Digital Detox: The return of Heroin chic
Image Courtesy: Graphic Design
CW: This article contains discussion of eating disorders, substance abuse, and body image.
The Y2K resurgence has swept the fashion industry with the return of former staple pieces, like UGGs, low rise jeans, and even the renaissance of the tramp stamp. As Y2K works its way through the trend cycle, heroin chic makes its way back to the top of the fashion ranks. Defined by grunge rock, waif-like supermodels, and excessive partying, the era fueling a chaotic lifestyle and fashion sense has now returned.
While heroin chic was an impactful movement for the fashion industry, the debate still holds: should all aspects of heroin chic still be embraced?
Heroin chic was the defining fashion movement of the 90’s, characterized by pale skin and emaciated features. The term itself derives from the AIDS epidemic which also resulted in these kinds of bodily characteristics. Now, a New York Post article, titled “Bye-Bye Booty: Heroin chic is back”, has outlined recent pop culture events sparking the resurgence of heroin chic. One of the most notable was the Kardashian clans’ decision to reverse their BBLs and Kim Kardashian shedding a significant amount of weight in order to fit into an original Marilyn Monroe gown at the 2022 Met Gala. The main issue with the return of Heroin chic is the trend is very easily turned from grunge expression to the promotion of dangerous drug and body centered ideologies.
The revival of heroin chic is set to be an incredibly dangerous trend. It has moved from celebrities to social media with things like thinspo Pinterest boards, low calorie snack ideas, body checks, and other fads. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have banned many terms linked with the heroin chic movement, but users have still found ways around them. All these platforms promoting this movement usually have few age restrictions, consequently exposing children to these alarming ideas. The resurgence of a culture promoting societal pressure widely results in consequences such as eating disorders amongst the affected audience. Certain individuals have turned to drugs in hopes of fitting a societal norm. Diabetes medications, such as Ozempic, have been dwindling in stock after its quick weight loss effects were known and even exercised by some celebrities.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation (UK) found that 79% of young people between the ages of 11-16 are constantly worried about their looks and their bodies. Their studies also showed that 57% of those have considered going on diets and 10% have considered cosmetic surgery. A large majority of these worries are promoted by social media and celebrity influences. Trend cycles are supposed to emphasize self-expression and promote comfort in our own skin.
Our self-image has become a commodity that is too often shaped and molded simply by trends. The true solution is looking deeper into the staples and core values of these cycling trends and analyzing the impacts it could possibly have on a whole generation. It’s on us to take initiative to deconstruct these narratives and embrace fashion trends without embracing some of the toxic beauty standards that come along with them.
Strike Out,
Writer: Hailey Pitcher
Editor: Annika Chaves
Graphic Design: Paige Yoskin
Boston
