Style Out There

Style Out There is a riveting online series produced by Refinery29 that premiered in 2015. The show is an ethereal exploration into the world's various subcultures through the unique lens of fashion, each episode exploring a different cultural sphere all around the world. It's a documentary-style collection produced by Refinery29, a digital media brand focused on young women, aiming to empower and inspire viewers through various lifestyle stories.

The host of Style Out There, Connie Wang, takes viewers on an engaging journey, exploring unexpected fashion communities around the world ranging from Harajuku girls in Tokyo to the Afrofuturism movement in Johannesburg. With an unfiltered curiosity and respectful approach, Wang aims to explore the ways in which people express themselves and relate to the world through fashion.

In the realm of Tokyo, the series handles the concept of kawaii, or cuteness, stretched to extreme measures by a group of girls idolizing childlike aesthetics in every part of their appearance. In another episode, the series delves into the thriving Afrofuturism movement in Johannesburg, a stark contrast to Tokyo's cutesy vibe, examining a radical style movement that imagines a futuristic vision of Africa.

Style Out There has its roots firmly planted in fashion, but it's much more than a simple style series. It serves as a deep dive into different sociocultural phenomena that happen to express themselves through clothes and accessories. It’s a mind-opening appreciation of the power of style, demonstrating how fashion can become a form of rebellion, escape, affirmation, or even protection. Each episode provides a chance to understand the world a little better – or at least, to discover a distinct perspective of it. The show is a reflection of how our identities, communities and sociopolitical outlooks can dramatically influence how we choose to present ourselves to the world. It's about style, yes, but it's also about anthropology, sociology, and identity politics.

Connie Wang, the host, proves to be an enthusiastic and engaging guide. Her grounded presence, combined with her humble approach and sincere curiosity, certainly lends a unique authenticity to the show. Wang has a natural ability to immerse herself in any environment she encounters, connecting with her subjects on a personal level. The show is not about critiquing or ridiculing these unique fashion communities, Wang makes this clear. Instead, it's a genuine exploration of the cultural context that has cultivated these particular aesthetics.

Style Out There breaks from the traditional fashion show framework, eschewing the glamour and glitz often associated with the fashion world, and instead focusing on the more realistic, grounded, and eccentric expressions of style. It is informational entertainment, but it is also, in a subtle way, political. It challenges viewers not only to broaden their perspective on what they might consider fashionable, but to question the societal, cultural, religious, and economic factors that contribute to these style evolutions.

This exploration of fashion and its intersections with culture, emphasizes diversity in a fashion world traditionally characterized by uniformity. It forces us to reconsider the notion of fashion, replacing the age-old concept of high-fashion glamour with a new awareness and appreciation for unique street fashion subcultures and trends across the globe.

The production quality of Style Out There is noteworthy. Each episode is beautifully shot and thoroughly researched, providing a rich visual feast for viewers. The show successfully integrates stunning visuals with substantive content, offering both an aesthetically satisfying and intellectually stimulating viewing experience.

Overall, Style Out There is a globe-trotting exploration of style and self-expression, an enriching, eye-opening series that spotlights the many faces of fashion. It redefines what fashion means and explores how it's used to represent individual and collective identities. It's an intriguing series for those with a passion for style, offering a fresh take on fashion from around the world.