DIY:
The zines were cheaply made in order to make the most copies possible so they could spread the word to more people and make the zines more accessible. The black and white, collage, scanned, house hold printed zines were (at the time) unique to Riot Grrrl and other feminist zines of the time.
Collage:
Riot Grrrl zines are obviously collaged, but I find the ways in which they dress themselves is also collage-like. This assemblage style is distinct to the Riot Grrrl community and emphasizes self expression and individuality.
Childish:
Riot Grrrl style (and 90’s style in general) is childlike. Accessories like hair barrettes, pig tails, cartoon t shirts, peter pan collars, mary janes, and dyed hair all contribute to the nostalgia and self-empowerment (not dressing for the male gaze). The hand drawn aspect of the zines (stars, spirals, etc.) all contribute to the ways in which Riot Grrrl’s aesthetic is child-like, maybe symbolizing their agency over themselves.
Self expression:
Riot Grrrls are curated their own aesthetic based on their own comfort and control over themselves and their bodies.
Text:
Their use of text, within the zines, on their clothing or written on their bodies, allows them to advertise themselves and their message much easier. By literally labeling themselves, they’re reclaiming their own identities.
