FASHION and COURAGE?

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." 

E.E Cummings

Everyone talks about having individual style, and expressing one's self through fashion, but they miss to mention one key element on achieving it.

COURAGE.

One of the biggest road blocks to finding your personal fashion aesthetic, is having to go against what everyone else is doing. We learn very early on, that being "different" is a negative thing, with embarrassing consequences.

 Fashion trends guarantee you a level of security that people will accept you and admire you. 

It makes obtaining success easier, and gives you a barrier of ultimate safety. You have the majority backing a singular idea, and anyone who defies it, is in the minority.

Why in the world would you ever risk failure by pursuing your own ideas?!

"Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised. Usually it implies some risk- especially in new undertakings." 

-Walt Disney

Pursue your own fashion identity, even if it terrifies you, because it is your personal responsibility to yourself. Yes, it creates huge risks, and people will most likely mock you, but the rewards will be immense. Why?When you create your own sense of style, you take the power back. What others are doing or thinking  won't matter.You will define yourself based on what you believe, feel, and desire. 

This life is yours, explore it free from manipulation. 

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other people's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." 

-Steve Jobs

Fashion, Transgender, and the Crap We Believe

As you may have all heard, former Olympic Gold Medalist, Bruce Jenner, has recently admitted to his transgender ways, and declared himself as a woman. Currently, as a "trending" topic, I find myself intrigued by how uncomfortable people get when identity, fashion and gender do not match up to the social stigmas they were born believing. 

As depicted on the doors of universal toilets, a boy wears pants and a girl wears a skirt, try switching things around and all hell breaks loose. People enjoy labels and categories, because it is convenient and easy. Unfortunately, such conveniences, creates a society based on identities predestined by gender orientation and physical appearance. The question of who are you, remains insignificant to the idea, what are you?

For example, the whole concept of creating the word "transgender", is a mistake in itself. It's like having two main teams and putting the odd balls in the corner with another useless label. The point should remain on who you choose to be. Identity is a choice, and something you create, free of any stigmas.  Life often mimics high school and it is time we realize there are no rules in creating who you are. Social groups, and finding your spot is a waste of time, and emphasis should be made in creating your own way, and persona. The term, "male" or female is strictly a "biological" one and it should not restrain your thoughts, preference, or ways of self expresssion. 

 Fashion in all ways, should be the first to adopt the new mind set, of "no rules". The idea of " to be a women is..." or " to be a man is..." should be abolished and corrected to finding what it means "to be (insert your name)..." 

You, like the fingerprints and DNA you were born with, are completely, and unexplainably unique. You are far more valuable than any label could ever begin to understand or describe. Do not cheapen your existence by defining your life based on social pressures. 

Fashion is Freedom.

xo,

Maya

PS. sorry, about the very late post on my "Sakura" dress. New posts coming soon!