Recently I came to the absolute conclusion, we have become fashions drones. Fashion dictated by corporations, not an expression of who we are.
As a costume designer for film and TV, my job is to design a look so that each scripted character has a unique look. For inspiration, I frequent vintage and resale shops for inspiration of character individualism. Often my favorite pieces have been constructed by an avid stitcher or are from an era that still incorporated hand finished details. With those treasured fashion finds, there is a soul and creativity rarely found in the massed produced articles of today. These pieces from yesteryear had hand finished details, style, and fit not often offered by the designers of today.
The 21st century has brought forth people too busy to create looks for themselves. They have become a slave to soul-less fashion made without expression or personality .
At one time women's clothes were all custom made or made at home, no two alike. Now fashion is stamped out by the thousands and the tailor or dressmaker are no longer the source of individuality.
In a world before computers and television, leisure time was spent reading or creating. Now we have given up a part of our brains to a manufactured and commercial world forced fed to us so we don't have a need to think.
With this kind of of expressionless fashion, it is safe to say our creative brains have become Malnourished. Critical thinking has been starved out.
The last great movement of fashion as expression art was during the 1960's. Those hand made art pieces can still be found in vintage shops and in grandma's closet. Most young consumers of today flock to stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters to find copies of arty vintage pieces. These store-bought garments are not an expression of individual taste. they are mass produced. But the way an individual puts the outfits togather can reflect a personal creativity.
There are some great online sources such as Etsy which have one of kind art wear- but still need the final touch of the individual wearer.
Exploring who you are, and expressing it in fashion exposes an inner self. There is much psychology to creating a style. One must first define one's personality and then literally wear it on one's sleeve.
For Fall 2011, Native American fashion is a theme throughout the runway collections. A trend I believe is reflecting a return to an earthy look, a definite reverse from last years hi-tech futuristic trend. Below is a sample of runway looks from different designers . Since money does not guarantee exclusiveness as seen so often on the red carpet, hopefully the ideas will inspire you to create your own look. Click on photo to enlarge.
Authentic Native American style is one I am quite found of because of the beautiful handcrafted detail on the garments of Native American regalia. The individual performer adds to the garment over months and years resulting in pieces that become quite elaborate in detail. These are true works of art when they are completed. The regalia is a powerful statement about the person.
It is my hope that individuals can break free of their addiction to regimented and dictated fashion. To me runway fashion has become a crutch for those fearful of their own individualism and creativity. For many people, a label makes them fell safe.
Crewel work and hand beading makes these Native American pieces beautiful works of art
Below is a small selection of wearable expression art that I found to be quite interesting and fun - The focus here was mostly on jackets and shoes. Remember to click photo to enlarge.
These shoes are infinitely more interesting than a plain pair of red soled Christian Louboutin .
Above and below are creative pieces using scrapes of lace, embroidery, screen print from a favorite t-shirt, or textile paint created these creative pieces
Above WWII Leather bomber jackets-It was popular then to paint the back with pin up girls or bombs that signified how many planes that were shot down.
Airbrushing , ink jet printing, iron transfers, and patches were used above and below here-
Sample of hand embroidery work below.
