Has the Fashion World Reclaimed its Essence?

The fashion world has become a challenging topic to write about. With the ever-changing, overgrown industry it has been transformed into, it seems as if artistry is no longer a fundamental priority.

Passion for this industry was planted in my heart from birth. There is a true connection between the visual world we perceive and our feelings, and ever since I can remember, I've been mesmerized by the art of fashion. From a young age, I saw it as a form of self-expression and was highly inspired by how others expressed themselves through their style.

Although I can't pinpoint the exact dates of transition, and writing from the perspective of this newer fashion era, I recall moments when fashion began to lose its essence. It shifted from an intentional craft into a ladder-climbing competition. And so, my passion for this world dimmed; I felt uninspired, as though its spirit had faded. But there has been a break in the clouds. Somehow this passion has rekindled in my heart—bright and powerful—and so, now, I write.

Since fashion critics began writing about this industry, this medium has walked hand-in-hand with fashion. Writing, like fashion, is a form of expression, and some of us are placed in this world to shine a light on things that matter, on creations made with passion and intention.

Inspired by Suzy Menkes, one of fashion's leading critics and respected journalists, I've awakened. In this overpopulated industry, which sometimes gives the impression that there is nothing left to create, it is time to offer strong, informed opinions to help distinguish what endures from what fades. We've seen what fashion has turned into, and we know from people like Suzy Menkes that it changed its art form into a billion-dollar industry.

There is no shame in change, for it is the essence of life, but there is pride in things that are well done, in things that deserve to shine brightly on merit alone. The fashion industry still holds some of the most passionate creators, and while it may be difficult to write about, it seems as if it is reclaiming its essence one step at a time.

Let us return fashion to an art form, not a materialistic endeavor.

Xoxo, Stella.

P.S. Great Suzy Menkes podcast! It's one of the few ones I've found where they interview her; LINK