the disaster that bred the indie sleaze era (& how history is repeating itself)

[@GNICHO]

This Era is timeless because it’s simply yassified 90’s grunge

[@european_lion_123]

best comment

[@nothing-jl2dz]

loved the aesthetic of this era except the anorexia glamorization

[@therockbottom5256]

Heroin chic became tumblrgirl

[@mishynaofficial]

Huh no, 90s had strait lines and hight waist, the hipster era had skinny everything and low waist which means it f*cked up.

[@nothing-jl2dz]

@@mishynaofficial no way, low waist was the 00s, the hipster era had high waist everything

[@corilewis]

Fellow 30 year old here, it’s nostalgic and horrifying to be alive long enough to see history repeating itself in this way ✨

[@tumorlolita]

Right? That’s exactly how I felt watching this video. Nostalgia never been so uncomfortable

[@SorbetCitron17]

39, I decided at 35 to never buy the the same piece twice twenty years appart and I'm slowly working my way toward my grandma style.

[@Reverse_Cowgirl-cat]

Same especially cuz we are old enough to look at it from the adult perspective. When you're a kid everything seems new to the world but its probably not lol.

[@hallamshire]

Also 30 here - It is weird to me that certain things from my closest - that I've been wearing every year - are suddenly in style again. Not that I mind... but I expected to be out of style for a bit longer. But they are some of my favorite pieces, so I'm not complaining

[@StelmariaonE7]

Soon to be 32 here, and personally it's to the point where it's not even horrific anymore, and I feel kinda numb to the chaos enveloping around me again and again. I feel like that frog that got used to the boiling water....oh another economic downturn? lived through like 2 in my 20s. Ope, international conflict? World War III was supposed to pop off so many times already, and I'm still standing baaabaaaay. It didn't help that I started plugging into the 24 hr news cycle from the age of 16.

[@elenasodyssey8087]

I was 14-16 during the peak of the 'indie' phase, and recently i have found myself listening to lana del rey, the neighbourhood and coming back to all the indie bands i used to listen to..

[@KristenLeo]

It’s Lana playing all day every day for me too 🥲

[@JuliaMarieH]

I just never stopped 😂

[@catya]

i never stopped

[@nothing-jl2dz]

turned 14 in late 2011 I never stopped listening to those

[@FoundSheep-AN]

@@KristenLeo I started listening to Lana del Rey too some months ago

[@aenese34]

Actually, when you were asking "what global disaster happened recently" my thoughts immediately went to covid, but then I wondered if it was the war and then I was like "oh man, it's been more than just one!" *sigh*....

[@KristenLeo]

🥲

[@gaelle4328]

Recently here the rise of facism and it’s f…ing scary.

[@114HAna]

For me it was the war and then covid, but I live in Finland so it is quit big on the news, with NATO and everything.

[@HighAsHeckPriestess]

I remembered that every week since the end of 2019 was a new global disaster.

[@arimcphail4124]

In the UK prices of everything has gone up so much especially for heating, living in scotland we need heating. It is much too cold to go without so we have a real struggle going on

[@aryastar2464]

Lowkey the indie sleaze/ hipster aesthetic has always been my fave. I was in cosmetology school at that time and working on fashion editorial sets, insta was actually good, partying was a low production grungy event with amateur tattoo souvenirs, the unfinished sentences that created edgy conversations… so pretentious, so disassociated, yet such shallow ‘the world is on fire let it burn’ fun… it was like walking into a modern Fitzgerald novel- simultaneously grand and desperate. Despite my romanticized nostalgia of the time, I hope it’s only the fashion that will make a resurgence. I don’t know if I could handle the over correction of the hustle culture that followed afterwards again 😅

[@j3891]

you have a way with words wow

[@xFREExLANDERx]

Girl sounds like you got stories! Write em down 🤑

[@stephanieg2887]

Cant lie, the hair of this era is unmatched. Effortless fuzzy curls, subtle highlights and ombre, don’t come at me but i kind of enjoyed that and was too young at the time to participate. I did love that hair era. My pinterest has been feeding me more of these hairstyles. So i totally believe that indie sleeze is slowly re-emerging. Other than the hair, pls don’t bring back plastic floral crowns or skater skirts…

[@CinnamonCari]

Nope. I really like skater skirts and dresses, those can come back

[@luciskies]

Skater skirts are so flattering! 💛

[@joannexdd5628]

@@luciskies and they're flattering on so many body types, not just typical skinny!

[@luciskies]

@@joannexdd5628 EXACTLY

[@peniscapture068]

my style is princess core so flower crowns never left for me lol

[@angiepangie2795]

29, from the U.K., it’s nostalgic, I do miss how there was less emphasis on being perfect, I feel like it’s hard to keep up with how ‘polished’ everyone is now, even alternative kids today look polished which freaks me out 😂

[@mouna8720]

as a 26 year old, i am so excited for indie sleaze to comeback. as with tumblr, it left too soon. i need an outlet for my depression

[@priiifrg]

it never left though

[@KonekoNaru]

I’m still on tumblr but it definitely isn’t the same vibe anymore..

[@lilbabytears]

Same here!!!

[@lilbabytears]

Tumblr really fell off though. I miss those days

[@sweetdaydreamer8868]

@@KonekoNaru yeah.. it's better now, everything problematic has moved to tiktok

[@retouriste]

The fashion cycle has become too fast for me to be honest. In the last, what, 2 years max we were all loving y2k and wearing 1990s and 2000s revival fashion, and now we are already moving on to 2010s? Whatever keeps people buying new sh*t I guess, but still. Are we going to revive 2020 fashion in 2024 because it will be considered vintage by then?

[@gaaladart]

And since 2020 fashion is 2000s fashion the circle will keep getting smaller 🤣

[@retouriste]

@@gaaladart at least it will mean no new clothes then. everyone will just rotate through the same wardrobe in this time loop lmao

[@retouriste]

@@gaaladart YESS FASHION TIME LOOP lets goooo

[@ponyo3922]

more than one thing can be popular at once

[@sabreenasnow119]

I've been seeing alt ppl on tiktok talking about how they miss the alt fashion of 2020 lmfao

[@rina-nv5yr]

“Which of all the things that happened in the last 2 years traumatised us?” Me who lives in Russia and has relatives in both Russia and Ukraine, who lost grandad because of covid and whose dad khs- At this point the new normal changes every month and caring about anything seems like too much trouble so yeah! Yolo and stuff

[@KristenLeo]

Yolo and stuff oml I hope you’re doing ok 🙃

[@rina-nv5yr]

@@KristenLeo thank you, I’m trying!

[@infinitenoodledoodle]

Fuck me, this hits way too close to home.

[@ПолинаНиколаева-и6ы]

relatable, the only difference is that i lost my grandma💔 sending hugs

[@rina-nv5yr]

@@ПолинаНиколаева-и6ы hugs to you too❤️ Hope life is going to get better

[@madeleiner3640]

I'm 36 and the Indie Sleaze era was the BEST. Best music, best fashion, not so virtuous, gritty.I think it started before 2008- that sounds too late. I was def into this in 2004-2008. I personally think it is a reaction to the 'clean girl' perfection

[@meowiestwo]

i'm with you, i worked at urban outfitters pre-2008 and a lot of us dressed like this. but i guess it became really mainstream in 2008

[@elenap79]

This is a VERY Gen-z vision of indie sleaze. Indie sleaze started early 00s with bands like Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Cory Kennedy, Angyness Dean, Nu rave fashion etc. That's peak indie sleaze. I won't even consider Lana Del Rey indie sleaze at all.

[@madeleiner3640]

@@elenap79 exactly!! This is not accurate. Lana Del Rey was much later

[@seanwieland9763]

It’s long overdue to erase the woke “social justice” New Sincerity of the 2010s. People are sick of virtue signaling and curating a brand identity. They just want to have fun and enjoy some detached irony, not “change the world” or “make a difference”.

[@seanwieland9763]

@@elenap79 Soulwax’s Part of the Weekend Never Dies and all the artist interviews therein captures the peak of “Indie Sleaze” right up until the 2008 GFC ruined it. There’s a few documentaries on Electroclash too. It was also cool to hear Fischerspooner’s Emerge used in the 3rd season of Westworld.

[@blancaaaestela]

Noooooo. It’s too soon. The rate of trend cycles is exhausting. also, I wonder how much age factors into this. I was also in my late teens/early 20s during indie sleaze and lived peak ED/drugs/heartbreak/depression around 2011. I’m gratefully very removed from the person I was then. It’s not to say my mental health isn’t something I’m constantly working on, but I’m in a better place in all other aspects. I feel for folks going through their formative years right now. Shits hard. Side note, I love your outfit 👌🏼

[@Agreatperhapsbylilo]

lol yes, the whole mental health atmosphere while growing up with indie sleaze felt toxic to me

[@CviliC]

It won’t be exhausing if you stop following trends and just be yourself and wear what u like no matter what is currently in fashion.

[@xFREExLANDERx]

Sooo many old men going after young boys & girls 🤢 the sugar baby culture & flaunting them at the clubs was all too common

[@sc6658]

I’m turning 27 next month and the thing about the MacBook filters hit me with this wave of memories from my teenage years. None of my friends had MacBooks but there’s an Apple Store in the mall and whenever I went to the mall with my friends we’d spend a bunch of time playing with the filters and taking pictures on them. This was circa 2011-2012.

[@annaly2318]

I fucking love your intros 😭 you put in so much effort than other commentary-esque youtubers

[@dunia4893]

Ikr!

[@KristenLeo]

🥹 thank you!!!

[@annaly2318]

@RunningManBill ok

[@michz9304]

@RunningManBill you're fucking right

[@GravityFallsUp]

I really like the indie sleaze style, and think it encourages a lot of rewearing so at least it has that benefit to it

[@thezandarkside]

The quickest "press play" I've ever done

[@KristenLeo]

Ily 💜

[@thezandarkside]

@@KristenLeo it's mutual 🫂

[@ofthegirl]

I love this. I’m not a subscriber, & I’m sure I’m not your target audience since I’m pushing 50… so my “indie sleaze” was grunge. The entire vibe was pushing back against Regan/Bush/yuppies. Embracing having no money, heroin chic, Girl Interrupted, Prozac Nation, saving the whales. Mixing hippie & punk. The 90’s 🤌🏼❤️

[@trophybuckle3235]

I got married in 2007, bought a house at a deeeeep discount in 2009, _loved_ Skins, and am realizing I’ve never stopped wearing this style 😬🤣🤣🤣

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

Is like classic "french girl style" since Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, but puting extra elements of grunge, retro, vintage, glam, disco, ballerina, boho, etc

[@DiMagnolia]

I can’t even begin to describe how little hope and sanity I have right now, it truly sends me back to ten years ago when I was at a terrible mental and physical state.

[@TheChavert]

As someone who's 29 this video brings me back... In my country we called the indie kids hipsters and I had a friend who was one and had an iphone and the way you dressed reminds me so much of her. I was a psyctrance rave party kid so my style was a bit different but i still remember this era somewhat? fondly?? idk

[@caroline3925]

Where are you from? (Asking it because in my country we also call them "hipsters".)

[@gaelle4328]

Sweden here and yes…hipsters

[@medleyann]

well...hipsters never stopped being a thing....right?

[@TheChavert]

@@caroline3925 switzerland!

[@caroline3925]

@@TheChavert interesting and curious! Because I'm from Brazil😄

[@LanaClara]

I'm 28, a teacher, and I feel so old and ragged when I work with teens and children... I guess all those things really traumatised our whole generation Thank you for this video, it's a lot to think about. Love you Kristen, you're amazing and you keep me sane

[@danim.2717]

Oh stop sis you are still young, you are not old. I'm 31 and I wasn't allowed to wear anything that wasn't "Sunday's Best" so I'm excited for this too, don't let your age stop you. You are awesome!

[@fr33yamusic]

I am 29. What was our generation traumatised by?

[@violetmoon397]

Ive never heard of Indie Sleaze but I was a tumblr girl I’m now turning 30 in February ew. and I realized so much form this video I wanted you to keep talking in the end! Like I’m like”yes, yes girl, for real gooo onnn.” I never put away my Jean jackets, thigh high socks, boots, and oversized everything ! it’s weird it’s coming back but you made it make sense

[@sarazsadanyi4113]

Man this gave me the shivers! I think it will be very interesting to see the research on COVID developing over the next few years, especially talking about mental health and its impact on society in general, because I remember that we were also told, in NZ, to go out and start buying things, trips, experiences, to get the economy back up and running. I think you're onto something here and we are going to see this pattern repeating itself!

[@architectsneedunions]

Another fellow 30 year old here, am relating so hard to being 18-20, obsessed with Skins and just being an all-around mess. It was problematic, beautiful and stupid. A rejection of the adulthood we knew we wouldn't have anyways. On another note I am SO PUMPED to walk around in my creepers even though that's probably more soft grunge :o) Thanks for another interesting and thought-provoking video

[@jackbrooks3302]

the book disaster capitalism by naomi klein is all about the ways in which these disasters have led into one another, by the explicit design of capitalists. george bush's cabinet was STACKED w economists who championed this perspective even before 9/11, and they were just waiting for some kind of disaster or tragedy to let them put those plans into place. it's a super bleak and depressing read but also really really informative about how explicitly that's been the plan for decades and how much of the US's interference in other countries thru funding wars has been about testing out and fine-tuning disaster capitalism to the point of the current global crisis (crises??)

[@KristenLeo]

Love Naomi Klein, I need to find that book! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@NinoJoy]

Thanks ! I know now why it make me think of the strategy of shock, I need to read it again it's been a while

[@LaAlesaura]

YES, I thought of that book too, seeing this video!

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

Actually is about inside government, check the (neocons) politicians that push the agenda for crisis, also obama jumped in the war that later he apologize for his biggest mistake because he killed middle eastern dictator, but that was pushed by the neocons and was 100% extra to do, and that's how obama created the 2008 recession worldwide because of oil prices of middle eastern countries that created Obama with his domino effect

[@kmilaniawilburn]

Also can’t forget that Urban Decay as a brand was like this🤞with this aesthetic. Especially for smudgy eye looks. One of my best friends and I were obsessed with their dark/sparkly eyeliners and dark lip colors during this era. It’s too soon for it to come back…but I’d also be lying if I didn’t say I love the best versions of this aesthetic, especially the more Indie/rock adjacent side.

[@gefelice]

Can I just say that the visuals of your latest videos have been so on point. Like the focal length, the lighting, the outfits, it's all just *chef's kiss* 👌

[@user-cx1jv2vp2t]

RIGHTTT???

[@wildrayy]

One day we’ll see Kristen and her documentary on Cannes or whatever film festival, I swear. Also, you’re glowing 😍✨

[@KristenLeo]

😭💜💜💜

[@heathercolby705]

Commenting to manifest the most cinematic masterpiece of a film// documentary

[@SmerneluvJasmin]

yes yes yes

[@ellililo]

does anyone know what camera she uses? like at 3:56? that shot was just too good!!

[@3li3ab3th]

I was 14 during this era's peak. I miss tumblr. Now I'm afraid to have children that I want so badly because I'm scared of the world they'll have to grow up in.

[@pabloescobarschanclas]

why risk bringing kids into this messed up world?

[@madd7e]

i feel this- never have had like super “motherly” instincts and thinking about how theyll turn out. especially after seeing this first generation of ipad babies get to high school age- fuckkkk no, its not getting better from here

[@indianaknight7610]

me too! i really struggle to relate to a lot of new parents because of this, and interacting with kids brings me so much anxiety because I am scared for their future. Such an awful spot to be put in as a woman, to have morals attached to what is already a life-changing decision and thrust upon you because of your biology. Let alone if abortion isn't an option where you live. I've never had mother instincts but I wonder if I would feel differently without such a stressed worldview lol

[@hemlocklatte]

Same. I am on the verge of starting to try to get pregnant and I'm so scared

[@3li3ab3th]

@@hemlocklatte I understand that fear completely. Wishing you all the best with your future family.

[@pistachiorainy1967]

girl that intro was straight up cinematic. great analysis and video. I was in high school and college during the peak of this, so it had a huge impact on my style even today. Not sure if it's just that or the looks themselves, but I do not get that cringey feeling either when looking back. Is it somehow more inherently timeless than other decades' trends, or is it just the time in my life that this style came?

[@ruled_by_pluto]

i started to oddly just feel this one coming right around the beginning of 2019. an intense nostalgia i had for this era (which I didn't know until now had any name), and it's strange to see this video because i have been contemplating how older trends coming back could happen from various people who tend to be early to trends spontaneously and simultaneously experiencing the same nostalgia. the way you sit back and examine trends from a detached, logical perspective is really cool. your channel is a nice blend of sociology and fashion/pop culture. love that you do your own thing on here and don't just dress/frame your shots the way every other youtuber does. cool video!

[@meelo933]

I was between 15 and 20 during the indie sleaze and Tumblr era, and I feel happy to see it coming back. At the same time, it feels weird because I'm 30 now and starting to feel old. I also feel a bit envious of younger generations because they are going to live through it, and I'm not sure if they'll do it right or if it will last. It's good to see all the fashion and eras I went through as a teenager and in my twenties coming back because I can finally dress how I want to, and I have the money to buy those clothes. Last year, I went shopping and found things I wanted to wear as a teenager, so I bought everything I wanted. I'm also seeing a lot of goth stuff getting popular. Sometimes, I feel like gatekeeping it, but I'm also happy to see more people owning it and showing it off. Damn, I feel old.

[@skye_belle888]

Yes to the fashion and goth stuff too!

[@tflenderson9636]

I remember finding my friend's thinspo blog in college in 2011 & another acquaintance left school to get support for her ED, it's interesting I know ED's have a lot to do with control & during turbulent times we all feel out of control. Interesting & scary

[@catarinavh1835]

So, I was around 10 when the financial crisis happened, and being portuguese, it hit us pretty hard too. Of course I was a child, and now that I'm in my early 20s I realize, some people where in their early 20s around that time. I applaud you for having lived through that at such a vulnerable age in everyone's lives. Congrats, you made it

[@psychedelicspider4346]

I remember the early 2010s indie sleaze, I was a preteen then, so I wasn't part of the target demographic, but during the last months I've started to think about that era, as I used Tumblr a lot back then. It's weird, because as much as fashion is having a little Y2K moment, it's also being channeled through this nihilistic, I'd say almost ironic lens product of the plague and war.

[@ronnie10151]

I can’t describe the amount of joy I immediately get when I see you have a new video. It’s an analytical escape that I thoroughly enjoy 😊

[@xfirefli]

So glad this video came on my feed - I was huge into indie sleaze back when I was in highschool, though I remember calling it "soft grunge" and I idolized Effy Stonem. Not really the best role model! You have a lot of interesting things to say about the vibe of the era. Definitely fits the sentiment now. Ripped tights, beanies, denim, lace-up booties with stiletto heels, honestly that whole era wasn't as cringey as people say it was.

[@Tallblondy3]

Your theory makes sense! A note about Pela, since you bought your case the prices have increased and quality has decreased. I’ve had 3 break in less than a year and the company never replied to any of my emails about their warranty..

[@sylvenstein]

girl, the creativity in your videos. I- thank you. what a treat.

[@KristenLeo]

🥹💜

[@aleksandrasivolob]

In the US our healthcare system definitely didn’t help with the pandemic. I didn’t realize other nations other than really poor ones had similar issues with less resources going to health care. I definitely went through a nihilistic phase a few years ago and it coincided with my depression. Now I’m trying to do local activism for my city in an effort to stay engaged with things I can hopefully change.

[@gaelle4328]

We had a serious bout of conservatism an rightwing rule which hit us like a brick in 2008 and just squeeezed our social security systems healthcare infrastrukture etc

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

the UK left (Brexit) the European union system because money from health system needed up in other countries of the European union Basically people had to fly to other countries to get medical care because the "free help" didn't cover some cancers and dental treatment, so money from the UK health system drained to turkey or Spain, and that's how the UK system got very weak and in negative numbers While the American health system is better because they don't force people into paying taxes for healthcare bills even if you don't get sick In the UK you have to pay for random people hospital bills, they force you to pay someone taxes, and it doesn't cover dental treatment or se cancers and some disease's So the European union system (health and education) have those big flaws, and they always on negative numbers, and people is pushed to travel in order to get education or healthcare And since Europe share taxes between different countries, politicians make disappear those health and education funds (corruption) So American system is better controlling corruption because each person can administrate their own budget, while in European system you're forced to pay someone hospital bill or education bill even if you don't want to study engineer you're paying for someone else studient bill, even if you don't want to have a baby you're paying for someone else studient bill And that ended up in European people being stuck in European union debt, and rely on public schools public university public transport and rent, you don't leave heritance to your family because euroan union system snatch it off you, so if you have kids they born without home or car, because public transport is the main option While in America the hustle culture is about parents that inheritance some money or get some when they married (because inheritance is not taken off by the government, is not like European system) and then parents buy house and cars, and they can pass on to their children, so Americans die with more money than they born While European system people rent and they don't buy cars they don't leave inheritance to children and they always have to wait to politicians to do whatever they want with them (the girl on this video explained it with the Greece example) So if you're American there is pros in you can administrate your own life and you don't have to pay extra taxes for random people hospital bills and education bills Because that's what colapse Greece Poland till today... And that's why Europe is fragile and this year Germany is in risk of don't having enough electricity, the country is buying wood... Wood because they don't have enough oil, and that's because people rely on the government since they have to pay extra taxes that pay for random people bills There is pros and cons of the European union system and the American system but depends on your personal lifestyle If America change to copy European union system you will be in debt with the country paying more taxes and many business would close (like in Greece) so more people without jobs forced to paying taxes for random people hospital bills and education bills will force Americans to be in debt and will put new generation that still don't born yet in debt, because parents can pass some debt to children's, so i don't think is a good idea for Americans to change into European union system similar system because for some reason the UK is leaving...

[@peachreed]

As an almost 30 year old ex scene kid/ tumblr girl, I am SO here for it. Also, don’t call me out about my coping mechanisms…shopping is the only thing that I can do right now.

[@CatBloom42]

Kristen, I've been watching your channel for years. You have been consistently one of the most intelligent people on KZbin. Thank you so much for your content!

[@KristenLeo]

Omg I don’t deserve this 😭💜

[@kinolibby6580]

Indie sleaze was certainly a thing in the U.K way earlier than 2008. I remember buying a magazine called Sleaze Nation C2003. The aesthetic was so well established by 2004 when I started art school I remember having conversations as to when it might die out. I was more of a twee girl myself or twee f****er as we tended to call ourselves. I guess twee was kinda the anti-sleaze.

[@seanwieland9763]

Arguably “Indie Sleaze” aka Electroclash began at the Trash nightclub in London, thanks to Erol Alkan.

[@pissass.8675]

@@seanwieland9763 can you argue it please

[@xilitla.]

YES i was waiting for someone to bring up it's earlier roots

[@xilitla.]

@@seanwieland9763 shout out erol alkan that waters of nazareth remix was so hard god bless him

[@Neferiari]

Your videos always make my mind explode with how much sense your theories make. It's like all the pieces are there but I wouldn't have been able to put them together without you

[@solidsnake1806]

I was 16 when video games came out. That was like, the peak of this trend imo. I am now 27 and the rapid trend re-hashing cycle is making me feel WAY older than I should be feeling. It's barely been 10 years for fuck's sake. It's insane & scary.

[@xXChaosChelleXx]

26-year-old Zillennial here. I'm glad the kids have good taste, but I kinda feel like they're taking what's mine. I've been listening to alternative music, following a plant-based diet, thrifting, reading classic literature, geeking out over ancient philosophers, having casual sex, sharing anarchist literature, and writing dark poetry for over a decade; I've been drinking pbr, smoking cigarettes, and playing with drugs for almost a decade. Not trying to be a snooty gatekeeper, but will it ever actually have the same meaning for them as it does for us? I just feel like we used to get bullied and marginalized for our passion, but now it's apparently the cool, new thing. A lot of us who live this lifestyle are just grown up emo kids with legitimate mental illnesses and ACTUALLY physically and psychologically abusive, manipulative, controlling, religious, conservative parents. We were never in it for the fad. Rebellion and escapism is what gives us comfort. Am I the only one who feels this way? I'm simultaneously happy and upset about this.

[@subwaydaddy]

maybe it feels fast to you, but i was 15 when indie sleaze really started (2004-05) and its right on time for the fashion cycle so don’t worry too much.

[@skye_belle888]

27 isn't even old

[@begofrost]

i'm old as a tree and SO excited about the return of fashion eras because i see them as another opportunity to live those times again but better, with more resources and knowledge. i wasn't really ready for the resurgence of indie sleaze at first but the intro of this video just made me scream omg, thank youuu

[@mrlionmaw7617]

Best intro you did so far! Also loved how you made the connection between a fashion phenomenon and disruptive historical events. It really makes me think if the upcoming of the emo-scene back then and its revival during the lilpeep-era was fueld by similar effects.

[@shivendetta3801]

I entered highschool in 2008 and then lived on tumbler 2010 and onward. Fast forward 15 years and living the same bullsh!t. The parallels are jaring

[@theferalacademic]

as a 29 year old going through university late, the slow creep of early 10s fashion onto campus has been uhhhhh, jarring. more and more skater skirts by the week. honestly if they try to bring back skinny jeans after finally getting me to let my legs breathe again i’m gonna be livid (but also at the ready for them to do their goodwill drops) 👁️👄👁️

[@dariazhempalukh]

I’m hoping that it won’t go downhill that much. Teens have always had dark thoughts but when the culture supports them with tv series, celebrity lifestyles and music, it gets worse and worse even without economic problems because your average teenagers don’t have any will to support the country and will waste their best years on recovering or even worse: won’t change patterns and will become those lonely adults with no will to lead adult lives, have kids, etc. (or will have kids and will abuse them) And it’s even worse because of AI and other technology blurring the mind and boundaries of healthy society.

[@sophburgess8819]

i was a young teenager during this era. never got into the trend even while struggling with my own mental health issues. i think with the rise in ed culture and overall the “recessive health” culture, i can see how in some ways this is coming back. but since deleting most of my socials off my phone i can say that these “trends” only matter and only HAVE mattered in these specific chronically online niches. SPECIFICALLY white, cishet, able bodied women. when i go out into my own space as a black lesbian, i do not see these problems or this looming trend as heavily. it is only when im on white spaces online where i feel this almost dark pressure of this wave coming back. edit: my advice for all the people worried-delete the socials off your phone, find your own style, talk to people outside of your circles and for the love of god get off tiktok

[@eliorafairy]

that transition at the beginning was too smooth

[@ДубЛасковый]

Your filming skills are just STUNNING!!! Love the way you use lights and colours ❤❤❤❤

[@TheVirtualJenesis]

Can i just say your outfits from that era were ✨iconic✨. I feel like my style is very influenced form this time period (I'm 19 so i was only a child at that point) but I did love the fashion. I take a lot of my inspo from the Olsen twins. I am obsessed with their relaxed, effortless, bohemian look. I think that style is very reflective of me as a person, chill and not wanting to give damn all the fricking time and I think that ties back to the era of #yolo.

[@clalea4985]

I absolutely love how you come up with topics that are not even in trend but then I listen to them and my mind just blows cause they're so real and I'm like why aren't we talking more about this like really you should be it

[@hollyerinn]

aging millennial here as well, it's while to look back at everything that's happened since 9/11 and how wild it was that it was only 6 years before I graduated highschool and only 7 years before the recession. I hadn't put together how close all of that was time wise before now, less than a decade of absolute insanity. It feels like our generation didn't real have a fair shake at all when it came to finding solid footing financially. And it makes a lot of sense that a ton of us would gravitate towards this nihilistic attitude, myself included...there's a dead tumblr blog out there somewhere with all my cringy 20-something hipster sleeze photos. yikes.

[@skye_belle888]

Who doesn't want Jeffrey Campbell boots to come back? 😭 I love this era. Have been seeing it mixed with grunge and Y2K lately and it looks bomb

[@WildWhispr]

On point as always! Reminded me so much of the music video to Lampshades on Fire by Modest Mouse which is a critique of this end of the world party that the indie sleaze era seems to represent. Maybe it's cause I was a teenager the first time around, but this new stage of nihilism seems so much darker, it really does feel like the world is ending sometimes.

[@adelenfouba]

Kristen, you are so kind and funny and the editing and lighting and makeup of these videos is so good I’m going to cry why are you so hood at video making wtf

[@jits8767]

for the actual style elements, i dont think its coming back just yet, at least not in full force. we're just starting to reflect on those times, as we are far enough away from it now to see t for what it was. three years ago, we barely had a name for it. but it is still to close to actually embrace it again.

[@jits8767]

also the 'healthcare cuts caused covid-19' is totally right. we just had to wait for a virus that was contageous enough to fuck it all up

[@Morgan_L]

Yeah, this renaissance is reminding me a bit of 2015-2016, when we were distanced enough from the 2000s to see it as a distinct time period in pop culture, and started reflecting on emo music and fashion. But nobody was properly "bringing it back" yet.

[@xXChaosChelleXx]

I just didn't stop. Lol

[@lightninglove222]

I think you made a good argument for the connections you drew with the chain of global disasters/disruptions. Loving the videos, great insights and a unique perspective on issues.

[@luvasaur]

Not my mid to late teenage years coming back already I’m only 25 😭

[@tudinail]

love what you did with the editing in the intro! very creative/cinematic

[@zoecloud8280]

Our response to disaster fueling the next disaster is such a great point. And I think it's interesting that each disaster has been both hard to predict/imagine and an obvious outcome simultaneously. I wonder what disaster response led to 9-11, because I'm sure there was one. I would love an entire series that explored this and offered advice on how we can respond to disaster in more heathy ways to prevent the next one. Like how can we learn from history and have a more healthy response to our most recent disasters?

[@Productions547]

First video I’ve watched of yours - Your energy is equal parts captivating and intimidating. I think I’m a fan.

[@honeym7408]

The iPhone 11 is only three years old and the camera is fabulous. I’m usually not a brand advocate but when it comes to smartphones I really can’t help but emphasise how long they go. The iPhone I had before lastet 5 years and i was still able to sell it for a decent price. At times where all the big brand flagship smartphones cost such a fortune and are updated every year with barely new features I really enjoy not having to buy a new phone every so often.

[@AvengGedAshley]

I’ve had my iPhone 8 going on 5 years and finally caved and got the newest model. Hopefully this one lasts just as long haha

[@KristenLeo]

I agree, I work in social media so outdated camera quality does show especially when I use my phone to vlog as well, I always wear my phones down a lot before replacing them and get them second hand anyways. Usually I would upgrade at this point cause my phones would have issues from damages from drops, I’m pointing out my Pela case is not letting any damages happen 😅

[@kackie]

35 here. Worked at American Apparel in 2010. I feel almost a little validated that they named our time period of just being blackout all the time?

[@magdalena3149]

I'm not mad about indie fashion coming back, however, fedoras need to stay put in the 00s where they belong please! I also hope that we won't be seeing flower crowns in shops as well - so much plastic, so wasteful, so cringe. I thought I was going to make my millions as a teen by making and selling handmade flower crowns, I never applied myself to start this venture but thinking of my naiveté back then makes me smile. I really hope that people will buy these indie 'vintage' trends second-hand and not from the likes of Shein and Wish, you can find all of these trends in charity shops for the fraction of the price and still be fashionable. I'm so glad that we have you, Kristen, to educate us about everything ethics and fast fashion, you were the first person online who opened my eyes to how cruel the fashion industry is and changed my shopping habits forever. What a total babe and treasure you are!

[@enrriquechinchilla936]

You waking up in the indie era made feel so nostalgic that’s when I started watching your videos way back in High school. Specially when you just randomly take a picture of your hat 😂😂😂 ugh I love you.

[@Patchouliprince]

I’ve felt myself slipping into a lot of the same issues I had in this era and now it’s all making sense lmao

[@chrisptaco1139]

I'm honestly not fashionable at all, but I LOVE learning about how fashion and historical events correlate. Thank you so much!

[@dolunayd296]

I love your videos like this. Especially in these times, as someone living in a third world country, I -mentally- need for political videos and video essays about social issues, cultural changes or etc. Thank you for doing this.

[@lynxmikaelson]

I really love your intros lately, you put so much effort in!

[@kittyfriend9888]

when I think of the indie sleaze era I think of clubbing and bar hopping in 2007-2010 and all the electro music that was really popular at the time like justice, Ed banger records, and groups/djs like soulwax/2manydjs, Steve aoki, bands like lcd soundsystem, the rapture, etc, and lots of glitter and shiny pants and fake glasses , and HIPSTERs everywhere. and binge drinking, and drugs obviously.

[@alphaomega9626]

12 girls in one stall only happens for one reason...

[@pchypie8801]

The intro!!! It was so aesthetic and artistic yet HILARIOUS 😂 best intro to a fashion video ever

[@aleksandraneon2476]

Hi, Easter European gen Z here, could you imagine how freakin Wild we’ re having it? Happy Crimea Bridge Day everyone :D

[@alias201]

Oh yes! The headbands! So many headbands! I was 18 in 2008 - the year of the Great Recession. I did not have all the cool indie sleaze stuff, the recession hit us hard. But I DID HAVE HEADBANDS

[@spigney4623]

That picture at 10:30 must be pinned to 1,000,000,000 Pinterest boards. You literally defined indie sleaze. Its actually really therapeutic to hear an "it" girl reflect so intelligently on the philosophy of that era. It was such a self destructive time and i still carry it with me

[@threelena3879]

Tumblr definitely glamorized some of the Ed aspects of skins like with Cassie but the actual tv show came across pretty genuine with her portrayal. I always felt that she dealt with her depression with bulimia, being the only thing she could control.

[@morganlcampbell]

kristen, i would srsly just come to this channel to watch you fold laundry and chat. thanks for giving us another fresh and fantastic vid

[@_lenny_____leonardo]

This was a great video! I think connecting historical events to trends is fascinating. I was 12 when 9/11 happened and even then I was like "this is bullshit" when Bush told us it was our patriotic duty to go shopping and then I watched everyone around me run out and buy American flags. My 8th grade yearbook had an American flag on the cover.

[@elenal1906]

I was 11 and I truly believe the rise of emo / scene was in large part a response to 9/11

[@alwaysgettingthere]

I have a fondness for my hipster era, but I never went so far as indie sleeze. I was too lame and sheltered.

[@whoarewe7647]

I’m a bit younger here! Indie sleaze were the cool older kids me and friends looked up to so we definitely ended up having parts of that, mixed with emo scene from this sort of satirical rebellion! Not the best fashion days but great friendships were made back then. Covid has been hard but I doubt we’ll see the same level of “indie sleaze”as we did in 2008. I miss those oversized hoodies/cardigans though, the long socks and dress really made it a look haha!

[@irate92]

i'm gonna be honest, i've never even given this a thought. now that you've mentioned this, all of the dots are being connected and it's eye opening, i'm goning to dig into that. thank you.

[@heyitsrowzee]

Boost the economy by shopping! The most frustrating sentiment because it’s so unsustainable and ignores all the negative consequences of mass consumerism. Thanks for the video Kristen!

[@CanoYeezy]

I’m tripped the fuck out 😳 I love how you make these videos so easy to understand and you keep them engaging!!!

[@coralinen23]

i never truly understood the meaning of yolo - it was more like a dumb 9gag meme for me at the time. but now, when i'm constantly under the threat of getting killed by russians, i do understand it fully. i'm dressing up whenever i'm going out or even when i'm working from home, i'm renovating my kitchen (even it could be destroyed every minute), i cherish every second of my life ❤ i was watching this video while the air raid alarm was on. was sitting on a floor in a safe place with a cat crate in one hand and grab-and-go bag in another.

[@anabluu]

I am sending you a big hug, with my hopes that this nightmare will be over soon 💛

[@coralinen23]

@@anabluu thank you dear 🤗

[@cm-yu6gu]

Your fashion blog pictures from the 2010s would have been the object of my envy back then, seriously you emcapsulated the peak fashion of that time perfectly lol

[@CentraalStationK]

Oh man, you're so right. But I can't handle that again. My teenage ED/tumblr/depressed/skins-obsessed self might be 10 years ago but I am not ready to be reminded of that all.

[@izzydandrea7548]

This is a random tibit but I also think these subcultures that we saw are heavily impacted by music (which was heavily inspired but the financial and world climate obviously) at the time all these indie artist were taking control and they were just these broke kids that wanted to party and out songs out to do just that. For even those who weren’t struggling it was just the urge to relate or participate in the music in some kind of way. Or the predecessor of this era was the bling bling era (at least here in the US) this was HEAVILY based on the shift in hip hop music specifically. the event that cause the musical shift was the on going deaths amongst “gangster” rappers and the need to bring light of some kind to the genre. The music about wearing bigs chains and flashy outfits and popping bottles became a style that ppl wanted to emulate. I feel like if we want to guess the fashion climate it’s easy to figure out based on the music climate if that makes sense.

[@graceelizabeth130]

this woman is just something else. she's so intelligent, her videos are so thought provoking, she cares about her impact on the world and i feel like a better, more intelligent person for watching her videos

[@ninamatejcic618]

Perfect summary analysis of my teen years. Love your takes, keep up the good work :)

[@andreasimpson1018]

I’m almost 40. I remember this (shudders). We just called these people hipsters. One of my favorite episodes of Happy Endings perfectly depicts this movement.

[@fr33yamusic]

Yeah ok I was confused by the term indie sleaze. Hipsters was what we called these people back then.

[@marinamoon3472]

Super interesting video! I'm glad this era of a fashion free for all is back. I'm living for it.

[@SophieStudios]

This is such an interesting theory? Would you mind elaborating on it maybe in the next video? I think there is so much more to it and would be great to see what you think! Also the intro gave me goosebumps, you know how to amaze your millennial audience for sure! ❤️

[@calliemacedo]

i don’t know enough about fashion history, fashion or history to say this with certainty but the cultural impact of global disasters in young minds brought to my mind the roaring 20s and how it was a reaction to/effect of the end of WWI and how much in common that culture has with indie sleeze. like looser and shorter clothing, party culture, incentives to spend more, appreciation for shiny and/or opulent things maybe seen as gaudy (accessories, makeup, glitter), excessive smoking, drinking, thinness being the ideal body type…

[@violatitmonstre3077]

That theorie makes a lot of sense actually. Would love to see you make an entire video about that! Ps loved the video intro ❤️

[@Nokabro]

The connection between economic disasters/traumatic events and mental health issues, consumerism, and fashion is very insightful.

[@violeta7298]

i remember wanting to dress like this so much when i was younger, really out of touch with the realities of the everything that it meant and the social background... sometimes i wonder if it was better to live in ignorence

[@patriciaestevezpatier2918]

very great points were made in this video, but the single best thing has to be the intro it had me dead. You're amazing💟