I have always wondered about the fascination that Diaspora Armenian men (particularly living in Los Angeles) ranging in age from about 22 to about 35 have with the fashion brand called Ed Hardy. World-renowned designer, Christian Audigier designs the brand and if you have an affinity for koi fish and diamond encrusted skull motifs then look no further than Mr. Audigier’s epileptic seizure inducing fashion line. There is my rant…..I know the seizure thing is a little harsh, but I am just baffled by what attracts the Armenian Diaspora male to this type of clothing wear. I, of course have thought long and hard about this subject prior to coming to Yerevan and I was reminded of the existence of this line last Saturday in Republic Square because of the massive convergence of Diaspora Armenians from the U.S. Argentina, Australia, France, and many other countries for the Homenetmen Games. Everywhere I looked, I saw large (attractive) males walking in groups fully equipped with their Diaspora swagga and I thought about a couple of things to myself in chronological order:
1. You are, in fact, not a Hayastansi. The Spyruks (Diasporans) have invaded.
2. Take off the Ed Hardy shirt (because the design with a skull sticking out its tongue at me is blinding me…..and I wouldn’t mind seeing your six pack).
3. You’ve invaded my turf.
Yeah. I said it. I used the t word. The Ed Hardies saturated the polyester shirt/pants and dress shoe wearing male population of Yerevan. They have essentially invaded the place I have resided for over two months. I will not say I feel like Armenia or Yerevan is officially home to me or that I have this undeniable connection to this land because I do not, but it was interesting that for one second my response to the Ed Hardy decked out gentleman had intruded where I lived and that for a second, I was not one of them.
