101 things i learned in fashion school..

Fashion is commentary

Today my  mum went to the Brays books up in Rozelle and bought me a new book, "101 things i learned in fashion school".  It is a cute little book which is written by 

Alfredo Cabrera: a fashion designer, teacher and illustation and has worked as a critic at the Parsons The New School for Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute, and the Altos de Chavon School of Design.

and....

Matthew Frederick: is an archetect, urban designer, teacher and author of the bestselling book, "101 things i learned in architecture school". 

The book is essentially a guide for the creative looking to set themselves up in the industry or to just learn a little more about the fashion industry.  It is short and concise in its topics and using illustrations and humour to make it all that much more interesting.  With the authors being very informed about the industry their real-life examples help one to learn about the behind-the-scenes goings on.

One particular two-page spread i enjoyed reading was that entitled "Fashion is commentary"

 This is what it reads: (all that below is the words and ideas of 101 things i learned in fashion school not in anyway honey.pie)

Fashion is not simply nice clothing; it provides relevant commentary - on the wearer, on what others are wearing, on fashions that have come and gone, on the human body, and on the culture.  This is partly why fashions are ephemeral; once the commentary provided by a fashion becomes familiar and generally understood, the dialogue moves on.  It is also why, when a style is "recycled", something about it is different:  The miniskirt is flounced, the trumpet skirt is paired with flats instead of heels, the narrow lapel jacket is worn with a primary colour instead of white shirt.  The conversation has returned to a familiar topic, but with new things to say.

Fashion-as-commentary means it is possible to be well dressed without being fashionable, or even poorly dresses-by the standards of some, at least- but very fashionable.

I say true.. What do you think??

xxk

honey.pie