Questioning The Relevance of Fashion

Article in brief: the author questions the relevance of fashion to our personalities and daily self expressions.

The arrival of fashion week concept is like a gift from the fashion industry. We get to see what’s in store for the next season, the new street style, and also see all the interviews conducted with the designers. I mark it on my calendar, and think of what new collections will the focus be on. It’s valuable for the industry’s insiders and fans; it is of great relevance. Can this entire ruckus merely be because of fashion itself?

According to merriam-webster.com, fashion can be described as “a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people”. Fashion is a moving structure; ever changing, and never stays the same. For some, like me, it is a way of expressing one’s self. It is a reflection of who you are. Fashion is part of our daily routine, and if you’re a follower, then it most likely has a say in your outfit of the day (on Instagram: #OOTD). But really, how essential is fashion to us all?

To a certain crowd it is trivial, maybe even silly. This opinion might exist because some consider it to be “a waste of time” and some see it as an act of narcissism. People in the fashion industry exude a lavish lifestyle that merely shows a more materialistic side. Take one of the industry’s famous editors: Anna Dello Russo, the editor-at-large of Vogue Japan. Suzy Menkes of The New York Times criticized Dello Russo in the article “The Circus of Fashion” for dressing excessively during the fashion week. Menkes even labeled her as a “peacock” in an indirect way.

Despite Menkes’ words having some truth, there was one certain thing she forgot to mention; that fashion is a manner of self-expression, whether you’re dressing minimally or excessively. Labeling someone as a “peacock” for dressing how they see fit for the time and place they are in is stereotyping. In addition, fashion gives a chance for everyone to be creative, without any boundaries. It is also a revelation of one’s identity and culture.

Although some may not consider it to be a vital part of their lives, they forget that it certainly is. When you wake up in the morning with whatever mood you’re in, what runs in your mind through the process of getting ready is: what outfit will you wear? Which items of clothing will reflect your initial mood? And so, we all know for sure that this in return answers the question that has been asked through out this article.