The term ‘camp’ has been used in the realm of fashion for decades, but it’s often been a subject of confusion for those not well-versed in fashion theory. In simple terms, camp in fashion typically refers to artifice, exaggeration, and theatricality.
Origins and Definitions of ‘Camp’
The word ‘camp’ is derived from the French verb ‘camper,’ which means to strike an exaggerated pose. Its fashion context, however, took shape during the 19th century in England’s homosexual culture. This term became mainstream when Susan Sontag’s seminal essay, ‘Notes on Camp,’ was published in 1964. Sontag explained that Camp is not a genre of content; it is suggestive, a badge of identity and draws its attraction from a sense of shocking extravagance.
Camp in Modern Fashion
Today, camp in fashion can be defined in one word: exaggeration. It’s about being over-the-top, purposefully tacky and ironically appealing, playing with the boundaries of taste. It’s that extra sequin, the flashier prints, the overdrawn bow, the extreme proportions, and the heightened theatricality that makes a fashion piece camp.
A designer who seeks to create a camp piece dispenses with subtleties and instead opts for an extravagant display of style, color, and form. The ultimate purpose of camp fashion is not just to stand out, but to blow beyond established fashion norms and provide an experience of aesthetics that’s uniquely its own.
Iconic Camp Fashion Moments
There are many iconic moments in fashion that perfectly encapsulate the idea of camp. One beloved icon of camp fashion is the legendary singer and actress Cher. In the 1970s and 1980s, Cher’s penchant for dramatic, sequined showgirl outfits made by designer Bob Mackie defined the essence of camp with lavish feather headdresses, excessive beading, and revealing cuts.
The 2019 Met Gala theme, ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion,’ was another recent celebration of this style. Celebrities walked the red carpet in the most ostentatious and extravagant outfits, giving a nod to the outrageous and playful spirit of camp fashion. Lady Gaga, with her four costume changes by Brandon Maxwell on the red carpet, and Billy Porter, who was carried onto the carpet by six men on a litter, while being draped in gold, gave us quintessential camp moments.
The Impact of Camp on Fashion
Camp encourages individuality and creativity in fashion. It offers a space where outrageous and playful expressions are recognized and admired. It is an aesthetic style that encourages a breakaway from mainstream fashion, providing everyone a chance to indulge in eccentricity and theatricality.
Camp has an inclusive and transformative power. It invites everyone to participate without any bars on gender, ethnicity, or any other category. At the heart of camp fashion is an empowering and subversive message – everyone has the right to self-expression, individuality, and fun in fashion.
Ultimately, camp is essentially about blurring the boundaries, playing with conventions, and injecting a hearty dose of humor and joy into fashion. It’s about removing the seriousness from style while still creating pieces that are visually intriguing, meaningful and fundamentally, loads of fun.