Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to find anything that's legitimately "one of a kind".
(myself excluded, obviously).
The phenomenon does raise some interesting questions.
1. Do we not know any differently?
2. Do we know differently but not care/value that quality?
3. Can we not find anything that truly fits that bill?
4. Can we find things, but not afford/like/desire them?
1. Do we not know any differently?
2. Do we know differently but not care/value that quality?
3. Can we not find anything that truly fits that bill?
4. Can we find things, but not afford/like/desire them?
I mean, mass marketing is, after all, named so because it does tend to appeal to the masses. Both financially and aesthetically. So maybe our taste isn't really different enough to warrant individually-made pieces.
I don't know. Truth be told, I do have an annoying number of theories for this phenomenon.
Maybe we're so separated by technology nowadays, that owning the same thing as someone else is not only less awkward than it was before, but maybe even serves as an opportunity for bonding.
Maybe, in a day and age when those truly interested in fashion tend to be the relatively creative types (versus just rich women who need to show off their money), we don't mind working with mass-produced items and making them our own. Maybe it's more fun to make something with an everyday look into something unique, than it is to make something made uniquely for us so as to be worn everyday. Maybe we like leaving the work up to our minds - not the designer.
I know I enjoy the experience of watching others' double-takes as they think, "is that really the same top I own?!"
I know I enjoy the experience of watching others' double-takes as they think, "is that really the same top I own?!"
 |
| shirt: Urban Outfitters, jeans: Citizens of Humanity (similar), heels: Tibi (similar), pen ink on hand: Priceless |
Could leaning on one-of-a-kind items actually be lazy? Could the challenge of making a mass-produced product our own actually be more independent than relying on an automatically individual piece?
Am I just saying this because I'm broke?
Am I just saying this because I'm broke?
It's the day after the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target extravaganza - so I find this is all very relevant to think about. Are the folks (me) who turned out to look at the newly-released items seeking a chance to fit in ... or to stand out?
Why do (energetic) hipsters shop at Urban Outfitters?
Why do (tired) older wealthy women shop at boutiques?
Is it mostly money?
Probably.
But is there anything else that separates us?
Cheers.
I've been thinking about this lately as I have found myself more and more turned off by fashion for the masses (f21, zara, h&m). I feel it is damn near impossible to shop in those stores without having some sort of impression made on you. THIS is what you should wear. THIS is how you should wear it. I almost feel bullied when I shop at major stores like that now.
ReplyDeleteI find trying to style unique pieces is definitely more difficult. No one is telling you how to wear the weird stuff. 2,000 fashion bloggers will be showing off their 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target gear today though, and once those images are seen, it is impossible or at least very difficult to re-imagine it on your own without pulling from your memory. SO how unique could it possibly be? But then again I may have reinforced your argument....
I'm not saying one is better than the other, and I totally respect the creative energy of recreation. But I def don't think styling unique pieces is lazy. And I also don't think older lady boutique shoppers are tired. I think their taste may be a little more focused/refined. BUT these are merely the ramblings of a jaded thrift shopping blogger.
Haven't commented in a while, Gabs. Was THAT long winded enough for you? ha!
xoxoxoxxo!!!
ash
www.thephotogramps.blogspot.com
Very very very very very valid points.
DeleteSo valid, in fact, as to be more correct than those I initially made. I DO think that boutiques allow women to really direct their energy into a few quality, self-identifying pieces.
It was worth posing the theory, though. I find suggesting something and hearing (from you, obvs), that it's not right is more effective than never thinking at all.
Thanks for this. Your comments mean a lot, Ash.
-gab
ive been literally going crazy with this lately. with the exception for a couple pairs of shoes that i didn't give a shit if anyone else had, ive been scouring vintage stores and ebay for pieces that i KNOW no one else will have. and to regurgitate from Ashley......I love me some phillip lim but i already want to vomit from the instagram influx of :oh my god look at what I just got"....and then 20 comments responding "i got that one too".......what?!!! why is that a good thing? its not, its cray cray. blerg, i just love you because no matter what you have on you make it your own :) and im stepping off my soapbox now haha
ReplyDeletebrooke @ what2wear
"Why is that a good thing"?
DeleteThat is the question, isn't it?
Maybe we just really need that sense of community? Considering that 1/2 of us either clicked a button online alone in order to purchase it, or showed up at Target solo to nab the last item. I think sometimes I fall into the trap of wanting to have something in common with others, especially having grown up in a state in which very few people care about what I do.
Thanks so much for this comment. Never a soapbox, always a nerd-heavy forum ;)
-Gab