An Open Letter to Fashion

It seems that we owe a lot to fashion, with the abundance of styles and trends that it has birthed, the mental and emotional therapy it has gifted us with, the modes of expression it serves as and stories we are able to tell through it. There is however, a growing negative perception of fashion and the vanity of it all. I’ve taken it upon myself to share my view on fashion and the personal impact it has had on me and my growth as a woman. Do have a read!

After years and years of adoring fashion, and attempting to keep up with every trend, carrying the unfounded belief that that was what made one a true “fashionista”, a pretty frustrating feeling considering that I am no Paris Hilton, which my bank account will happily attest to. It finally hit me one day that I was doing it all wrong. Fashion is not about keeping up with every single trend that drops every season of every year, nor is it about owning a piece or garment from every designer collection. Fashion is not meant to be financially crippling should your “chequing and savings account not be set up that way”, and it’s definitely not about trying to be something you are not.

Fashion is a friend. A friend that gives you something to look forward to when you’ve woken up on the wrong side of bed; fashion is colour to your gloomy and dark days; fashion is there to help you express yourself, when you’d rather not say anything at all. She is there to keep you confident, and even helps you become more comfortable in your own skin, believe it or not. Fashion is there for you when you realize that he was just another playboy, but seeing you in that seamless silky slip dress, will surely fill his heart with regret and just like that, you realize how much better off you are without the games and whack energy.

Fashion holds no jealousy or envy, she is the secure friend that lets you shine and helps you make other friends, giving you something in common with kindred spirits. She lets you fit in and also lets you know where you don’t and don’t have to. She helps you grow and find yourself, your own personal style, your vibe and tribe. She even lets you stray and try out a whole lot of other vibes, knowing that in time, you’ll be back and more refined.

She inspires you to get fit at the gym and helps you feel the part in that life changing job interview. She serves as a reminder of the grace and strength of your grandmother as she rotates and brings back trends and styles from past eras.

She will at times, especially in the beginning of your newly found friendship, bring you a lot of attention. But, it is then when you learn what kind is good and uplifting and what kind is to be avoided. She is always game to accompany you to any occasion, helping you have a good time.

She is there on a first date, to give you a boost and meet you halfway, so all you have to do is laugh and be yourself. She is even there when he kneels before your Manolo Blahniks to eventually put a ring on it, and keeps you glowing and looking as pure as an angel on your wedding day. She’s there as you stand alongside your younger brother when he graduates from University, holding in her purse, the tissue you quickly reach for before you ruin your flawlessly contoured face beat, as he walks up the stage to receive his qualification.

She is there rooting you on when you’re on one and stubbornly rebel against your mother, but quickly sneaks up on you, creating a tear in her threads, knowing that mother dearest will be the one you run to. Reminding you that just when you don’t think you need her, is actually when you need her most. Fashion is happiest to be there with matching caps and sunnies for a selfie with your little girl, knowing years from now, you’ll look back and shed tears of joy at the precious memories.

Fashion is the friend that keeps on giving. That is however, if you’re utilizing her friendship as a good and positive outlet. She only asks that you stay true to yourself, she wants only to bring out the best in you and does not mean to put any kind of pressure on you. She hopes that you will understand her objectives to help and guide you on your journey to finding some of life’s best gifts. And that you don’t miss her point and get caught up in the wrong ideas and rumours of how you can use her to cover up your insecurities, to attract things to you, which in the long run are no good for you. She asks that you play safe and spend wisely on her, as life is about balance.

She lets you caress and touch her rich textures as she encourages you to create, bargain; research; look around at options that best suit you; explore and have fun becoming a collector and perhaps even an organizer. But most importantly, she encourages you to get out there and see the world. And, it is at that moment, when you realize you are just as special as the rest of it, and you should never hide your qualities from it again.

Thank you, my friend. For you have always been the perfect metaphor for life’s big lessons. Best of all, you have given me the gift of finding me.

-A

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