Although it's not entirely historically accurate, it is safe to say that Americans envision Thanksgiving as the celebration of the pilgrims' survival after their separation from the motherland. This separation would eventually evolve into the 13 colonies, which would later form the United States. In short, it was the beginning of our independence.
And yet, nearly four centuries later, the Brits are slowly gaining back control. Well, control of our clothing, at least.
It started off innocently enough. First, the Spanish clothing line Zara opened up a U.S. store in 1989. Sweden's H&M quickly followed suit by opening in New York in 2000. These retailers provided affordable−yet−stylish professional clothing that didn't stray too far outside Americans' puritanical comfort zone. While embracing these seemingly harmless European chains, however, we unknowingly let our guard down. The Brits, taking advantage of our sudden vulnerability, seeped into our lives once more.
The British have always been more experimental than Americans when it comes to fashion. In the 1600s, while pilgrims were donning plain linen petticoats, skirts and bodices, England was already reveling in gaudy embroidery, exaggerated bums and neck ruffs. And sure, simplicity was an intended lifestyle choice for the Puritans, but even in the 21st century, the distinction between progressive British clothing stores and retailers like American Eagle is still fairly obvious.
Or at least it was until 2009. On April 2 of last year, British chain Topshop infiltrated the streets of New York by opening up their first U.S. store in Manhattan. Whether it's an attempt to enforce American population control or simply a means to drain money from American pockets, Topshop has been successfully selling contraceptive−inducing fashion to the Yankee masses for over a year now.
Curious about the success of the chain, I made a point to visit Topshop this past weekend during my stay in New York. Upon entering, I was immediately accosted by floor−length maxi dresses, chunky grandpa knits and enough men−style trousers to neuter the entire female population of the New York. Needless to say, it was a fashion haven. Although the prices are not nearly as affordable as Topshop's European peers, H&M and Zara, the chain still manages to entice younger buyers with a permanent 10 percent student discount.
After roaming the three−floor store, I managed to restrain myself and purchase only two mildly offensive items: a shapeless, chunky knit sweater and a '60s style empire waist dress. The sexy−short length of the latter item was easily canceled out by the long sleeves and Madeline−inspired Peter Pan collar. I rejoiced at my resemblance to a 12 year old French schoolgirl.
Fortunate for my clothing addiction — but unfortunate for my sex life — New York is not the only city to be invaded by English fashion. Last year, Boston's own Newbury Street witnessed the opening of AllSaints, a British high street retailer best characterized by unusual draping and the tendency to drown its customers in fabric. For example, the line's parachute dress, which has survived the past three seasons, looks exactly as it sounds — as if someone literally got tangled in a parachute.
Furthermore, ASOS, the UK's largest online retailer, has extended its reach to the United States recently by offering free U.S. shipping. For those of us who are unable to satisfy our need for denim jumpsuits and crushed velvet dresses at Urban Outfitters, these items are just a few clicks and a credit card number away on ASOS.com.
All that's left now is for a British−based store to open up in our own Davis Square. Once Tufts women start wearing parachutes as dresses, the need to regulate sexiling — or any other sexual matter — will surely be eliminated.
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Ashley Wood is a junior majoring in English. She can be reached at Ashley.Wood@tufts.edu.
