Alysa Rice is a freshman magazine journalism major and writes "Fashion Your Seatbelt" for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. Write to Alysa at aarice@bsu.edu.
On April 5, 1994, Kurt Cobain committed suicide, leaving behind an everlasting musical legacy. The Nirvana frontman is iconic for defining grunge rock in the early ‘90s and molding the modern rock scene decades later. Cobain spoke his mind boldly, always went against the grain in more ways than just his music. Even though he hated being a spokesman for his generation through Nirvana’s mainstream success, his soul, songwriting grace and unique presence brought authenticity in a pop world filled with pretenders and opportunists.
In honor of this invaluable artist, I’d like to pay tribute to his too-brief life and career through the medium in which he’s inspired me most: the individuality he carelessly flaunted with his clothes.
1. Oh, that ratty, olive green cardigan. Sold in 2015 at an L.A. auction, the discolored, stained and burn-holed sweater went for $137,500. He sported it while performing with Nirvana during a taping for MTV’s “Unplugged”in New York City. Paired with an easy grunge tee, button-up shirt and loose jeans, the classic mohair cardigan feeds my envy of Cobain’s A+ layering technique.
2. MTV Awards red carpet attire done right. Ripped jeans, a striped shirt and sneakers never looked so good. It’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it. I never thought laziness could be so glamorous.
3. Not only a grunge rocker, Cobain was also an impactful feminist and ally of the LGBTQ community. Published in the liner notes of "In Utero" – the last album Nirvana ever released, it says, “If you’re a sexist, racist, homophobe, or basically an a**hole, don’t buy this CD. I don’t care if you like me, I hate you.” The band was not going to stand for bigotry. Next to this statement is a picture of him that gives me that feminist feel — the thick belt, white tee, blue jeans and ever-present olive cardigan hit all the right marks.
4. Polo neck, leather jacket – all things grunge. This iconic look is not only plastered on my wall, but its swoon-worthy effects have me wishing he’d lend me his jacket on a cold evening walk home. Mastering each ‘90s era staple and nailing it, Cobain rocks the classic piece that’s still a favorable pick today and, in my opinion, always will be.
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To many who weren’t touched by his music, he will be dismissed as another rock ‘n’ roll stereotype…but he was so much more. Twenty-two years ago, a cultural and musical legend said goodbye to us. Today, thousands of people still listen to and resonate with his songs and embrace the '90s grunge style he effortlessly rocked.
“I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not,” –Kurt Cobain
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