FASHION | Party Monster: Club Kids of the 1980s

Image from Dazed Digital

The release of NYC party monster and murderer Michael Alig (above right) piqued my interest towards the world of uninhibited partying back in the 1980s. Known as club kids, these wild 'creatures of the night' were known for their personalities as well as their elaborate costumes. The promise of liberation and fantasy led to the formation of this youth subculture led by Alig, his longstanding partner James St James and his entourage of friends. His influence was widespread and it grew during the late 1980s, attracting like-minded individuals with a nationwide tour under his wing and clubs begging for his mere presence. 

Image from Alissongothz and Dazed Digital

Driven by their lack of financial support and wild antics, these 'kids' experimented with looks that shocked and provoked. Their appearance eventually became so stereotypical that it was famously characterised by,

“...a skinny young man or woman with clown make up, a wig or hat, platforms, a lunch box and a body-hugging unitard or hot pants and a stretch t-shirt.”

Having just seen the semi-biographical film Party Monster, I cannot help but enjoy the beautifully-filmed scenes where reality was as fleeting as a distant dream. While to some it may have seemed like a cheap B-flick, I no doubt loved the extravagance and visual feast that frequently reminded me of high-street fashion collections. The late-Alexander McQueen was known to be a key proponent of the clubbing scene with his shows mainly revolving around the balance of the romantic and grotesque. And if that doesn't convince you enough, one cannot help but revel in the fabulousness of Alig's (portrayed by Macaulay Culkin) character where he famously quotes, "We don't do, we just are!"

Image from Death x Gossip