Living In a State of Nirvana

Thomas Kikis

CNN, the President, my mom, WWD, and every responsible, informative person around me has uttered the word ‘recession’. I’m in denial. I will not resort to eating Ramen Noodles, nor will I feel guilty for hailing a cab when a subway station is right behind me. I am a product of the 90’s Clinton-era.

Last week, only a handful of designers (Rodarte and Calvin Klein) stood out and fearlessly rebelled in a time when everyone is assimilating to a mood of plummeting stocks. They provided an escape from “Let’s make basics because that’s what customers are returning to.” The majority of what I saw felt uninspired, toned down. Marc Jacobs made the most noise by putting the volume on mute. We are all going to extremes to go unnoticed. ‘Paper or plastic’ is no longer a choice. And our carbon footprints better not be made by shoes with painted red soles.

I’m beginning to grow nostalgic for the days where America had four TV’s in one room, with no apologies; when our country was getting fat in every sense of the word. Gone are the extra large bottles of CKone, extra grungy Kate Moss, and station wagons roomy enough to lug back shopping bags full of Doc Martens, flannel shirts, and Gap jeans. The late Kurt Cobain had a lot to be angry about — but it had nothing to do with his struggle to find the most cost effective light bulb. I went from recess to recession in the blink of an eye, and all that grunge never looked so bright.

1. Kate Moss: People.com
2. Claire Danes, My So-Called Life: abc.com
3. Stella McCartney Giant Check Tunic Dress $1,575
4. Ann Demeulemeester Combat Boot $1,085
5. Calvin Klein Men's Basic V-Neck T-Shirt 3-Pack $29.50
6. Elizabeth and James Bonfire Shirt & Super Skinny Pants shirt $225, pants $275
7. MCQ Layered Sweatshirt Top $253