The Fascination of Fashion

Women and men alike spends precious dollars on the latest seasons' collection only to wear it for a year or 2 before it is chucked aside in a corner of the wardrobe. The fashionistas would only wear it for 3 months before the season ends or risk social ostracisation for being outdated. Like it or not, many of us would rather put on a piece that would garner praises and admiration from peers than to allow an old garb drap our bodies. Even accessories and make-up should reflect the season's latest colours. To the least, either the accessories, make-up or clothes must be fashionable if one cannot afford a complete set.

Why the desire? What is fashionable? Has society taught us that being fashionable means following what is dictated by a niche group of designers? These designers will hold no power over the society if society doesn't grant it the power in the first place. Amongst these designers, a power of struggle ensues for market domination. Who gets the bigger piece of the pie? Who is more popular among the society? Further enforced by the globalisation of mass media, "fashionable" is an optimal condition desired by the society with rewards of admiration from peers and confidence in self.

Not denying that I myself is a victim of wanting to be fashionable, I find myself subjected to the same desire. My vanity has led me to buying loads of clothes and shoes. Some which I have not worn yet. I spent hours watching "World Fashion" to see what is in the latest season.Though a fashion vain-pot, I am not one to throw out outdated clothings. I believe these designers set the pace of what is fashionable but personal style is an element which makes fashion unique.

My favourite styles are those which are simple in cutting which requires the wearer to make the dress stands out. Simple yet incorporating a touch of ruffles, lace, or an outstanding element ie collar, belt or sleeve. A cross between demure and confidence, romance and reality - that is what I deem personal fashion.

Hoey Theen