Underground Looks Get an Airing

A Dalmatian puppy and big hairdos are typical fare at fashion shows. But add models decorated with several tattoos (not the wimpy removable variety) and assorted pierced bodyparts (definitely not a wimpy accessory) and you got the hip parade that strutted the latest in alternative fashions Sunday at Sunline Electric Chair.

The downtown Huntington Beach boutique has been the source for counter-culture youth for close to a decade, and last weekend’s 30-minute presentation seemed tinged with its punk-rock roots. The models’ appearances aside, anarchy infected the organization of the show, causing it to start a half hour late.

But when it did start, the crowd got a glimpse of what they and their friends will be wearing this summer. And it doesn’t look much different from this season. The guys wore it large--although not as large as last year; the ladies took ‘70s elements to the extreme with pieces such as bell-bottoms in stretch vinyl.

What about grunge? Although some outfits fit the definition of the fashion dictators on Seventh Avenue, the G-word doesn’t exist in this don’t-label-me crowd’s vocabulary.

While the 26 Red deejays delivered ‘70s disco hits, a dozen models swept by (some on roller skates) wearing gear by Rare Groove, Body & Soul, Deviations, Mantrap, Soul, Urban Outfitters, Deluxe, Swank, Stella, Baldry, Truck, Jack & Hammer and Gypsys & Thieves. Old punk standbys such as utilitarian footwear from Dr. Martens and work wear by Dickies complemented the “new” looks.