Chelsea Girls: Subversion Style

In the wake of the Met Gala, the New Yorker's recent (embarrassing) "How Punk Are You" quiz and the prevalence of post-apocalyptic imagery, we can confidently say that in style conversation Punk is having a Moment.

Great minds are debating the historical and cultural implications of the political and artistic revolution, and critics and participants alike deliberate whether the sub culture has come full circle or faces extinction.

The Cutting Group conclusion: we appreciate creativity, past and present. Dead or not, it looks AWESOME.

The 'punk discussion' inspired us to revisit one of the most iconic and controversial counter-culture cuts: The Chelsea.

There are several variations on this style, but is most easily defined by one area of the scalp (either the crown or the nape) being cut close while the remaining pieces around the ears or base of the neck are left long.

Bangs often survive this procedure.

The cut made its debut with mods in the English underground during the 1960's. Due to economic shifts, an insurgence of disposable income for youths lead to the rabid consumption of  music and American fashions. THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

The style was later adopted by punks in the early 1970's and reinterpreted during the hardcore revival of the 80's. The Chelsea has chameleoned throughout the decades and because of its incredible texture and enticing rebellious implications, reincarnations of the cut still surface in the fashion sphere today.

Still subversive. Still striking. Still making a statement.

From hooligan street gangs to the pages of Vogue, the Chelsea is a survivor.

Do you have a favorite punk inspired cut?

get cut. look good.
Cg