The Rise in Black Alt Fashion

Black alternative fashion, though not as popular, has been around for some time now. Black Alt fashion has been alienated from society and rarely pushed into the public eye because it never fit the standard of beauty in society during that time. This alienation caused many Black girls to disregard this fashion style and essentially look down on other Black women who decided to immerse in this style. 

Unfortunately, many Black girls did not have a secure environment to explore their artistic abilities and modes of expression through clothing of all kinds. Although striving to experiment with many fashion genres that the white majority typically wear, Black men and women still encounter significant racism. Racism is more than just overt slurs, roughness and violence. With alternate beauty conventions, whiteness is kept in uncomfortable, silent normalcy. Sometimes the black community perpetuates these stereotypes and ultimately places black expression in a box due to the lack of acceptance it can get from the white community. 

Some Black people frequently look down on those who appreciate art that does not necessarily reflect black culture. It is our responsibility to free each other from the preconceptions held against one another even though we did not create the prejudice that afflicts our identity. Black women and girls once suffered severe isolation if they deviated too much from societal norms regarding what to wear or how to apply makeup. 

Alt beauty styles have become more mainstream over time, but racism and stereotyping that frequently result from these aesthetics haven’t gone away entirely. With the rise of social media platforms, a world where Black women are free to experiment with their appearance through dress, makeup and all other types of personal style is becoming more attainable. Alternative fashion isn’t simply a way for Black women to express themselves; it’s also a way for them to take care of themselves. In spaces such as TikTok and Instagram, alternative girls’ faces are no longer all white. 

The popularity of Black alternative females has exploded on social media as more people start to recognize their individuality. When it comes to emo, goth and scene lessons for textured hair and makeup for non-Eurocentric features, there are differences. But as more and more BIPOC turn to TikTok to communicate their stories and passion for alternative culture, particularly beauty, they are gradually disappearing. Representation has been present in today’s time which influences many black women to freely express themselves and go against the grain of “normal” Black fashion. 

By amplifying alternative BIPOC voices and fighting for increased BIPOC presence in well-known alternative fashion and beauty companies, the more people will come out and feel comfortable showing their personality through clothing. For the most part, Black women have had to struggle with control over every aspect of their identity. Celebrating the individuality and inventiveness of people of color is crucial because, for some reason, it is hardly ever accepted. Fortunately, alternative spaces are beginning to change. 

The alternative scene will no longer be dominated by white, Eurocentric norms of appearance due to efforts to promote representation and elevate historically underrepresented fashion, beauty and music makers via platforms like TikTok. The doors are wide open for a sea of BIPOC brilliance to pour in. Watch out as the next generation of Black alternative girls starts to rule the globe!

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