When we set out to create an issue surrounding art + fashion, we knew immediately that we wanted to do more than choose a few outfits to highlight. With a team full of creatives -writers, photographers, artists, and dancers, we quickly began brainstorming what our "dream" feature would look like. Well, let me tell you -- we are in AWE of what we were able to capture in this issue with the help of our friends, neighbors and fellow local business owners. We truly could have not done it without all of you.
There are a lot of arguments as to when "fashion" as we know it really came to be a part of our lives. Clothing can be traced back to the beginning of mankind itself, initially serving the simple purpose of protecting our bodies. Many years later, society began to form a desire to express its prestige through expensive clothing, but also followed certain trends of its time. At first it was the Kings + Queens who flaunted their fashion, later it was the only the wealthy that could afford exclusive fashion, such as haute couture. Today fashion is incredibly diverse, but also very fast moving - much like life.
What's fascinating about fashion, is that it also acts as a reflection of a specific time frame. In the course of history, 100 years isn't a particularly long time. But in the course of fashion history, it's the difference between trying to get around in a girdle and ankle-length skirt and easing into the athleisure and sneakers you see everywhere today. In the past century, there have been major shifts in technology, politics, culture, and social norms, and fashion has reflected that in its ever-changing cycle of trends. From the high-waisted bikini of the '40's the miniskirt of the '60s, the bell bottoms and platforms of the '70s, the leggings and fingerless gloves of the '80's, or the supermodel minimal look of the '90's, we see so many of the popular looks of decades past serving as inspiration for designers today. As the mother of a teenager, I often find myself stopping and holding up clothing in my daughter's favorite stores, bringing back memories of owning the very same tank top as a teenage girl in the '90's. I always remember women older than me commenting on my bell bottoms when they came back into style thinking they had no idea what they were talking about because obviously our generation had the best fashion ideas. It's a funny thing how history repeats itself in cycles, and it's even more interesting to witness it in real time being able to look back on outfits fondly, placing myself into a memory simply by recalling what I wore that night.
While we can't deny that fashion in our social-media-driven world is often dictated by what trend the latest influencer dubs as popular -- think "clean girl aesthetic" or "Diane Keaton summer" -- we can find a little reassurance in knowing that those who truly love the world of fashion know that "trends" will come and go, but true style is something can't be taught or duplicated. It's one of the easiest ways for us to express ourselves, lean into our creativity, paint a picture with our clothing and show the world who we are, and how we want to be "seen".
When I think of people who I see as fashion icons, a range of people pop into my mind. There is of course the legend Iris Apfel who spent her life in fashion teaching us more is more, Diane Von Furstenberg who used fashion to give women power, or Tracy Reese - a Detroit native known for dressing Michelle Obama who has recently shifted gears to embrace the slow fashion movement while also fighting for social changes.
Fashion is so much more than fabric. Fashion is the snapshot of a period in history, it is an opportunity to make a statement, fashion is something that can be repurposed and handed down from generation to generation in order to breathe new life into it. The art of fashion is so much more than dressing well -- the art of fashion is the art of self-expression. Next time you're feeling like you're in a rut, put on that favorite outfit. What are you saving it for, anyway?
A VERY special thank you to South Street Skateshop, Rochester Salvage + Supply, Hello Fancy Boutique, BeScene, SEE Eyewear, Bellissima Bridal, Studio Em & Lu, Courtney Nicole, Sarah Aezer, Alan Salazar and Lane McLeod for collaborating with us, loaning us beautiful pieces and helping us style our models. We're so lucky to be supported by such amazing local businesses.
To our dancers...Dayna Marshall, Raegan King, Maddy Petz, Alie Asher, Giana Vermiglio and Matt Warner. You truly made this vision come to life in the most beautiful way possible. We could not have done this without you being so willing to share your gift of dance + movement.
Style is one of the easiest ways for us to show the world how we want to be seen.
If you're feeling like you're in a rut, put on that favorite outfit. What are you saving it for, anyway?