AFRODITE

YOU ARE FASHION!!!

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening…

For some reason I am always weary of up coming trends, possibly because I know they are made for a particular social segment in America and not necessarily fitted for the young African woman. However, this has never stopped me from being envious of the people who make it happen. Throughout history, fashion trends have been dictated by “the person behind the curtain”. Some fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Fendi, and Susan McCartney are directional and take months preparing for a particular season…

As trends are set for us, it’s our job to see if we fit into the trend and if not then we try and blend in; hoping that we don’t end up being labeled as fashion victims! Being able to establish your personal style will allow you to enjoy each new trend…so instead of waiting for designers, opinion leaders, socialites, celebrities and glitterati to set trends for you, beat them to it! Set your own trends but try and remain within realistic fashion limits…

Fashion fades, only style remains… Coco Chanel

Personal style is an art form, an extension of your personality, to others it’s a religion… Anne Boleyn of the Tudor court, set her own fashion standards as she designed gowns that hid her natural flaws(she had a small/deformed pinky so she made her sleeves long and flared)…this became a fashion trend all over England and France.

Other notable individuals who managed to create their own style which was taken up by the fashion hungry masses include: Audrey Hepburn credited for making “the little black dress” a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, Ralph Laurent for bringing back wide and elaborate neckties, Mary Quant who invented the mini-skirt, Bill Blass who was the first male designer to make fashion a cult of personality, Jeanne Lavin, Jackie O, Christobal Balenciaga, Calvin; the list goes on and on.

In choosing your own style there are three things you need to note…

Comfort: You are what you wear…whatever fabrics or style of clothing you choose must reflect who you are. Fashion is about personality…you have to be comfortable and confident in what you wear!

Your body: keep in mind the type of body you have for example, continental suits were not made for everybody… if you are lean then this is the type of suit for you. An extreme pear shaped woman in harems would definitely look ridiculous, mind your curves and you will definitely look fashionable… whatever bulge, bump, length, curve you have just learn to dress it appropriately…

Time: no matter what fashion Era you are from you have to keep in mind certain things...

Age: a few days ago I saw a man (who looked 40 or so) in supras with his jeans tucked in…dress your age! Just remember trends are made for a particular age segment…

Trends: having a style of your own is very important but remember no man is an island, you must keep in mind what is going on around you

Whatever category of style that you fall under bohemian, punk rock, afro-centric, sophisticated …et al; be true to your style and your personality… Jeffery Banks said it the best way,”rules are for shmucks!!!