Fashion vs. Style

Perhaps, one of the most confusing things about fashion, is the relationship it has with "style". Are they together, or did they break up? From what I am hearing from the fashion world,  they are living separate lives and no longer have anything to do with each other.

OK, but seriously now, the debate between fashion and style is all rather ridiculous to me. According to modern day fashion analysts, "fashion" is partnered with popular trends, and what is currently hot. It is often debated that you do not need to be inspired, nor creative to do fashion, but rather it is a term that can be bought.  "Style" on the other hand is all about your personal touches and how you put "fashion" together. These include such personal touches as mixing high and lo, or old vs. new. 

The reasons I cannot accept this explanation of fashion and style as some how separate, is because it simply does not work. Fashion and style are like lovers who may move apart but always remain entwined. You cannot separate the two and it makes no sense to do so. Fashion without style is a trend. If you want to separate anything from fashion they should be TRENDS! (more on trends in tomorrows post)

Lets make it simple. Fashion should be led by fashion designers. Not the editors, magazines, consumers, nor, stuffy boring business men with charts on demographics and sales charts. Fashion designers have their own visions and inspirations, and their clothes are an expression on those creative impulses.

In many ways we approach fashion collections, and shows completely wrong. Instead of vigorously looking for common trends, and the color of the moment why do we not try to dig deeper into the messages of the designers? Any worthy fashion designer, is almost always extremely intelligent, and philosophical. There is always an existing root of inspiration that blossoms in an artistic form of expression. Whether inspired by the grecian gods, nature, or war, there always lies an idea inspired by life.

Fashion designers and the shows they create are theatrical, inspiring and filled with style, color and textures. Do we call a fashion designer a fashion/style designer? NO, that would be redundant. Style is and should be implied in the word of Fashion.  We should look to these designers as mentors, or teachers on how to do Fashion. Study their collections, and observe how they are inspired to create and where they find those inspirations. Designers do not descriminate their style based on a trend or what is current. Fashion can only breathe if you let go and open your mind to create from the most unexpected place. The models of their collection represent a character, and it should make you "THINK".  Who is that girl? What is she like? Why does she wear what she wears? Does she relate to me? How can I fit that look into my look? It's time to erase the shallow stereo type of  the ditzy fashion girl, and replace it with a fashion girl who thinks. 

We may not all be able to sew ourselves a couture gown but we are all capable of thinking. Learn to view fashion from a third eye, and start to analyze what your own look is about. It is through this thought process that you find your own Fashion Style.

Re-Defining FASHION

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, fashion is defined as:

"a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people; the business of creating and selling clothes in new styles; clothes that are popular."

The debate between what is fashion verses what is style is a direct result of the fact the definition of fashion itself is flawed and incomplete. Fashion cannot exist without style, just as style cannot exist without fashion.

 No different to art, music, and literature, fashion is a form of self expression shaped by our own human experiences. It should not be defined by the level of "popularity" it experiences in a given time period, nor should it be justified by the opinions of anyone but your own. 

It is ridiculous to equate fashion by current trends, or how much you "buy". Defining fashion based on trends, popularity or the "business" that exists around it, takes away from the artistic nature of fashion itself.

 Fashion does not discriminate and anyone who has the courage to embrace who they are, is capable of fashion.  Letting go of the desire to be accepted and following what socially surrounds them, is one of the greatest challenges in life. 

Fashion is not simply the physical adorning of the body, face, and hair, but the collaboration of the inner thoughts, and personal taste that allow you to create your own self-presentation. If you simply dress without thought, the garments you wear, will always remain as lifeless textile. 

Any worthy fashion designer, has a vision, and a message inspired by something. Copying head to toe looks, created by a famous fashion house, is undoubtedly a sure way to impress and look flawless. However, it should not be mistaken as your own merits of fashion, you are merely a dress form, displaying the fashion abilities of someone else. If you steal fashion to your benefit, it will surely use you right back. 

Although the practical purpose of clothing is to "cover" our bodies, ironically, the true purpose is to "expose" one's self. Figuring out how to dress yourself is as important as understanding who you really are, and what you are all about.