Fine feathers make fine birds? Ela Dani
As social beings, humans pursue self-fulfilment, recognition and social affiliation. Fashion is an important and highly visible element in these quests and plays a significant role in achieving the above stated goals. For good reason it has always been said that fine feathers make fine birds. In addition to the actual function of protecting us from outside influences and everyday life, such as threatening climatic conditions, what we wear symbolizes and reflects human’s socio-cultural, political, religious and individual motives and meanings. Today’s world of fashion, in particular, defines the social interactions of our imagined communities. It is one of the most central aspects of today’s lifestyle. What becomes a trend and stylish is decided upon through acceptance, authenticity and participation. The main actors in the field of fashion and their socio-cultural function are the true creators of fashion. The most influential fashion designers are not only the creative heads behind the big name labels but are equally famous personalities, fascinating artists and big stars in their own right. Not only the brilliant and innovative work of the designer but also the designer him or herself determine the success of a collection. Does a successful fashion label need an enigmatic, eye-catching and greater than life personality or would it be sufficient to just create wearable, interesting and excellent clothes? How much of the designer’s personality do we actually see through his or her artistic creations? Should we assume that they turn their innermost outwards, giving expression to their personalities, feelings, thoughts, visions, dreams and desires? If the personality of the designer is so closely
interwoven with his or her own work, are we really only self identifying with the their end products or also with the personality of the designer? If fashion plays such a fundamental role in achieving our goals of self-fulfilment and social recognition, to what degree do labels, brands and trends actually influence us? Perhaps we should be more our own designers and incorporate our own personality into what we wear. We should be selfish in our choice of clothing. Fashion and trends may inspire us, but how we want to see ourselves and how we choose to achieve our individual goals should unquestionably be a matter of our own choice in the end. Fine feathers make fine birds – what a big lie.