Intelligent dressing is something we can all do when unhindered by the fashion rhetoric of young reporters under pressure to sell a new story. Yes the industry works as a never-ending cycle of ‘selling,’ dependent upon our continual consumption of the message. But you don’t have to ‘buy buy buy’ when you understand the power of the classic.
And a chunky wooden bangle or two is a good example of the very classics I’m talking about. Actually stylists are using bangles in so many fashion shoots because necklines tend to be more complicated with all the ruffles and frills this season. But however you style yours they deliver instant focus. They don’t have to be wooden, but there’s something rather chic about the grain and the way they instantly compliment your skin tone whatever its shade.
There’s the special noise they make too, a kind of clak clak sound, which always adds up to an air of importance for the wearer. Beware the TV studio though where you turn up to do your bit as I have, and the sound technician immediately divests you of all your loud jewellery until you are off air.
These are my bangles collected over the years and matched with a rather lovely wooden ring. They never date, and this is my point.
Contemporary fashion journalism, cannot afford to celebrate anything (clothes or accessories and such like) that can lay claim to any longevity least they be found guilty of a kind of fashion complacency. Why would they promote an item you may already have in your wardrobe, when they could be urging you to rush out and buy something new therefore lining the pockets of their advertisers. Of course you knew that magazines couldn’t exist without advertising revenue didn’t you?
So there you have it classics are great, they are not only more ethical, they are the natural choice for mavericks not wishing to be part of the pack and militants wanting to challenge the fashion status quo!
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2 responses so far
1 Jen Whyte // Apr 21, 2008 at 4:36 pm
The website is on its way.
Hi Caryn,
I wonder if you can help me, I have just opened a boutique in Heaton Moor Stockport, I stock several ethical brands, along with some vintage and independant designers, I am also trying to support the UK by sourcing things that are made here. We are doing v well so far however I have two markets that I haven’t provided for. I need a good ethical brand (ie doesn’t use sweat shops, that will cater for women over 45 and I need a brand that is good for ladies with a bigger bust, so many of my customers have that problem and I am not sure who would be the best. I know you designed a range for simply be, so thought you may know. Sorry if I’m not meant to ask you questions as I am a business. Hope you can help me and my customers.
Thanks
Jen
2 Caryn Franklin // Apr 30, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hi Jen,
How about contacting the ‘Centre for Sustainable Fashion’ who are compiling a directory to help businesses. Ring London College of Fashion and ask for Dylis who is the Director.
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