing all new clothing to repairing and buying used pieces was a blessing in disguise. The grunge generation thought they were remaining trendy and up-to-date with fashion, without realizing that they were also encouraging one of the greatest ways to help conserve carbon emissions in the industry. This trend back in the 90’s can still be seen in 2024 with thrifting being all the rage. There are many thrift stores or businesses that value repurposing or finding second-hand clothing. For example, start with your local thrift stores, there are so many hidden treasures.
I have heard countless people in my life say, “I am just not good at thrifting”. But I think, they simply aren't looking in the right places. I promise there are pieces of clothing for everyone at thrift stores. If you are not a fan of going to thrifting you can always purchase from brands like Patagonia, Tunnel Vision, Cotopaxi, Depop, Daisy Links, consignment stores, and small local businesses. (like Hellscape!)
Finding clothes in thrift stores and repairing clothing you already own is “in”. If it is cool, that means you should do it, right?? Just kidding, but seriously: buy second-hand and repair your clothes. It's cool.