.... Kids are hard to label and they resist being classified, but when they are into their thing, buzz-phrases and spreading of the tribes do not seem to stop them from what they are doing. As if acknowledging that when a style really catches on, and becomes genuinely popular, it must be saying the right thing in the right way at the right time.

OLD AGE TEENS rebellion against rebellion

Indeed, it is obvious to AKA youth culture and rebellion. Why not? Since the fifties teens have been the agents of changing systems, making statements and refusing to conform to conventional thoughts and ideas. However some youth tribes do not fall into that category. The Old Age Teen style tribe plans education, career and even retirement plans and seek stability through friendship, and a monogamous attitude towards relationships. In a culture where porn, one night stands and pole dancing is standard, a new culture of chastity is emerging. It all sounds like conventional conservatism dressed up in new a nomenclature, but as children of a generation where divorce seems to be more common than lifelong commitment, the nuclear family is not something you take for granted. The look resembles the preppy style, which originated on the campuses of the eight Ivy League colleges in America (the likes of Princeton and Yale). It is built on the saga of the well educated, fit and prosperous American young elite. Books like The Official Preppy Handbook released in the eighties gives advice on how to be a true preppy. Another reference book for devotees these days is the best selling book by Japanese Hozumi Kazuo “Ivy Illustrated” which charts the Ivy uniform from spring to summer for both men and women. Watch out! Teens are getting old before their time.....

STRAIGHT EDGERS Coolness of sobriety

Say no and assert a sense of self. But do it with a sneered buck against the descending arms of authority - that is the Straight Edge Movement. It is a near religious pride, passion, loyalty and absolute belief in something amid a sea of mediocrity. Straight Edgers do not drink, do not do drugs and they do not smoke. Born out of the punk/hardcore scene, the Washington DC band Minor Threat kick started the counter-culture within the counter culture with lyrics that condemned drug use. More than 25 years after these words were penned, Straight Edge lives on. Swallowing every young punk searching for an alternative to the drink, drug and one/night stand culture. They all share the same Straight Edge symbol: the black X. This straight-edge "X" can be traced to marks made by US club-management on the hands of underage teenagers, warning bartenders and bouncers not to serve them alcohol. The "X" mark soon became linked with the nascent Straight Edge lifestyle and the associated "don't smoke, don't drink, don't fuck" ethos. Today Straight Edge defines a personal choice of ultimate rebellion. In a culture that is swimming in alcohol and drugs Friday to Sunday, to be abstinent is an honest un-eloquent statement.

GIRLCORE not anti-boy, but pro-girl

One of London´s coolest music gatherings began as a DIY collective for girls. The name is Girlcore and the concept originated from the fact that even though many girls identify with a larger, music oriented subculture, they often have little to no voice in their local scenes. That, and a total openness and anarchistic approach to clubbing and life in general is the essence of “Girlcore”. The Girlcore event started as house parties but has now upsized to club nights, and the girls host an event in London every month, and are planning to broaden the concept worldwide. The night was intended to promote girl Djs and girl talent in general, but Girlcore does not consider themselves to be a part of any feminist movement: “We see it as a platform to promote creative girl talent more than as a feminist thing. It is for fun, but it is also good for growing all together”, says Lolo Chambovet from the Girlcore-core which consists of 8-10 girls - party planners, music promoters, cultural researchers, Djs, photograpers and international jetsetters. There is no ownership to the Girlcore name, and if you are ready to make an effort and attend their parties with enjoyable energy, you are welcome to take on the self assigned Girlcore title. I´m Girlcore! Are you?