As impressionable youth, trends promoted on social media and the big screen drive us to make decisions.  Most of the time we follow these trends without understanding the history or symbolism of them.  Chokers necklaces arouse all sorts of opinions, and stereotypes, yet they somehow continue to come back as a staple accessory.

The history of chokers begins during the French Revolution, where women would wear  ribbons around their necks to pay their respects to those who died by guillotine.  In the 1860s, ribbons tied around women’s necks was the stereotypical uniform of prostitution.  This stems from the famous painting “Olympia” by Manet, where a woman is seen wearing only a red ribbon around her neck.  On the other hand, chokers were seen as a symbolism of status and royalty.  Instead of a single ribbon, women would wear chokers complete with pearls, diamonds, and gold.  This look is inspired by Indian culture and helped to develop the term “dog collar” due to the necklaces’ thick band.  The 90s couldn’t be completed without the choker.  Whether you side with the grunge era, gothic punk, or chic minimalists, simple street style, a choker was part of your wardrobe.

Students of Lincoln East took part in voting what they thought of chokers.  Students responded with a yes or no answer to the questions “Do you like the look of chokers?” and “Would you participate in wearing chokers?”.

Whether you like them or not, chokers, and other popular 90s apparel will continue to come back as part of a cultural resurgence that takes place every 15-20 years.