The Oscar de la Renta Spring 2015 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
New York Fashion Week wrapped last week. Although I was not there, I think I am still on the high that comes with it. Everywhere I look I see inspiration.
Sitting in Farley Hall waiting on my integrated marketing communications class to begin, I flipped through some runway shows from last week. I also had to check out outfits from fashion show attendees. My absolute favorites always come from street style photographer, Tommy Ton. I looked away from my laptop screen to chat with a woman I have met a couple of times when I noticed her incredible just-dirty-enough-to-be-cool white platform high-tops.
I realize she probably was not intentionally trying to be of-the-minute, but perhaps this is even better than premeditating a look.
Have you ever noticed that most often, the coolest people seem to try the least? I have spent many years studying and observing this essence.
Sometimes it is carelessness that provides the best canvas for brilliance – not so much carelessness, but perhaps a nonchalant attitude. I have discovered that this outlook must stem from trial and error but always results in confidence.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I would love to see more open and free expression through dressing not only in the South, but also across the globe. Dressing is but an art form that I feel is still waiting for its moment.
While studying at Parsons New School for Design in New York this summer, I had a liberating experience like ones I have always read and heard about. One instructor, in particular, would always complain to me that his students would ask for his design direction instead of trusting their own creative aesthetic. It then became very clear to me. Not only in fashion, but also in all areas of life, you have to trust yourself. You must believe in yourself, as cliché as that may sound.
The way I see it, clothing is a necessity for being publicly presentable. Why not take some amount of pride in it? Use it as an asset. With that being said, it is also possible to have a great deal of fun with choosing a wardrobe. Put on what you feel enhances you.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and exciting, even if it could be considered outlandish. That is often how the best trends are set. Kurt Cobain cared little for fashion, yet he set a trend of slapdash flannels and ripped jeans that are still embraced today.
You are brilliant. Trust that and use it for your own amusement.
