Why some people dislike fashion so much I’ll never know. Or why studying fashion or aiming for a career in the industry makes people less intelligent than say, those studying history or physics. Sure we might not know much about the Battle of Normandy or black holes, but even Sheldon Cooper needs clothes. The fashion industry is an extensive one, covering design, marketing, advertising, magazines, movies, music etc. It is an integral part of our culture that provides millions of jobs globally. Though there are undoubtedly problems with the exploitation of garment workers in low cost labor countries, one still has to keep in mind all the great positions the industry provides. Anyone from anywhere can become the next big thing virtually overnight. I can understand why one might think that “fashion people” are clique-y, but the fact is that few trades are as welcoming to people from all walks of life as fashion is. The Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova, for example, grew up in Soviet Union selling fruit in the corner of the street to make ends meet for her family. She is a now an international household name. Fashion did that for her.
The classic scene in “Devil Wears Prada”, where Miranda gives Andy a lecture on the origins of her blue clearance rack blouse, explaining how that specific shade of blue was chosen for her my the very people in that room, is a great lesson for all those opposed to fashion. Mock as you might, you cannot escape the influence of Anna et al. To say you don’t need fashion is silly. Surely you like staying warm and dry, and chances are that you’re currently wearing a product of the trillion dollar industry. I’m not suggesting that you should blow $1000 on the Givenchy “it” Bambi sweater, or even know what Givenchy is, but I am saying that the majority of the Western world depends on the rag trade to deliver clothes for every lifestyle and occasion. Whatever your criteria for purchasing garments might be, someone somewhere has thought of your demographic and how to market certain product specifically to you.
On another note; clothes are pieces of art that you can wear. What’s better than that? Fashion is communication without words, you can feel a sense of belonging with a certain group of people never having met them before, and not even speaking the same language. Fashion is art. Fashion is an international language. And, for some, fashion is the saving grace that takes them from poverty to posh. The industry harbours many genuine pearls in shallow waters. The problem is the abundance of impostor pearls, making it more difficult for the true ones to see daylight.
Providing jobs, creating beauty and bringing people together. Doesn’t sound all that bad, does it?
Credits:
Natalia Vodianova: fashiongonerogue.com
Anna Wintour & Karl Lagerfeld: newyorksocialdiary.com
Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada: heraldsun.com.au
Style Tribes, Chelsea Gallery Girls: thecut.com
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