The Price Of Fashion: A Dream Worth The Splurge

Quick & Easy Illustrations by Mai Manaloto Taynton
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This might sound contemptuous but fashion is rarely, if not never for the poor and the fashion industry makes this painfully clear. Sartorial garb lover doesn't seem to mind since fashion could also foster drive, motivation, and creativity which at the end of the day are worth it. It’s because fashion is a product of capitalism making these two concepts inextricably connected. In the eyes of a capitalistic society, fashion is perfect. This holds truth in the glossy magazines, Instagram posts and films such as The Devil Wears Prada which suggest a world of endless glamour. Many are blind-sided by the bright lights of a runway without having any idea of the real work involved before a show is unrolled. During the Tudor period there were sumptuary laws which limited the type of clothing and material poor people get to purchase to maintain the social structure. The Tudor class system may no longer exist in the 21^st century however the cost of fashion still centers on capital exclusivity. With this medieval historical context in mind, individuals may no longer be dictated by law with what they can wear but their wallet would. And when we speak of fashion, it is not only about the clothes we wear but also a discourse on education, career, and lifestyle choices. Read more on Clothing Hedonism: Glamourizing Fashion In Conventional Discourses.

In any field we enter, education is important especially today where competition is abundant. Having an idea or creative vision is simply not enough to get a foot down in the fashion industry. Knowing the specific tools as well as being aware of the detailed practices needed to execute an idea is amongst the fundamental grounds of what fashion schools can offer. Why would a profit-based organization hire you if you don’t have the talent and skills required to get things done? Ultimately, you are paid to know and execute, not to learn. Fashion school are witnessing a dramatic rise in enrolment due to the public’s increasing awareness of aesthetic which we see in the media. Education enables individuals to hone their talent and skill but if it doesn’t come naturally, perhaps a different field will best suit you – this kind of ‘natural selection’ idea just adds to the whole exclusivity concept. Ultimately the bread and butter of the industry is raw talent therefore innate gift is a must. Read more on A Shrewd Fashion Tactician: The Long-Term Ball Game For A Fashion Designer.

Fashion institutions are very expensive because it offers a resume boost. Not to mention all the materials and tools you will need to jumpstart your fashion career as well as the clothes and beauty products you will need to look presentable. All these add up but if you are serious about pursuing a fashion career then just think of them as investments. There is a myriad of opportunities in the fashion industry as long as you are willing to crawl to the top of the totem pole and make yourself noticeable in a sea of budding talent and skill. Just like any other profession, fashion entails diligence and effort but the fast paced world is an entirely different kind of beast that most can’t dream of taming. It is an industry reserved only for the most dedicated and creative in the world, leaving no space for mediocrity. Fashion design encompasses a lot of skills related to the industry with every element playing a highly choreographed system of chain reaction producing a collection season after season. Read more on Fashion Code: The Business Card And Emancipation Of Women.

Once you are in the realm of fashion, living it is part of the ordeal therefore it includes dressing appropriately. In the creative field it is understandable that the dress code is more relaxed but as a professional, be sure to look like you rolled out of bed and decided to go to work. However, your appearance can cost you money. Good quality and trendy apparel do come with a hefty price tag so if you do not want to splurge you have to think outside the box. Maybe invest in timeless staple pieces you can easily mix and match. Just know that in this industry dressing to impress comes with it. And in this digital-social-media day and age it is not enough be dressed well, you also have to be in a trendy spot with a scenic view, otherwise what’s the point of dressing impeccably if you will just go to a wet market. Instead of stressing about looking your best, have fun with it and see it as an opportunity to express who you are and who you want to become – use it to motivate you to work harder. At the end of the day if it made you happy, do not regret it. If fashion and the lifestyle it exudes gives you that drive to persevere and become successful, then go for it. Read more on Style And Self-Identity: An Instrument That Builds Symbolic Capital.

Now we arrive at the moment of truth, is fashion worth it? If you have a sewing machine, have a hard look at it. Is it pilling up dust inside a drawer or does it occupy the prime reality of your bedroom? I’m stressing the point that if you are serious about this you must eat, breath, live and dream fashion despite all the financial constraints. Money shouldn’t be a hindrance in your fashion dreams. Sure, it is expensive but if you really want it you have to be resourceful. There are always fashion school grants and scholarships. You can always style to stretch your wardrobe or better yet make your clothes. And a career in fashion may entail free travels and parties at the hippest side of town, and opportunities getting first dibs with the latest collection and license to borrow clothes to wear for events. I’ll end this blog post with a quote from Coco Chanel “The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive”. Read more on Luxury Fashion: The Deluxe Standards.