Fad Files

20 - Mullets (1980s-1990s... to Now?)

Business in the front, party in the back, glorious all over. It's a fun one to close out Season 2. On this episode, Adam and Erin discuss how ancient warriors sported the Kentucky Waterfall, the surprising recent history of the actual term "mullet", and the thrilling international scene of hairstyle competitions. Although, as a 12-year-old Australian might tell you... "It's not a hairstyle. It's a lifestyle." We'll be taking another short break, but in the meantime please feel free to connect with us at fadfilespod@gmail.com or on instagram @fadfilespod. We'd love to hear your ideas and stories! Select Sources: * History.com's comprehensive history of the mullet [https://www.history.com/news/mullet-hair-style-rebels-history-ancient-rome-ben-franklin] * NY Times' article: "What the Mullet Means Now" [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/17/t-magazine/mullets-hair-trend.html] * The Hair Historian on instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehairhistorian/] * The Guardian's article on Australia's inaugural mullet competition [https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/feb/26/its-not-a-hairstyle-its-a-lifestyle-scenes-from-australias-first-mullet-festival]

19 - Mimes (1950s - 1970s)

We're pointing at our ears, and then giving you a big creepy smile. Art! In this episode, Erin tells Adam about the ancient origins of "the clown's silent cousin" (terrifying), Marcel Marceau's badass World War II heroics, and whether or not you have to "get it" to appreciate it. Select Sources: * Mime.info [https://www.mime.info/history-lust.html#:~:text=In%20Greece%2C%20the%20first%20recorded,the%20chorus%20sang%20or%20recited] and SeatUp [https://seatup.com/blog/the-theater-art-of-miming-through-the-ages/] articles on the history of Miming * Marcel Marceau's "The Mask Maker" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naXMPbd2pJ4] * Shields and Yarnells' "Robots Having Breakfast" (The Muppet Show) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e_-nIkIVQY]

18 - Poodle Skirts (1950s)

Ever been stuck with nothing good to wear to a party? Then ever quickly cut something out of felt, slap a patch on it, and have it become an international fashion sensation? In this episode, Erin tells Adam about the inspiring DIY history of poodle skirts, the Dior "New Look" femininity of it all, and the long-lasting impact of three little sassy dachshunds. Select Sources: * Folkwear [https://www.folkwear.com/blogs/news/how-the-poodleskirt-came-to-be] and Little Things [https://littlethings.com/lifestyle/the-poodle-skirt/2559511-4] articles on the history of the poodle skirt (great pictures!) * The Fashion Institute of Technology's Fashion History Timeline [https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1950-1959/]

17 - Decoder Rings (1930s - 1950s)

Gee, gosh, and golly, Mister - get ready to take down the secret message for next week's exciting presentation of the Fad Files. Set your secret society pins to code O4! That's a O as in Ovaltine, 4 as in the number of times you should drink it per day. On this episode, Erin teaches Adam about the covert spy history behind these popular decoder toys, Little Orphan Annie's arms dealer of a benefactor, and why exactly Ovaltine is necessary for a growing boy like himself. Select Sources: * Radio Archives - Little Orphan Annie History [https://www.radioarchives.com/Little_Orphan_Annie_p/ra005.htm] * Metropolitan Washington Old Time Radio Club - Captain Midnight & Code-O-Graphs [http://www.mwotrc.com/rr2005_08/decoders.htm] * The Wanderling article on Captain Midnight & Code-o-Graphs [https://the-wanderling.com/captain_midnight.html] * Zoot Radio Audio Museum [https://zootradio.com/Captain_Midnight.php] * Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring [https://www.rogersar.gov//DocumentCenter/View/681/Lone-Ranger-Atomic-Bomb-Ring-PDF]

16 - JNCO Jeans (1990s)

Who can resist that sexy triangle silhouette? On this episode, Adam teaches Erin about what "JNCO" actually stands for, corporate marketing teams once again deviously vying to capture "the youths", and the heyday of shopping malls. Select Sources: * Mental Floss history of JNCO Jeans [https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/648359/jnco-jeans-history] * The Cut's The Rise and Fall of the JNCO Empire [https://www.thecut.com/2015/04/rise-and-fall-of-the-jnco-empire.html] * Todd Lyon's JNCO Jeans Commercial [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_YjtyF8EnY] * ⁠Youth rollerblading while testing the limit of JNCO Jeans' massive pockets⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY9uitdQIpg] * Denim Man, in all his glory (tokyofashion.com) [https://tokyofashion.com/japanese-denim-man-street-style-handmade-jeans-harajuku/]