Apologies. For I have not spoke much about the fact that I am living in France right now, mais, voila! Je suis.

Yes, I am in fact living in France, and there is much to talk about in regards. But, there is something I need to get off my chest right now because it is really bothering me. The big question is - What are the trends in the US right now? Because, people are asking me, and when I left in the late fall, it was um, T-shirts and Shoes, I think, maybe sunglasses? Also worth mentioning is music, which, as far as I could tell was also in this state of tech-rap-pop-rock that could not really be defined as a trend. So, all I have had to say in response is that there are no trends in the US, because everyone is so strung out on some idealistic vision of individuality. Being YOU. That is the trend.

To bring more clarity, the reason why I am being asked about trends in the US, is because the conversation is on the topic of ‘Tectonik’ which is a huge trend in France. Ever heard of it? No? Well, first of all, it’s probably because it’s French and no one really knows what is going on here, until it hits them in the face. Think Daft Punk, Think Justice. So, let me describe Tecktonik for you. It’s like break-dancing, but more specifically, it resembles what is known as ‘Popping and Locking’, only it has more of a theatrical feel to it, and more spinny arm movements. I might also add that the style is a bit more aggressive, which reminds me of ‘Krumping’ only it’s not. It’s French. Not South Central.

This was one of the best videos I found, which will give you a good idea of what it looks like.

Voila. There you have it. Only, that is not it. You see, there is more to Tectonik than the dance. There is the Fashion (high top boots, tight pants, tight small jackets, spiky hair, neon and black colors -like nu wave- very futuristic), the Culture (’how to’ online video sharing, public performance, crowd formation, as in, they draw crowds, of other kids that are into the dance, or at least curious about it). Now before I start bashing the US and it’s sucky attempt at honing individualism, I will say that when I first saw Tecktonik, at a family Christmas party, and then again for real, in a public square in Lyon, I thought it was ridiculous. But I think I was reacting o the fact that it made me feel old.

Really, I don’t know what I am talking about. I don’t actually know what Tecktonik is because the trend, which is much more a full blown movement than a trend, is highly populated by people much younger than me. They are called teenagers. And that’s fine. But it all raises a very good question, about trends, and how they happen, and can they be forced? Because throughout recent history, most trends are backed by some sort of corporate initiative. It looks as though Tecktonik even has it’s own brand,

Bleh. See, every marketing professional is trying to grip the very essence of trends, especially before they happen (due to the fact that trends bring in big bucks). And it looks like Tecktonik is vital. So, the next question people ask me…. Will tecktonik ever go to the states. Of course, I say no, it’s too strange, it’s too French. But do I know? The only thing I can really do is bring it back there with me, when I return.

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