Image via Complex Original
Written by Jian DeLeon (@jiandeleon)
When Jeremy Scott dropped a fall collection inspired by the Internet circa 1997 and the colors of Lisa Frank stickers, there were also some pieces emblazoned with Bart Simpson's face. Though that's one of the more obvious examples, it got us wondering about the other ways cartoons have influenced today's trends.
The answer was really surprising. We had no idea that so much style really just trickled down from Saturday mornings spent vegging out in front of the television. From the boob tube to the runway, read on to find out How '90s Cartoons Influenced Today's Style Trends.
Motorcycle Jackets
Character: Throttle from Biker Mice From Mars
For the uninitiated, Biker Mice From Mars was a badass show about three alien mice who were fighting reptilian aliens led by a fat guy in a purple suit named Lawrence Limburger. Each of them were disabled somehow: Vinnie had half a face, Modo had a robot arm, and Throttle um... had to wear sunglasses 24/7. Because it doesn't make sense for him to be blind and ride a motorcycle, ya know? Clearly, his leather vest has a hand in the modern street goth/goth ninja look.
Round Eyeglass Frames
Character: Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory
Whether creating superpowered monkeys or dealing with annoying older sisters in tutus, Dexter made a lab coat look cool way before it was the standard uniform of everyone working at a Maison Martin Margiela boutique. While the lab rat look never caught on fully, the round eyeglass frames sure did, no thanks to DeeDee!
Layered Necklaces and High-Top Sneakers
Character: Kwame from Captain Planet
The de facto leader of the Planeteers pretty much looks like Radio Raheem from Do The Right Thing in a field vest... and it's awesome. Aside from his cool retro kicks, he also knows a thing or two about accessorizing. Check the necklaces, watch, and bracelets on both arms. They all combine to make him Captain Swag-It-Out. It's a look you see on rappers like Theophilus London today.
Patterned Shorts
Character: Chuckie Finster from Rugrats
Let's be real. Chuckie was the little bitch of the group. Tommy was a true G, and Phil and Lil kind of just went along with everything. What Chuckie had over everyone though? Style. Sure, Tommy was the ringleader — but he never wore pants. Phil and Lil? Matching onesies... not a good look. We're pretty sure someone is rocking the whole patterned shorts, graphic tee, thick glasses and red sneakers outfit at this very moment.
All-Over Polka Dot Prints
Character: Patty Mayonnaise from Doug
The object of Doug Funnie's affection also predicted a future menswear trend. Now, we're seeing polka dots over everything: chambray shirts, blazers, and even sneakers. Patty was always kind of a tomboy, so we can understand she might've preferred dude's clothing sometimes.
Baseball Tees
Character: Bobby Generic from Bobby's World
Quite possibly the only kid who looks stylish on a big wheel, Bobby made having a big head cool way before Arnold. How does he slip that thing on anyway? We just can't imagine how much struggle he has just getting dressed each day. Maybe that's why he kept it simple in a slew of baseball tees.
All-Over Print Shirts
Character: Rocko from Rocko's Modern Life
Australians and fashion go hand-in-hand. After all, this is the country that brought us models like Jessica Gomes and Gemma Ward. And with labels like P.A.M. and Vanishing Elephant also hailing from down under, it kind of makes sense that another Australian import, Rocko the wallaby, would be repping his country style-wise way back when. These days, all-over print button downs are like a dime a dozen.
Bomber Jackets and Snapbacks
Character: T.J. Detweiler from Recess
The leader of the gang from Recess might not have been as tough as Spinelli in her leather biker jacket and motorcycle boots, but he held his own in a backwards snapback, bomber jacket, white tee, jeans, and classic sneakers. We're pretty sure we've seen this kit in a Raf Simons collection before.
Slim Khaki Chinos
Character: Yakko Warner from Animaniacs
Yakko refused to wear a shirt. In the UNIS Spring 2012 lookbook, tattoo artist Pierre Botardo is also primarily shirtless. Both are wearing ill slim-fit chinos. Coincidence? We think not.
Double-Breasted Sportcoats and Floppy Hats
Character: Darkwing Duck from Darkwing Duck
He is the swagger that flaps in the night. He is the sprezzatura you can't quite put your finger on. He is the fully-canvassed double-breasted sportcoat that is sold out in your size. He is also not wearing any pants. Besides poaching Launchpad McQuack from the DuckTales crew, Darkwing Duck absolutely kills it in the swag department. From the perfectly askew hat to details like gold buttons, we can see how his superbly-tailored style has influenced menswear enthusiasts and editors all over the place.
Extra-Long Flannel Shirts
Character: Arnold from Hey Arnold!
P.S. 118's very own may have represented the fictional city of Hillwood, but parts of it definitely resembled New York City. Sure, Gerald kept it fresh in a football shirt and flat top, and even Stoop Kid held his own with a grunge-inspired look, but Arnold really had a lock on his style. Tiny caps may have never made it big, and sure, his awkward side part might've been borrowed from Wolverine, but when your super-long flannel gets co-signs from A$AP Rocky and Yohji Yamamoto, you're pretty much a style icon.