” Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel
What does having a sense of style mean? Does having a sense of style mean knowing what’s currently and soon to be hot? Does a sense of style dictate that you stand in, or does it demand that you stand out? Does it mean that you wear the this season’s Prada and/or Chanel?
Despite being a lover of clothes, shoes, accessories, and bags, I’m far from what one would call a “fashionista.” Sure, I’ve heard of Prada and Chanel, but I wouldn’t be able to identify last seasons Prada and Chanel from that which these designers manufactured 2 seasons ago. My cup does not runneth over with knowledge of designers.
My attention to, and love of, all things related to fashion generally falls in queue with my budget. In other words, I’m broke. This financial conundrum limits not only my ability to purchase items from high-end designers, it also quells the desire to torture myself by ogling clothing and accessories I can only dream of buying. Nevertheless, last New York Fashion Week (Spring/Summer), I found myself watching live streams of various shows online. A curious thing happened while I was watching these shows. First, I was not filled with pangs of envy over not being able to afford (and fit into) to the clothing the waif-like models were profiling up and down the catwalk. Every article of clothing that shimmied down the catwalk increased my sense of excitement over witnessing the realization of the designer’s vision. Whether it be in the form of prose, film, or fashion, vision is what every creative person longs to cultivate and share.
Of course, the main focus of fashion week is the clothes, clothes that will undoubtedly influence what will be offered in the coming season. From the silver screen, to award shows, to the average person on the street, what will be showcased during this week will inspire how many will express themselves in the months to come. But beyond inspiring what style I chose to add my own little twist to, fashion week is a time for me to get inspired by the creative force that brought the different collections to life. It is a time for me to revel in the craftsmanship, fantasy, whimsy, energy, and excitement symbolic of this week.
If you’ve never seen a fashion week show, give it a try, it may refuel your creative energy in ways you’ve never dreamed. And who knows, you may even like what you see.
**Live streams and recaps of the fashion week shows can be viewed at http://www.mbfashionweek.com/
I love that Coco quote. and those dresses are beautiful.
I love the quote and the dresses too!