1/30/2008

Fashion Statement

Here in the U.S. this particular form of voluntary self-exposure in overweight teenagers is a variation of the muffin top—for obvious reasons. We’ve seen muffins in our high schools for years—particularly in girls. In boys it’s mostly about advertising their new flannel underwear—and they don’t show skin. When I saw it in Italy I was impressed once again with America’s ever-powerful ability to set international fashion trends, no matter how absurd. Anyway, fashion’s fashion, but what’s the message?
Hips are hip.
The world needs to know I wear tight black panties.
I was in such a hurry this morning I could barely get my pants on.
Belts are for pantywaists.
I’m no candy-ass.
Tomorrow I’m wearing a thong.

Photo: Rome, Italy. June, 2007.

4 comments:

Sara said...

The trend is hot in Canada too.

Tom Cool said...

I've known Big Chuck for 32 years; he's a world-traveler with a insightful eye for important global megatrends. Glad to see his priorities in reportage are still spot-on: nothing matters quite so much as the nether dorsal surfaces of European teens, especially when bared. I'm sure as this thread continues, we'll get to lesser subjects, such as the mystery of why Europeans resent us, or why an American buck can't get you a coffee, not even in Spain.

Maia said...

It's basically impossible to prevent a muffin top from growing on a female body. Those muffin tops are the tops of our hips. You have to do some intense exercising to get the muffin in line with the rest of your back. I admit, wearing hip-huggers that hug the bottom of your butt aren't flattering. But at least the women aren't afraid of letting their muffins hang out. And pants that ride high, over the navel, are pretty stupid looking too.

maryoplinger said...

Then you are in danger of "camel toe"!!!