I have a problem with fashion.
I have a problem in the sense I'm addicted to it, with Shop Til You Drop, Madison and Marie Claire among my favourite magazines. I drool over LV signature scarves, $1,000 skyscraper heels and Chloe handbags. My real problem, however, is a moral one: is it wrong of me to desire these things?
To me, fashion is about having fun, but not at the expense of others, the planet or people starving in Africa. If you're lucky enough to afford luxury, it's easy to hide behind it, afraid that if your outfit doesn't cost the price of a mortgage downpayment it won't look good. The real skill though, the Holy Grail of shopping, is to create an outfit that looks wonderful, expensive even, but costs little. To me, people who can do this can truly call themselves stylish.
While some dismiss it as little more than a glorified clothes catalogue, this egalitarian approach to fashion is why I love Shop Til You Drop magazine. It may not be loaded with articles on serious issues, but in a way it's more honest than other mags, not disguising the advertising and consumerist objective behind a token selection of articles. In Shop, there's something for everyone, no matter what age, figure or wallet size.
That's why I was so thrilled to stumble across Peppermint. It takes egalitarian, ethical fashion to the next level, aiming to promote cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly materials, brands that support charities and other wonderful initiatives to ease our yuppy guilt. For my part, I try to pick up my high street and quasi-designer buys on sale or eBay, or win them in competitions. I'm also slowly getting over my prejudice against vintage clothes.
I guess it's all a matter of where you feel comfortable drawing the line.
Where do you draw it?
I wish I could have this problem! I live for fashion, but there's no way I can afford even a hundredth of all of the things I drool over. However I totally understand what you mean. I think that it's not wrong at all, you should allow yourself to dream, but never forget about those less fortunate and reach out to help those who have less.
ReplyDeleteHey Sascha,
ReplyDeleteWell, I can't afford to shop at designer stores every day, but I can definitely spend more than I used to when I was a student. So now it plays on my mind: should I spend more?
I think you're right that you balance it out by helping others as well.
~ Becks
In the fashion department I would drive you insane. I'm very low maintence and a blue jean sweat shirt kind of gal. I even cut my own hair with hair clippers. Have you fainted yet?
ReplyDeleteHaha, I haven't quite fainted! I can go either way actually -- I enjoy dressing theatrically, all colourful and dazzling, but slob around at home in trackies quite often too.
ReplyDeleteCutting my own hair would go very badly with my hair though! : )