bargain news

Fashion wants to be taken seriously and I want people to take it as seriously as I do. Psychologists consider it a mere capitalist manipulation of the masses. Economists think of it as “the opposite of rational”. I disagree with all of them. I believe those who don’t take fashion seriously are misunderstanding what fashion truly is. However, I have my own doubts about fashion’s ability (or inability) to send a cohesive message to the world about its credo. There are inconsistencies not only in what we understand fashion to be; is it the product or is it the change? There are also inconsistencies in what fashion stands for. Perhaps this is why it is so misunderstood. Here are just few of the fashion inconsistencies that trouble me:

FASHION’S TERMINOLOGY IS SO MISLEADING.

The shows presented at fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris are considered prêt-à-porter (ready to wear) but some designers use these opportunities to display only their creative skills as a marketing ploy for their brands. In other words, they use these shows to debut collections that serve more as an art form making a statement, rather than clothing that’s truly “prêt-à-porter.” I know it’s hard to shock anyone on the streets of New York City, but I believe my jaw might drop at the sight of anyone wearing this.

FASHION SAYS ONE THING, BUT THEN DOES THE EXACT OPPOSITE.

Fashion magazines—self-declared progressive voices that are supposed to promote change and empower women—seem to be completely gaga these days over a prince charming fairytale and EVERY SINGLE OUTFIT that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex wears. Isn’t that just a little hypocritical? How exactly are these magazines empowering girls? I am not joining the ranks of those saying Meghan Markle was a bad feminist for giving up her job to pursue this marriage. I am only saying that the fashion industry is not doing her, or us women, any favors diminishing powerful women into nothing more than fashion influencers. I understand their motivation to also sell products featured within their pages, but I wish they’d quit pretending they are doing it to save us.

FASHION IS SPELLBOUND BY STREETWEAR.

I personally don’t understand what streetwear’s superpower is. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it’s taken over luxury fashion and that even chic preppy grandpa Ralph Lauren has not been safe from its influence. Virgil Abloh of Off-White fame and more recently named artistic director at Louis Vuitton men’s wear collection said, “Streetwear is what is worn on the street and it’s how real people wear clothes, sneakers with a dress, a hoodie—it’s mixing genres.” If the purpose is to democratize fashion, I am even more confused; how many people who flaunt “streetwear” on a daily basis can actually afford a rather simple looking blue anorak for $1390? If they can, I certainly don’t live on the right street.

I love fashion and I think the time has come for fashion to be taken seriously. It is economically and culturally significant and much can be learned by studying it through many different lenses. I believe there is truth to fashion’s lack of sense of humor, but if fashion wants people to quit laughing, then it’s time for fashion to address the emperor’s new clothes… season after season after season.

What do you think?

xx

Although I haven’t attended any fashion shows this season, I haven’t been out of the news loop either. Press releases have a way of bringing the New York Fashion Week to you, even if you are not willing to leave your um, yoga pants for its shows.

Of the many press releases introducing a designer that “will be for sure the next big name to hit the fashion industry”, the one for Nonie actually rings true.

Canadian ready to wear label Nonie (yes, same Nonie seen worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex) made its debut at the New York Fashion Week with its Spring Summer 2019 collection.

The label’s designer Nina Kharey defines the line as being ” made up of clothing designed for women who don’t want the hassle of figuring out how to wear certain trends or statement pieces, but want to look well put together instantly”

The beautiful collection presented in New York is described as “an abundance of silk and draping, inspired by Kharey’s Indian heritage. Satin materials in black, ivory, red, and yellow were crafted like they’re worn in traditional Indian culture, but styled in an everyday Western fashion”

For more information about the label visit them at https://www.houseofnonie.com/
or follow them on Instagram at @nonie.official.

Depending on which magazine or site your read, the New York Fashion Week has either “lost its strength” or is “more robust than ever”.

Through the years we’ve attended our share of fashion shows, and followed everything printed (or typed) about the event. For years we knew what the “it bag” was, what celebrity sat next to Anna Wintour, and if she smiled or not. This year we missed all events, haven’t even read much about them. Not that we adhere to the school of thought that claims the New York fashion show is inconsequential, we just don’t know what is its rai•sond’ê•tre

Is it supposed to be an opportunity to sale clothes, to get a splashy Vogue feature, or a PR opportunity for celebrities to be spotted? When we find out the answer to that, we will return to attending the New York Fashion Week.