Call it what you will: Preppy Goth or Pirate Chic - skulls and crossbones have gone from fringe to fashion forward. Personally, I 'm fascinated to watch the commercialization of such an "anti-commercial" subculture become so prominent in collectible art and haute fashion.
The most stunning is Damien Hirst's recent headline grabbing work: a platinum skull cast from an 18th century skull, encrusted with 8601 diamonds. I read this is expected to sell for a staggering sum of $100 million!
The trend has also invaded the conservative mainstream. I can see why kids are catching on, emulating their Pirates of the Caribbean anti-hero, Captain Jack Sparrow. Children's swim trunks with embroidered skulls are reputed to be a best seller at J. Mclaughlin - preppy retailer of the New York and the Hamptons - beating out the whales, Nantucket red and madras plaid.
In Vivre, a high end catalogue of distinctive clothing and accessories, high priced bijoux includes Christofle skull cufflinks and a crystal skull necklace with Swarovski roundels. And look at the success of retailer Chrome Hearts accessories line, inspired by the macabre. Love it or loathe it, I can only guess this trend speaks to the little/formative punk in us all.
