Ever Present Past: X-Girl

This clip is a from a 1994 impromptu fashion show in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. While a surprise fashion show may not seem that exciting and new to younger generations of people, this type of event was almost unheard of in 1994. Hosted by the fashion line X-Girl, it was one of the many examples of how the brand was rebelling it up in the ’90s.

Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and stylist Daisy Von Hearth started the clothing line because they wanted to make clothes that were thrift store cool, but also well-fitting. Some notable names seen wearing the brand at the time were indie stars like Sofia Coppola, Spike Jonze, and “It Girl” Chloe Sevigny, who now has her own self-titled clothing line for Opening Ceremony, which has a great punk rock gone girly vibe.

X-Girl was the clothing line that had the idea to take the indie skater/riot girrrl look and add a feminine touch here and there while still keeping it “killer cool.” The line mostly consisted of basic ready-to-wear items like ringer graphic tees, A-line dresses and skirts, and skater pants. It was perfect for girls who were looking for an affordable (everything was under $60) underground hipster style that was difficult to find in department stores at the time. Even the odd sizing of the clothes, due to the fact that they were all handmade by pattern makers (American Apparel, ring a bell anyone?), could not stop X-Girl’s popularity for the short time it was around. I will admit that I swoon just a little bit at the idea of having an X-Girl shirt and being part of that amazing group of cool kids.

However, nowadays it’s hard to find this brand anywhere in the United States(although I understand it’s still popular in Japan). You can find a few pieces here and there on eBay, Etsy, and other online vintage sellers but they sell out quickly. I love the fact that the X-Girl line is kind of unknown in fashion history, yet if it were to reemerge today with the same people it would be a huge hit all over again. It just goes to show that real talent never dies!