Confusion = derision?

(JW Anderson Mens SS14 - via vogue.co.uk)

It is a sad truth that confusion or lack of understanding is often followed by derision. This is particularly true in the world of fashion. It is perhaps more likely that it is the intellectualisation of fashion which promotes elitism rather than financial divisions. Often it appears to me that much of the most avant-garde comes from those who were once misunderstood until someone noticed them and got it. “Getting it” is really important. Not everyone does. And it is this lack of understanding that causes a rift. Those who don't get it label collections as “ugly” or “unwearable” or “self-indulgent”. Those who do, feel defensive and scoff at others for being too narrow-minded or short-sighted to understand. Few things create such a divide as fashion. It as if it is a world parallel to teenage feuds over music genres. No one is truly right or wrong but merely unwilling to bend to the other's way of viewing things. Or too afraid of hurt feelings. It's all a case of miscommunication.

Of course, I am speaking largely in a general sense and about extreme opinions. It is not always so black and white as this. Examples, perhaps, are the best way of explaining the connection between confusion and derision in the fashion world. Fashion is one of the arts most engaged with by the general public and on a very regular basis. We are all aware of the fashion world and familiar with it but we are not all insiders or truly part of it. It is often those who are not in the business or the “know” that meet new ideas with confusion and derision. But this is not something that is limited to fashion. The “isions” are common reactions to the new and unknown. It is an easy reaction. The lazy reaction. Few of us are innocent of it. Take JW Anderson's A/W collection for men this year - dresses and skirts a-plenty for men. While the fashion world at large labels him a wunderkind, male friends of mine laughed off his clothes upon spying me looking at them. I'm sure most people in the street would do the same. Similarly, Chloe Norgaard was regularly lambasted last month as Vogue's Today I'm Wearing guest. Designers love her for her kooky, colourful look but many readers posted rude comments which were unnecessarily hurtful and cruel.

We do not all have to agree on matters of taste and everyone is entitled to their opinions. However, I do think it is sad that more of us (myself included) cannot accept these differences in opinion and embrace the crazy, beautiful, diverse world we live in as improved by them. Perhaps we all need to reconsider how we react to things that we don't understand and learn to give new things a chance. New perspectives are fun, not threatening! And something that we do not like or understand is not ugly. Judgement is an easy shield to fall behind but it does not promote a forum for growth or nuturing.

Dissertation = lack of posting properly.

I know, I know. Excuses, excuses.

But on another note: Almost at 10, 000 pageviews which is kinda crazy and amazing - acrazing? - so, wow, thanks, you guys! I know it's not a lot for the big-time bloggers who get hundreds of thousands of pageviews each month but I'm pretty proud of where I've gotten to and it's largely thanks to you guys, so, y'know, much love for that.

In other fashion news, Vogue is half price again this month! Yay, for buying the bible while still being able to afford dinner. Don't have to pull any Carries this month.

And, I admit that this is a lazy post but if you have time, do look at the following. It's the hugely celebrated A/W 2010 Alexander McQueen collection which everyone is looking back to at the moment because of the baroque trend. This, my friends, is how you make the past relevant. Another example of an artist, pure and simple, who was lost to us before their time. The world is significantly less beautiful without him.

Jil Sander S/S 2013

Cool.

Ease.

Simplicity.

Menswear influence.

Sex Appeal.

All of the above could be used to describe the S/S 2013 Jil Sander collection.

So, it's a little bit exactly what you'd expect from a Jil Sander collection but it's still uber-gorgeous. The palette from A/W is referenced with more splashes of white to make it more summery but the coherence is kind of wonderful and those cherry reds, dusky pinks and burgundy shades are just perfect. I really adore those colours so I'm glad they've been used once more. The navy menswear inspired looks are important highlights in my eyes, as are the coats and suit alternatives/coordinates/suits (as per for Jil Sander) while a couple of the dresses just aren't doing it for me. A little on the sack side of things. In the dresses that get it right there's an accentuating of hips and skimming of the body thing going on that I'm totally feeling.Their models are the best as always, the styling is so on point and the hair and makeup is laid back and refreshing. Overall, a solid, unsurprising but beautiful collection.

The pictures are a selection of backstage shots and my favourite looks and are from vogue.co.uk. You should totally check out their new(ish) layout - it's awesome and especially fantastic for viewing shows.

JW Anderson for Topshop.

Two of my favourite brands combined and it's wonderful! And within a normal gal's reach, too. On sale in BT2 from the 15th of September.

Below are campaign images and my favourite pieces. Image credits: www.vogue.co.uk

Vogue Victory and Velvet Layers.

Nineties layering was necessary for the humid but really drizzly day we were served. Daniel and I spent the day walking around Dublin in said drizzle, in out of shops and restaurants, so I needed to be able to ditch the vintage jumper when it got too warm or pull it on when the elements began to attack. The velvet Zara tee got tossed aside later on, when it became unbearably warm, leaving me just in this khaki dress. I finally managed to track down a Vogue for this month, they seem to be sold out everywhere - probably because it's only three euro. My trusty laptop escorted me in the car so I could watch anime when I was a zombie this morning and unable for human interaction, encased in its Marc by Marc Jacobs case that is wonderfully padded and has averted many a disaster when my butter fingers have come out to play. Despite the weather (and the early morning - ugh) it was a great day; Vogue victory, AMAZING lunch (as always) in the Silk Road Cafe and getting to spend time with my favourite person in the world.