Fashion trend alert

If, on a hot and sunny Labor Day weekend, while walking about Manhattan, one spies several anger-twinks wearing black and white keffiyeh (sometimes called "Arafat scarves") loosely about their necks and over tee shirts, obviously as accessories rather than for warmth, one might assume that a nascent fashion statement is being made.

This be odd. These twinks are not muslim. They have no urgent political opinions, but they must have something to say because they waddle down the street like malnourished ducks quacking into their cell phones. I bet they think they've just discovered a clever use for a Williams-Sonoma dish rag.

The keffiyeh are messy and fall off their little shoulders, fluttering in the breeze like threadbare bureau scarves by an open window in a cheap hotel.

Pale tee shirts, low jeans and brightly colored Vans either checkered or depicting musical heroes such as The Beatles who were history before these kids were born complete their look.

The young get away with murder.


(photo by Diego Lema)