(From the Emilio de la Morena show earlier this week)
We can all be quite judgemental - I suppose it’s an inherent part of human nature.
Despite my best efforts, I am not squeaky clean when it comes to judging others. For me, it is mainly small things like style choices. But occasionally it might be bigger issues, like someone behaving selfishly or hurting mine, or worse, my children’s feelings.But I tend not to judge if I don’t know anything about a particular subject.
On Tuesday I ran into a neighbour and whilst exchanging pleasantries I mentioned that I was excited that it was London Fashion Week this week, and that I was going to a party to celebrate 100 years of Vogue that evening. The neighbour, a man, frowned and said, “Fashion Week? Isn’t that just looking at clothes?
”The short answer is yes. This neighbour and I have very few areas of common interest – so I smiled and let it go – but I knew in that moment he had made a snap judgement of me, and it wasn’t favourable.
The real answer, however, is so much more involved. But how was I going to explain that to someone who has no understanding of an industry or desire to know about that industry?
From a creative idea in a designer’s brain that evolves into a whole collection of clothes – the colour palettes, the sumptuous fabrics, the detail, the embellishments, the way in which the pieces are finished and the incredible workmanship in so many cases - to the story that ties it all together. The artistry, fantasy and range of emotions that a runway show can take you on can be spectacular… and it irks me when fashion gets a bad rap.
My love of fashion has always led to judgement, ever since I was a child. I know some family members felt it was not cerebral enough of a passion and I know I am judged at times on how I dress and the height of the heels – but I don’t care…I have made my own clothes over the years, I have walked through the silk markets in Kolkata choosing fabrics for certain pieces I wanted to make, I seen how silks and cashmere are dyed – I know first hand how labour intensive making a item of clothing is and what a labour of love it can be. Like so many creative industries, there is much more to fashion than meets the eye.
So briefly – the party I went to on Tuesday night was hosted by Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of Vogue and Ruth Chapman, founder of Matchesfashion.com. Many many fashionistas – designers, journalists, bloggers.
I spoke to lots of people and they were all so straightforward and interesting – and as I mentioned on my Instagram there was so little pretentiousness and ego in the room. It was such fun!
What I really want to say to my neighbour when we next meet is never assume what someone is like when you aren’t familiar with a particular area of interest and ....please don't judge me (!!)Without exception, everyone I met at the party was intelligent and insightful, with fascinating perspectives and smart business brains.
In fashion, whether they are a designer or a journalist - they take themes, creative ideas and what the consumer wants and elevate them to aspirational levels.
Fashion is an art form and whilst I am by no means an expert, as a singer/songwriter I see so many parallels. There is no end to possibility and creativity and that’s why I love it.