A Grave Misconception

Over the years, I have noticed the grave misconception of fashion. Many people think that fashion has to do with clothes. It doesn't--at least not most of it. Sculptors use clay, bronze and stone. Painters use paint. Weavers use thread. Each has its own material out of which to make his or her craft. To a fashion designer, their material is cloth, clothing and embellishments. Fashion itself is not clothes. In fact, it is quite the opposite. True fashion is a work of art and it is not meant to be worn on the street. It is meant to be used as a muse for other designers. It is meant to trickle down and finally reach those designers working for everyday stores like Target.


True fashion is usually outrageous, making a point about anything; you could have fashion that would describe the designer’s adamant view of deforestation or recycling. True fashion is definitely not meant to be worn. It is meant to be art. True fashion is meant to be a feast for the eyes.

It is very sad to be asked, “What clothes do you have?” in regards to fashion, when one knows what fashion is really all about. The question should not be, “What clothes do you have?” It should be, “What ideas do you have?” Yes, my view is controversial, but I stand my ground. Fashion is not about your clothes. True fashion is a state of mind.

Ciao for now,

Zaza P

Teen Vogue Needs to Shape Up!

While flipping through the December/January issue of Teen Vogue, I noticed that there is really a large lack of articles in this magazine. For example, Teen Vogue apparently thinks that listing the (extremely high) prices and the designer's name is article enough for their readers. I on the other hand think differently. Teen Vogue should include in their magazine's overview of the season's "hot looks" a list of who is using these ideas and styles in writing instead of just showing "Kate's Way" and "Our Way." Sure, you can show the new styles in pictures, in fact that really helps to define the style, but there needs to be more writing substance in the magazine! If Teen Vogue is worried about the cost of extra paper, they shouldn't be. The real money is in the advertising, so why not give little more to the readers? Why not invite a few more readers, even if it means spending a little extra? Why? Because this is the fashion industry we are dealing with folks. Yup! No matter how many extra readers Teen Vogue attracts with more writing and articles, they won't do it. Like I said, this is the fashion industry.

Ciao for now,
Zaza P