Fashion VS Style

Fashion is a form of art. Much like, style is a way of life. The two are very different; even though they are siblings.

The former used to take itself far too seriously; instead of being fun and experimental (as it should be) it has become a law unto itself. People would wear what was “so now” and extremities were reserved for fancy dress. Until now; Lady GaGa (who needs no introduction really – love her, hate her, you can’t argue about her love for “fashion” though) is regularly causing a commotion. Why? Because of her outrageous fashion choices.

I think she’s brilliant. Others say that she’s not very attractive, and she has terrible taste in clothes; but I think people forget that; that’s not what she’s about. The lady is about innovation and expressing herself “artistically ”(mostly in bizarre ways) and for someone who’s so famous, you’d expect her to cave into the pressures of looking how everybody wants her to; not so. Admittedly she can look a little trashy but hey if that floats her boat…

Anyway back to the subject; the thing is she really isn’t doing anything new, she’s simply reminding us that fashion is a form of self-expression. She breaks the rules, because they were meant to be broken. It’s not just GaGa either, there is a whole armada out there defying the generic. People need to remember that fashion is an accessory to style, and not the other way round. The whole idea is this; you are your own canvas, whatever you put on, is the image you show to the rest of the world and trust me it is SO important. Of course the inside counts too but let me ask you, how often do you see someone’s personality before their appearance? The answer is, not very.

I’m not telling you to go out in crystal encrusted, glitter infested, latex clad regalia (although wouldn’t it be fabulous?) All I am saying is fashion has no rules and style is what you make it. I enjoy seeing aspects of others people’s thoughts, personalities, emotions and inspirations through their clothes. The reason why I want to encourage people to try colour and dare to wear something aside from the obvious is because, you are a unique person. You are NOT a plain white, long sleeved, crew neck; nor are you a seasonal “it” item.

You are much more than that. Those items are great if they just support you’re natural style, or (in the case of the plain crew neck) act as a basic in your wardrobe. You should never let them take over your identity. Dressing yourself in head to toe Designer, is just as bad as garbing yourself in full on basics from GAP. Neither of them tell the world who you are; and I’m sure you have a lot to show.

So remember style is never easily achieved: it evolves and develops with you; an extension of your life and who you are. Fashion is a fun and accessible medium for which you can gain inspiration from, not for you to mindlessly follow.

This post was for all the street style innovators out there: you continue to inspire me