As we talk about style and developing personal style we need to highlight the difference between style and fashion.
Style is personal.
Fashion is what is put to us by the fashion industry 3 times a year. The fashion industry is devoted to creating a product that the market wants to buy.
You are your style
That is so vastly different from what style actually is.
Style really could have almost nothing to do with fashion.
You have a unique presence in this world. You have a unique way of showing up. You have unique tastes, beliefs, philosophies, needs, job, and family!
The way that you do those things and the way that you show up in the world is your style.
As Ralph Lauren said, “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”
https://youtu.be/7N32T03Whpc
Why the fashion industry doesn’t get you
Styles are created for what will reach the most number of people. So it becomes very homogenous. Vanilla. I get it. They have to make money, but what ends up happening is that styles tend to look the same and you’re left feeling underserved or ignored by the fashion industry.
How many times have you thought, “If I could just tell them what I want and how I want it, then I would shop here“?
Designing for a size 4 – 6 fit model leaves you and I left out despite the fact that the average size of the American woman is a size 12!
Next steps
I want you to think about the differences between what your style is vs. what the fashion industry says you should buy. Style is different than fashion.
Very well said! And I didn’t know about the ‘fit model’ method, that makes sense as to why so many garments lose shape in their design depending on which size you’re looking at. Thankful for your fresh and unique perspective, enjoy a great week! Cheers :):)
It’s so true. Yes, fit models are anywhere from a 4 – 8 American size. But we are starting to see brands branching out and getting different fit models. Thank goodness!
Hope you had a great week and weekend!
Bri