Some people love fashion and others say they don’t believe in it (some even consider it evil, beware of clothes! – a fear of vanity). Either way, fashion impacts everyone, whether they like it or not. And it is something that most people notice from a young age. You may have squirmed and fussed as your mom made you put on that sweater or that dress. You may have put in much effort to look good in your school picture. Some of you even wandered into your mom’s closet, put on her clothes/shoes/handbags, and admired yourself in the mirror. Or you may have considered yourself above it all, and decided that you were going to let you personality speak for itself. Whatever you did, you noticed that fashion meant something. You were going to use it or do your best to forget about it.
I’ve asked many students of mine at the fashion school I teach at to share their first memory of fashion – when did they first notice it? when did they decide to study it? did they ever rebel against it? who influenced their style sense? I love hearing the stories. It’s amazing how the emotion and energy changes in the classroom as the stories are told and heard. Many never thought to ask themselves this question and so discover a treasure in their memories. Whether we acknowledge it or not, fashion affects every one of us. Why not make it work to your advantage and enjoyment? A personality can only shine forth when people get to know you – meanwhile, your clothing speaks even before you open your mouth!
