Fashion Unites and Divides – Fashion Fidelity

We're united by a of love fashion, but how we interpret it divides us. Don't get me wrong, it's not like there's gang warfare over what size shoulder we should we wearing this season, or whether harem pants or 7/8 length trouser reign supreme. However there's no denying it, when it comes to the trend stakes people pick their team and stick to it. Fashion fidelity is important, especially at uni. It dictates who your friends are, what clubs you go to, where you shop and where you live. 

At Leeds, the student body is divided. As far as numbers go, Rah rules. You can barely swing a string of pearls without hitting Jack Wills clad backcombed bouffant. These are kids that normally come from money. Daddy gives them a whole lot of money to buy designer pyjamas and ugg boots to wear to lectures and though it doesn't look it, that hair gets a whole load of combing – back combing. The Sloane of the 80's has had a revamp and is coming to a university near you soon!

Strutting confidently into Harvey Nic's come the Rich Blondes. These girls have the most amazing clothes, the sort of clothes I drool over but can never imagine being in possession of. They switch designer handbags from Gucci to Chloe like I switch between Loose Women and Cash in the Attic. For them, the blonder, the longer, the blingier, the more expensive the better.

Next come the Vintage Dolls. Fresh from a rummage, fur coat askew red lipstick perfectly positioned. I love vintage; however I mainly find cowboy boots, bizarre hats and dusty jackets. These kids have a built in radar for a vintage steal, while I'm paying for my tenth pair of cowboy boots and another size 6 50's dress I will never fit into, Vintage Doll is joining the queue clutching a patent leather YSL bag with a price tag of a bargainous £70. This really happened to me the other day, I had to resist the urge to tear it from her beautifully manicured hands and run out of the shop screaming like Vintage Doll possessed. Bad times.

Along with these Niche's you've got your Gorgeous Geeks, your Hip Hop Retros, your Out and Proud Chavs, and your Punk Princess. This is merely a taste of the united divisions you will encounter at University cities. Over the next few weeks I intend to probe, scrutinise and expose them all in a lot more detail! Which side will you choose?

Holly Lowe