Fashion Month is always an exciting time of the year for me. I understand that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea – events such as these rarely are, but what is all the excitement surrounding Fashion Month for? Personally, seeing all of the shows – whether in person, online slideshows or streaming on YouTube – it makes me giddy. After a wonderful season, I like to reflect on why it is that I enjoy this time each year, and why I appreciate the industry as much as I do, especially because this industry evolves so much in such short time periods.

THE FASHION INDUSTRY

When I was younger, I used to get the colouring books that would let you design the outfits for each character. Each book came with a stencil at the back for different silhouettes, and it was up to you to choose the colours used. Originally thinking that I wanted to be a designer, these were always one of my favourite forms of entertainment as a child. I would sit for hours, filling up each page with new designs and colours. Then trying to translate this into actual clothing, I realized that I wasn’t too keen on sewing – especially when it came to attempting a pair of trousers (I tried once, failed majorly).

This was the tipping point in which I started to see fashion as an art form – that and watching Project Runway with my mum every single year. I remember being mesmerized by haute couture and the models that wore it on the runway. Each piece was so unique, and I couldn’t wrap my head around how someone could create something so beautiful and complex from rolls of fabric. As I grew older, I started growing keen on certain designers from seeing editorial spreads in magazines. Each spread had unique creative direction, and it really set the mood for the clothing it featured. These editorials often came to life in the form of presentations and runway shows during fashion month – easy enough to say, I was hooked.

Coat Last Season, Similar here // Leggings Last Season, Similar here // Boots Topshop // Scarf Similar here // Turtleneck White House Black Market

FASHION MONTH AS A CELEBRATION

In some of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, cities like London, Paris, New York City and Milan, Fashion Month really brings together many cultures in one space. Fashion, for many designers and appreciators alike, is a celebration of culture, creation and innovation. Every season there is something new – trends, textiles, technology and movements. Each collection is carefully crafted and tailored to perfection for each season – some of my favourite documentaries to watch are the behind-the-scenes look at the designers fine-tuning their collections in the weeks leading up to fashion month. It’s amazing how much work goes into each piece – and seeing them walk the runways is like artwork come to life.

London Fashion Week is one particular week of Fashion Month that will always hold a special place in my heart. I attended my first ever runway show during the Autumn/Winter 17 season at London Fashion Week Festival. It was such an amazing experience, and sitting front row made it even better. Close enough to hear the clothing rustling by on the runway, and close enough to see even the most minute details – I was thoroughly entranced. Looking back, I think that actually being able to attend an event such as this, it gives you a greater appreciation for what the entity of Fashion Month truly is. It’s a celebration of talent, of art and a bringing together of people and cultures from all over the world.

FASHION AS SELF EXPRESSION

One of the things that I love the most about fashion is that it can literally be anything you want. 90’s revival, Parisian chic, Old Hollywood Glamour, pin-up girl. Fashion is expressive. It can be played with and it can change based on how you’re feeling or where you live. Fashion can showcase what you want to portray to the world without even having to speak. Best of all, it’s always changing and always evolving.

Trends will come and go and style preferences can change – but there is one thing that remains constant within this industry. Fashion is an art form that people can use to express themselves and their personality. This is what, in my opinion, makes fashion fun. I love seeing the diversity in the types of clothing that people wear; even if three people on the street are wearing the exact same piece, odds are that it’ll look very different because each person styling it has a unique point of view. This part of Fashion Month is what excites me every year – seeing what people do with designs from the shows. It’s honestly a bit of a thrill for me.

What are your thoughts surrounding Fashion Month? Have you ever attended a show? Personally, I love the atmosphere and the appreciation that surrounds Fashion Month, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions about whether you feel the same or differently. Do you see fashion as a form of self-expression? Let me know in the comments! Until next, xoxo.

The Look

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