I don't know where fashion is going.
To be completely honest, I've gone through so many ups and downs in the past couple of weeks trying to figure out whether I love it, hate it, or frankly, even know what "it" is.
Every time I convince myself that I'm in love with the way that fashion makes me feel, I come across another homogenized street style blog, another shamelessly subversive company endorsement, another infuriatingly mediocre "fashionista" - and I'm nauseated and disenchanted all over again.
I'm sure all of this has been said and done before, and that the "Fashion" industry's critics know no bounds, but it's tough to find myself so continually dissatisfied with something that was at one point so completely fulfilling.
Anyhow - as all of this junk was tumbling through my overly-tired brain one night last week in NYC, I glanced into the window of a passing Starbucks to find my old Parisian photographer friend, Kamel Lahmadi of Style and the City.
I hadn't even had the chance to sit down before Kamel looked me in the eyes and said, seemingly out of nowhere, "Some days, you're going to feel like nothing you do is enough, but if you're passionate - really passionate about it - people will sense it and they will come to you."
And let me tell you. After a day of watching people more successful than myself parade around and flaunt the successfulness of their success, this advice was more than a little called for.
It's not "fashion" I hate - it's "Fashion" with a capital F and a shiny label and a $3,000 camera and a multi-million dollar glossy-coated meaningless slew of mildly artistic but wholly irrelevant photos.
I love fashion.
And if I'm honest with myself, I can actually feel that love. When I do - I'm not scared of outside influences or "competition" or useless comparisons. I don't worry about looking shallow or narcissistic or narrow-minded. I accept that I love what I love, and as long as I'm honest with myself about when I truly feel that love, nothing I do can be wrong.
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| Kamel of Style and the City |
Images courtesy of Style and the City.
If there's one site that's got it goin' on out there - it's this one. Kamel is the most unaffected, sweetest, and honest guy I've met in a while, and his photography reflects that.
Cheers.
You have just reached into my brain here. Exactly how I feel. Thanks for opening up and sharing such bold sentiments in this post :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you feel the same way. Sometimes before I type I think I might be the only one dissatisfied - knowing that I'm not makes me feel awesome.
DeleteIt's true, man. There is always, without fail, a dark side to everything wonderful in this world, and Fashion with that effing capital "F" is the dark side of fashion for sure. These are things you can't escape and just have to accept, but then realize that the passion and fresh perspective that you have is special, and it is Miss Gabrielle, it is!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to become disenchanted with the business aspect of fashion. For me it has the uncanny ability to take all the fun out of it and make my perspective, wardrobe, creativity, lack of funds to constantly be "up to date" feel like it's not enough. I say a big EFF YOU to that though, right?! EFF YOUUUU - Not you, but you know the "you" I'm referring to. The proverbial "man". Keep fighting the good fight!!!
xx
Nicole
I will, Nicole! And you're right - there shouldn't be a standard to live up to when it comes to fashion..it should just.. be.
DeleteI truly enjoyed reading this post, you pretty much nailed my thoughts from thrnpast week. I also saw your comment on leandra's post today and I would have to completely agree with you there too. Keep being awesome :)
ReplyDeleteBrooke @ what2wear
You too. And her posts have changed a lot lately, haven't they? She's good at at least wanted to stay ahead of the curve.
Deleteget out of my brain already! this is why i love coming to your blog, because while we're all thinking it you're the one with the courage to voice it. fashion week was a real mixed bag for me because on the one hand you visit sites and you're treated to so much visual stimulation of beautiful people, parties, and obviously clothes but then on the other hand it's all look at this amazing hotel that i'm staying in for free, or i'm wearing gifted this and this and it's the best and you'd be crazy not to run out and actually spend money on it, or at worst go buy this phone i've randomly inserted into all of my shots from fashion week! it becomes the equivalent of having shitty commercials come on in the middle of your favorite show. i think that the amazing kamel is right and that passion is the great divider. after all hate isn't the opposite of love, indifference is and indifferent you are not! you've got passion in spades and it's what keeps me coming back to your blog and makes me more excited to see a new post from you than from most of the so called heavy hitters. the fact that you actively question fashion and it's values and strive to do one better and actually change it is what sets you in a league of your own. it leaves no doubt in my mind that one day soon you're going to be straight running shit in the fashion world!
ReplyDeleteabigail
www.farandwildjewelry.blogspot.com
Ugh. You are way too friendly. This comment is so nice of you, and I feel the same way about your blog. you have a real niche focus, and I can always feel your sense of style coming through. It's never bland or conformist - you really radiate enthusiasm, and in my opinion, stay true to a really unique aesthetic.
DeleteThanks again for this - I am obsessed with the fact that you (and everyone above) takes the time to write back. It is so so so fun to read what everyone has to say, and always gets me thinking even harder.
Thank you very much Gabrielle for sharing my humanist values in a world of fashion made of superficiality and materialism.
ReplyDeleteKeep on following your heart and find what you can do to make this world a better place, for you, your readers and your futur children.
cause your values and achievement in life will be your legacy.
I wich you a very great day
I thank your readers as weel who share my values.
I wish them the best.
Kamel
Style and the City
www.styleandthecity.com