‘NYMPHET ALUMNI’ EXAMINES OLD TRENDS; DIGS DEEPER INTO FASHION PHENOMENA
BY EMMA MCADAMS
Have you ever wondered about the microcosms of fashion that lived and died with Tumblr and Vine, or the one that popped up on your TikTok feed last week? There is a place just for you.
“Nymphet Alumni” is a culture and fashion podcast brought to life by a loving and meticulous female gaze, one that is uniquely “Gen Z” and inextricably entangled with the internet. Its hosts, Biz, Sam, and Alexi, each contribute thoughtful perspectives on aesthetic niches and eras that have emerged as homages or reactions to previous couture.
Each episode of “Nymphet Alumni” provides a detailed look at the dimensions, qualities, and origins of a cultural trend happening now or in recent months or years. The podcast’s hosts dedicate hour-long conversations to internet fashion phenomena such as Rookie magazine, e-girls, nepotism babies, Russian bimbocore, and frou frou, among many other topics.
Though the structure of the podcast is casual and largely conversational, each host comes eager and equipped with empirical data and theories on the style zeitgeist at hand. Their intelligent analyses and lived experiences are brilliantly conveyed and create a funny and thought-provoking listen consistently across episodes. Plus, each host focuses on a different perspective of the style being discussed.
Biz shares historical and critical examinations of the material conditions that lead to the mass adoption of a style trend. Sam speaks to the participation of geography and socioeconomics in creating aesthetic gyres. After all, shared experiences of specific conditions often form the basis for stylistic expressions known colloquially as “cores.” Alexi shares internet-literate observations and insightful descriptions of the psychology behind the trends we inevitably encounter and participate with to varying degrees.
The unique charm and intelligence of each “Nymphet Alumni” host creates a listening experience that is equal parts informative, relatable, and enjoyable. Whether you want a podcast that deepens your understanding of cultural tides or simply lifts your spirits, “Nymphet Alumni” is my recommendation. The podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Patreon.
