Tanya Gold has a point. Not a good one, but still.
A recent thread over at the Lookbook forums alerted me to one of the most recent controversies in the fashion blogging network:
“Why I hate fashion” by Tanya Gold. Honestly, if you’ve got a spare minute, I suggest you read it. It’s interesting.
Now, being involved in the fashion blogging sector means I’m obviously inclined to disagree with a lot of Gold’s points and beliefs. I don’t think fashion is to blame when one is flattened by a train and I can’t help but feel saddened by the fact Gold’s personal insecurities clearly lay the outline for much of her pent-up hatred.
Then again, despite some of the ignorant hilarities which pop up throughout the main body of the article, I am inclined to agree with Gold’s attitude to some of the ideals of the Industry.
I mean, in some ways fashion is pretty inconvenient. If I had it my way, we’d all be donning Shakespearian ruffs and wear our underwear on the outside of our jeans. But hey, fashion says this is all a big no no and that we must instead listen to the big wise words and amusing accents of Mr. Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul bloody Gaultier. Fair enough.
And of course, there is no doubting that modern fashion does only exist with the barely-pubescent size -4 girl in mind. But that’s OK, because us insanely obese Size 8/10s and above have managed to work ways around this.
What annoys me most about fashion, though, is not so much the whole famine-is-fashion controversy but rather the sheer moodiness that the industry emits. Sulks, rows, tantrums and turmoil are notorious behind the big names of the industry – BUT WHERE ARE THE SMILES? Everyone from the models to the writers to the big name brands appear to be suffering from the most acute form of clinical depression. Seems like being draped in all the latest Haute Couture just doesn’t cut it then. Sigh.
So in retrospect, fashion is a pretty annoying thing if you choose to perceive it that way. You could even say the roundabout of trends is a mere ploy to test our stupidity as the human race.
But why take fashion seriously? Who said the designers are always right and the consumers always listen? Who says we can’t laugh at Alexander McQueen and revel in last year’s stuff? Fashion, dear friends, is thus: the more seriously you take it, the more it hates you. The more you scorn it and play with it, the more it wants to love you. Man that was deep.
Now, if you don’t mind Ms. Gold, me and my Jimmy Choos have a train to catch.
i’ve read the article before, and it kind of makes me sad. her view of fashion is the ever changing, insanely expensive runway designer stuff (whose pieces really would only look good on a model). i don’t dress to be “in fashion” or “trendy.” i dress the way i do because *i* like it, because it makes me happy. i think ms. gold’s problem was with fashion, not personal style. what makes me sad is the fact she’s written off clothes altogether, so she’ll never get past the big-name designers…
Oh, I so agree with you! Yes, fashion may be ‘annoying’ but I really don’t take it seriously. I still wear things that were trendy 3 years ago because I don’t care if something is trendy or not – I still wear it if I like it! Trends and runway shows are fun, but I don’t think they should dictate what we wear. I think we have to take what we see and adapt it to our own personal styles – or break completely out of the box and wear something that would make Mr Lagerfeld faint! Because who really cares what everyone else thinks? The whole point of fashion is to feel happy with the choices you make.
Those captions on the photo are killing me. So funny!
I totally agree with you… and yes, where are the smiles? xoxo
After she admitted to being a Tabloid writer I stopped reading, I was already CERTAIN her “agruement” would be all over the place; bitter, wickely witty (for what?) and sarastic in a way of justification. Please. Why do people take on subjects like fashion? Your write up was Gooood! I like the one part of “WHERE ARE THE SMILES”? I say; Whether good or bad, it’s a given FACT; FASHION it’s forever changing and envolving —love it or hate it. All in all for me, fashion is viewed in the same concept of Art; it’s whatever you want and desire for it to be.
Hope your weekend is going well :)
Reprise: Her agruement was already “all over the place”…that one fact just so happened to COMFIRM it.
Reprise: Getting up to that point of her being a writer for Tabloid, actually CONFIRMED a lot as to her already being “all over the place”.
I completely agree with you – the more seriously we take fashion the more it hates us. The moment fashion stops being fun is the moment it becomes our enemy.
However, what this woman has forgotten in absolutely no way, shape, or form will she be able to escape fashion and it’s influences. She’s fighting a losing battle.
And dare I say what she’s fighting against is more the “Lot complex” that she sees in fashion. Not the industry itself.
Amber
ambersmouthwash
And that is exactly why I know I’d never make it as a ‘proper’ fashion writer – I’m way too happy! Jolliness and stylishness simply don’t go hand in hand. A fake smile is the accessory that never goes out of fashion, and backstabbing will always be on trend. It’s a shame, really… pretty clothes make me smile! :)
Interesting article, I agree with.. :)
You know, I got involved with fashion 4 years ago, when I was 25. Before that clothes were only clothes. I had no idea about trends and the only thing that mattered to me was whether I like that skirt, dress, etc. or not. No extra meanings, no complications.
Now I am a bit more informed but I still prefer the same attitude. It is a kind of self-preservation as well. Fashion is evil, that is when you let it be.
Great post! I totally agree with you on the point of the moodiness of fashion. When did dressing up become so miserable? Clothes are meant to boost your self-confidence, not make you pout like posh spice.
Also, thanks for commenting on my post about Malaysian food. It is in some ways similar to Thai food and some of it intermixes like a lot of Asian food. I think Thai food is a lot more popular though in the West. I don’t know ANYONE who doesn’t like Thai!! It consists of curries, noodles, stirfrys. If you’re unsure where to start, go for Pad Thai noodles or Massaman curry. Hope you have fun on Valentine’s, sounds like a great date!
S
http://notjustmedical.wordpress.com
Haha, I posted about this too. Actually, I think you commented as well. I was totally shocked by the phenomenal response!
You did a great job and I love the sign off ;-D
such a great post! think fashion is what you make it x
Missy
For everything fashion:
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com
wow, well everybody has their opinions but i do agree where the smiles at!
Wise words! Though I love fashion and dressing up, I do not think I would like to work in the industry – too bitchy and too little smiles. But then, I guess it’s tough business (and very little food)…
Oh my, I did read that article. It was sort of interesting, if vitriolic in a way that I can’t completely get behind, but your point is well made! Fashion is totally absurd and hilarious in so many ways. I think fashion would do well to laugh at itself (herself? himself? themselves?) Thank you for this post.
Wow Im so in love with this post! and I highly agree with you!
p.s that collage is hilarious
Great post- I need to read Gold’s essay. Fashion can be so ridic. What am I semi-addicted, though!?
Well said! I completely agree with the fact that it is more than okay to disagree with what designers are said. My opinion is that fashion is supposed to be FUN!It is supposed to make you feel good about yourself. I agree that the industry (including models, magazines, and designers) can make a woman sometimes feel insecure and a tad bit inferior, but it is what we do with fashion that makes it fun.
;] LOVE YOUR BLOG!
and amazing post, love it.
xo