Alice in Wonderland vs. the Alternatives

The story is classic. Whimsical, creative, colorful, and quietly creepy. For a pop culture phenomenon adored by the general population and the alternative industries alike, what could possibly not be loved?

Or is that the problem? 



It’s easy to see the rise and decline of merchandising hype for the 2009 film release of “Alice in Wonderland” in mainstream media. But what about the alternative industries? Underground fashion has been rocking the twisted wonderland, and mad tea party art concept since the beginning of time.  It makes sense though, something backwards and unusual, typical draw for an offbeat crowd with a taste for aesthetics. But when does an art homage to a quirky tale become giant springboard for every creative endeavor? That mere concept disturbs me. When does “An AIW inspired piece” become a template for imagination for all projects and artistic concepts? When does the AIW enthused mean become a basis for design?

Is this fantasy trend crashing too heavily on our creative influences?





Jasmine Becket-Griffith's Strangeling "Alice in Clockwork"



Many well-known alternative specialty shops, couture designers and artists are producing fashions with AIW inspired or reminiscent themes. Entire clothing lines, makeup collections and artist portfolios are prime examples of the impact of Lewis Carrol’s phenomenon. Corsets and fascinators holding vague titles like “Alice” or “Red Queen” are an increasingly common find on alternative clothing sites. Not to mention fantasy artwork with reoccurring themes of rabbits, mushrooms, and teacups, all directing quiet little nods to the story.

If this was a marketing ploy when large companies did it, what does that say about independent & Alternative designers and artists?

While the concept is virtually exhausted above ground, the underground and alternative industries have yet to put down the flamingo croquet mallet and say, "...I think I'm finally sick of this!".

Are we blind to the repetitiveness of it all? Is our tolerance just much higher? Do we have a longer fascination and attention span to our muses? Or is AIW becoming just as much as an alternative staple as combat boots and nose rings? 

(Right: Fashion Whore's PVC Alice in Wonderland inspired collection on the runway at FAT, Toronto's Alternative Fashion Week, 2010)

 



AIW & Polka Dots Fruit Corset



 For many elitists, the assumption is simply that the story took so well with the mainstream because perhaps they, as a whole lack imagination. The theory makes sense in some ways, after all Carroll’s story offers a vivid world that outright accepts the lack of sense, and offers a seemingly vast amount of creative wiggle room that many people aren’t accustomed to. Think about it, a concept where there's a built-in fanbase and there doesn't have to be an explanation for anything you do. Yet, attention is short, and the media (per routine) turns away as soon as something gives us another reason to give it attention.    

As for the alternative industries, if we concede the argument that the general public is drawn to the story for lack of their own creativity, where does the outlasting fascination leave us? Or perhaps this tale gives mainstream a niche to self-expression, a way of being creative without overstepping their comfort zone (An artistic crutch, in some ways).  If that is so, why is the underground community so hooked on the idea of AIW when those subcultures are so prided in being artistic, creative, and individual?

So what do you think? Is the wonderland taking too prominent a role in alternative fashion with its presence in art and design? And if mainstream fascination exists with this story for the reasons people believe, what does that say about the alternative art and fashion industries? Has Alice in Wonderland joined the ranks of the beloved cliche? Or is it our crutch too?