Normcore: Is bland really the new black?
Thomas Frank on the rise of stylized blandness as a hipster fashion statement.
Jian speaks with journalist and Salon.com columnist Thomas Frank on the rise of "normcore" -- stylized blandness as a hipster fashion statement -- and why he's looking forward to the death of cool. The look boosts boring as the new black: think fleece, stonewashed jeans, sneakers and the all-purpose fanny pack.
Essentially, says Frank, it's all about trying to look like one is not trying.
"There's something irresistibly attractive about seeing cool people turn against coolness."
(Still, he notes that the ultra hip can probably spot their own in a sea of stonewashed jeans.)