by Izzy Arnot
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe, an American fashion designer.
Like most young people of the gen z generation, I have been spending my time endlessly watching tik tok videos and time well spent - I mean it. Gloriously, it came to my attention that (being on the “alt/gay” side of Tik Tok) so many liberated youths and adults are showing their true selves in the form of their style- their sense of fashion. And so, being a sort of “fashion nerd” myself, I was wholly inspired to write about how idyllic figures in history have shaped fashion into being the simplest and most influential form of self-expression.
For most, it is a way to express yourself and show people who you are with a quick glimpse of colour and pattern. For me, I know I have been enlightened by or graced by the existence that is the mix of “masculine and feminine style”, a simple “cottage core” blouse but with a grunge band t-shirt underneath. It has the power to simultaneously convey your mood, personality and interests or even a hidden message. Overtime it has brought about change in societal norms and helped outsiders in society break down their blockade or the ignorant blockade of others. Viva la revolucion.
Fashion can be seen as superficial or somewhat narcissistic and, while that can be true if abused or associated with pre-existing elitism, it is wrong as it is one of the most influential forms of art- it is literally walking art. Take for example David Bowie, and say it with me, he is undeniably a walking piece of art. Not necessarily in the ways of physical looks (beauty is in the eye of the beholder) but in the way he projects himself as a flamboyant and confident music-making masterpiece. To this day he is seen as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century because of his colourful nature that was emphasised by his eccentric style and stage persona. He has inspired many of his fans to express themselves and all the more importantly he started and helped begin to normalise the idea of femininity in men.
Alongside David Bowie you also have the queen that is Freddie Mercury, he absolutely blew the world away and helped normalise cross-dressing and brought lighter forms of drag style or exotic fashion to everyday wear. These powerful music figures (and many more) have inspired many young people to express their inner creativity and bring confidence! They empowered people in the LGBTQ community by being a pivotal figure that expressed “gayness” or that broke the blockade of ignorance and social norms in the form of fashion- the powerful form of expression.
Here I am geeking out with my hands frantically typing about this- I am lost for words- this pivotal bonanza of elegance. I think it goes without saying that without clothing and the idea of fashion with it that the world would be bleak and slow.
“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them” – Marc Jacobs.
Well said.
Confidence radiates out of someone who feels good in their outfit.
As well as fashion being in the spotlight for many impressionable youths it has also helped feminism become stronger to what it is today. I remember, much like many young people, being fascinated by Chanel and at first because of its prestigious nature but now because of the societal significance that Coco Chanel has had.
From watching a film about Coco Chanel I had learnt that through her brilliance she helped women become women. Coco freed women from the limiting and suffocating beauty standards that were wearing corsets, overly garish hats and drowning layers of dresses. She introduced the philosophy of “less is more” which was more freeing, practical and comfortable especially in the age where women fought for their rights and became accepted in the “Men’s’ world”. Without Coco Chanel women’s fashion would have been stuck circulating around the harsh beauty standards with a slower development bringing confidence down for those who wanted to escape- she was an absolute goddess of a genius.
Fashion is empowering, my teenage self adores it. It makes my heart melt seeing people going against the norms of what should and what shouldn’t through their style.
Art, art, art, art, art, art, art, art, art, art, art, art, it is art if you didn’t know.
After writing this I feel inspired again and I hope to whoever reads this feels enlightened or empowered as much as I do.
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