Techno and Fashion: A Story of Rebellion, Expression, and Connection
Let’s talk about the connection between techno and fashion. At first look, they might seem like two separate worlds - one about sound, the other about style. But when you look deeper, you'll see that they have been connected for decades, each influencing the other in bold, creative, and meaningful ways. Techno is more than just music, and fashion is more than just clothing. Together, they tell stories of individuality, rebellion, and freedom. Both are ways to express yourself, push back against the norm, and create something uniquely your own. These two forms of self-expression have shaped the way we dress, move, and connect with the world around us.
At Stiluvox, this connection is at the core of what we do. Both fashion and techno are more than just trends - they are forms of expression that allow us to embrace who we are, to celebrate the light and dark moments of life, our victories, and our silent battles. Through music and fashion, we find our voice, embrace our strength, and express who we truly are.
How It All Started
Techno was born in Detroit in the 1980s, emerging from a city shaped by factories, resilience, and economic hardship. The music was raw, minimalist, and full of grit - a reflection of the city’s working-class spirit. The fashion of Detroit’s techno scene mirrored that same attitude: work boots, plain white tees, and worn-in jeans. These weren’t clothes meant to stand out but to let the music speak. It was about blending in while still being yourself, with an understated confidence that said, I’m here for the music, not the show.
Photo: Techno Pioneer Carl Craig in Detroit, USA, 1987 by Normski
Across the Atlantic, Berlin’s techno scene grew in the shadow of the Berlin Wall’s fall. In a city where freedom was reborn, fashion followed. Black became the unofficial color of Berlin’s techno scene, symbolizing rebellion, freedom, and resistance. Leather jackets, asymmetrical designs, and minimalist cuts became iconic, reinforcing the idea that fashion wasn’t about following trends—it was about making a statement of individuality and resistance.
The Rave Revolution
In the late '80s and early '90s, rave culture exploded, transforming both music and fashion. The fast beats and heavy basslines required clothing that was practical, comfortable, and designed for long nights of dancing. Out went the fancy clothes, and in came trainers, baggy jeans, and graphic tees.
But rave fashion wasn’t just practical - it was rebellious. The punk-inspired style of the '80s merged with rave culture. Leather jackets, bold accessories, and fetishwear became part of the scene, adding an edge and a new layer of expression. In places like post-Soviet countries, where techno symbolized freedom from societal constraints, rave fashion became a way to fight against oppressive ideologies and celebrate individuality.
Berlin’s Iconic Scene
Today, Berlin is the heart of the global techno scene. Its clubs, like the legendary Berghain, are more than just places to dance - they’re cultural landmarks. Known for its strict door policy and no-photo rule, Berghain is a place where being yourself is valued above everything else.
Social media has turned “Berghain fits” into a phenomenon, with black leather, fetishcore, and utilitarian styles dominating the aesthetic. But the message remains clear: it’s not about what you wear, it’s about how you carry yourself. As Berghain’s iconic bouncer Sven Marquardt once said, “Don’t be afraid. People who are afraid aren’t very good at partying.”
Techno Meets High Fashion
Over the years, techno has influenced more than just underground culture - it’s made its way onto the runways. Designers like Demna Gvasalia and Rick Owens have infused their collections with the raw, rebellious energy of techno. Gvasalia’s Soviet-inspired streetwear and Owens’ avant-garde designs reflect the raw, unapologetic vibe of techno.
Even major fashion houses are embracing techno. Bottega Veneta’s Fall 2021 collection, presented in Berghain, proved that techno isn’t just music - it’s a cultural movement that shapes how we dress and express ourselves. Yohji Yamamoto once said, “Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious. That’s exactly what techno fashion is about: bold, rebellious, and deeply personal.”
Photos: Salon 02 (i.e. Fall 2021) collection of Bottega Veneta in Berlin, Germany, 2021 by Bottega Veneta
Why It Matters
Techno and fashion are both about freedom. They’re about saying, this is who I am, whether through the beat of a track or the cut of a jacket. They remind us that individuality is something to celebrate, that rebellion can be beautiful, and that self-expression is a powerful form of resistance.
At Stiluvox, this is exactly what we stand for. We believe in embracing your story - every victory, every silent battle - and expressing it authentically. We remind you to embrace who you are, find beauty in your struggles, and celebrate the stories that make you unique.
Whether through the music we create, the jewelry we design, or the space we’re building for creatives, Stiluvox is about you.
So, the next time you hear a track that moves you or put on an outfit that feels uniquely yours, remember: this is your story, your voice, your style.
Explore the Stiluvox Playlist for a curated selection of tracks. Let the music move you, inspire you, and remind you to celebrate your unique journey.
Techno and fashion aren’t just trends - they’re a reminder that you don’t need permission to be yourself.
