Camp on Campus
So, what is Camp? To some, camp is the originator of contemporary fashion. To others, it is the originator of all cringe-worthy styles. In 1964, Susan Sontag defined camp as an aesthetic, a “sensibility" that is plain to see but hard for most of us to explain, with an intentional over-the-top-ness and a slightly off-quality; or "bad taste as a vehicle for good art." Camp is extra, exaggerated, and theatrical; today, it is one of the most viral styles on the internet.
But what many do not know, is that the term camp was used firstly as a blanket term to describe middle-class gay men. Now, the term is used as a descriptor for an outlandish and deliberately anti-norm fashion style. Ironically, this sense of style has been adopted by the highest circles of contemporary society, a prime example being the 2019 Met Gala. For the most un-diluted version of camp fashion, think of the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic. Influences in today's fashion trends from the aesthetic are shown in exaggerated makeup designs, boxy or chunky shoes, large dresses, and eclectic jewelry, to name only a few.
With Centenary being such a small college, you see the same people nearly every day--there are those who will put on nice outfits daily and those who routinely wear sweats and pullovers. I tend to fall under both categories. Somedays, I wake up and think, “Yeah, I want to give camp today." While on other days, I simply do not feel like trying. But, know that whatever you choose to wear is okay! Each style is camp in its own way.
Camp fashion was, and still is, heavily featured in the ballroom scene. The underground ballroom scene became popular in the 20s, with drag queens as a safe space for self-expression. And the contemporary scene continues in this vein, consisting of dancing, lip-syncing, and modeling--a place where people, specifically drag queens, can dance around and wear makeup and big over-the-top clothing.
Over time, queer people of color felt neglected in the ballroom culture and began their own in the 1970s. This trend occurred around the start of the AIDS epidemic, a time period when queer people had to unite as one because nobody was here to help. It was also during the 70s that ballroom started to do something called houses. A house in the context of ballroom culture is “a group of individuals that compete in balls under the same name."
This underground cultural scene became a place for young queer folk to get support and have a safe place. The houses have many different names, most being named after famous fashion designers such as the house of Gucci, the house of Chanel, the house of Dior, etc. With this type of ballroom, the houses would come together, and the father or the mother of the house would give different categories--each person has to learn them and then walk at the next ball. The house with the most points, or the most trophies, is seen as the superior house. Fashion trends and slang words (spill the tea, kiki, vogue, slay, etc.) came out of the ballroom.
Some of the campy things I see on campus are the chunky boots and shoes; those are perfect ways to elevate an outfit. Another thing I see is a lot of vintage and thrift clothing; not only are you throwing it back while wearing thrifted clothing, but you are also helping the environment! In terms of camp on campus, I also frequently see weird bags and purses that do not go with their corresponding outfits. But that is the whole point of camp; it is not meant to be understood by other people! Camp is an art form, a form of self-expression that embodies individual freedom.