chav
noun
British , informal derogatory__ A young lower-class person typified by brash and loutish behaviour and the wearing of (real or imitation) designer clothes. - Oxford English Dictionary
Although not 'chav' per sue as these images are uber stylish and the clothing is certainly not available at Primark or Lipsy, each of these images have a certain aspect reminiscent of the common value of the chav. Whether tapping into the stereotypical ideals, behaviours and styles- draped in bling or with slicked back hair and moody expression- it may well be considered that there is something quite 'chavvy' about each of them. Or so I think.
We all went through the chavvy phase- I know I did. The look consisted of Adidas tracksuit bottoms, gold chain clown hung round my neck (which I still have) and bright yellow Spice Girls puffer jacket, complete with fake Burberry scarf. Nice. A look I'd rather not recreate, but instead cherish as an emblem of my 90s childhood. It was, let's be honest, the 90s for you when the surge of chav began and which eventually led to somewhat tarnishing the value of their signature Burberry print. It was a great era for so many things, though, the music being one.
Whether or not you find them chavvy or not, I simply feel there is an element of it to them, even if they are from high fashion editorials. I like to think of it as a bit of fun, slightly tongue in cheek and secretly, a celebration of the notoriously British notion/traits to the chav. The chav is infamously loud and vulgar, just like some of these photographs- most of which came from my collection of LOVE and Wonderland magazines. And even if you don't see it, which I hope you do, I seem to and the pictures are nonetheless great to look at. Either way, I have a fascination with both.
What do you make of the
pictures? Are you a fan of the chav look?
Which is your favourite image?
WONDER FULL
