Style, Spectacles and Synchronicity

Before, I am raked through the coals by the angry mob and vilified with the usual “who the hell does she think she is” and “who gave her the right to say this,” let me be the first to admit that style is subjective, and clarify that I am in no particular position to cast anything but my own personal opinion.

We live in times where ‘real time’ is in hyper drive with information fanning out the very second, we hit the ‘post’ button. The reach of information is global and not relegated to particular geographic or demographic confines. In these times, how can so many misinterpret and misconstrue inspiration and style? Could the need for the spotlight, the obsession with the limelight actually have one tumbling into bad light?

Sometimes, the promise of a photographer’s flash guides the misguided into style areas of dire mire! I will be fifty years next January and am the last person to ever propagate any of the ‘isms’ least of all ‘ageism.’ Saying this, I also am a realist who works hard at knowing my attributes and limitations, highlighting the previous while down playing the latter, a simple self-realizing step, guiding me in life and my style areas as well. I also know that there is a time, and a place, a right and wrong moment that should be considered when highlighting ones style. Anyone with an amazing body, which again is subjective, is to be applauded, and working hard on looking like a fashion illustration is inspirational, but does not mean that one shows up to places requiring some sense of decorum and restraint, looking like an exotic dancer getting off the late shift! Attending a wedding while leaving no part of ones anatomy to the imagination, parading in to religious observances in the sheerest of garments is just bad taste. Wear the skimpiest, most transparent and ultra daring to revel at the wonderful bars and clubs, for a night out or a night in filled with fun and fabulousness, but do have the sense to change in the morning before attending a parents teachers meeting, or daily mass.

The timeless saree gives a sense of unabashed style with its yards of languid beauty. Draped in numerous regional avatars, its appeal can only be added to with stunning accessories, and wonderful panache. Generally this multi-functional wardrobe component has been appropriate for any and all occasions, from the most casual, to the height of formality. Have we not seen stately authoritative figures draped in the finest weaves, exuding propriety and femininity? Have we also not seen sultry bombshells in draped liquid sensuality, turn heads and make jaws hit the floor? In both instances, we are simply mesmerized. The style problems arise when the appropriate time and place equations are thrown to the wind! Draping a saree over a beaded bra, and showing up with an eye on upstaging, at a wedding, or family gathering could be a sad style step of the desperate kind. Like I said, having an amazing body does not mean that a religious officiant, or a conservative grandparent needs to be given a fright! Save these looks for a setting that is absolutely appropriate. When the time and place are right, do flaunt away!

Craving and obsessing about creating a spectacle and needing to be in the spotlight at ALL times, is another reason for making many a dangerous fashion foible. When the deciding factor is “how much attention can I get,” where is there room for style? When one needs to wear the shortest, the sheerest, the most revealing, the brightest, or the shiniest, while forgetting the basics like the chasm of difference between ‘fitted’ and tight’ etc. ‘style’ gets shelved in favor of ego. There are beautiful silhouettes that work on every ’body’ and you don’t need to be a supermodel to look amazing. Talented designers showcase looks that span the gamut of sizing charts and make anyone and everyone look absolutely lovely. The key is to know yourself, understand the core of your style and wear what you wear with confidence. This of course is all within the perimeters of being ‘apropos’, which can make it all come together beautifully.

Going back to the lightening speed of information and it’s constant availability, it is quite within our grasp to research and draw style inspiration from favorite looks that are global, and than decide what works for us. Just because a chanteuse on the red carpet, who is barely out of her teen years, is able to pull off wearing just an embroidered handkerchief and 6” stilettos, doesn’t mean that we need to see the identical copied look teetering precariously around the local grocery store. Just because our favorite icon wears something doesn’t mean we have to. Many of the most glamorous and daring looks we see are usually for ‘on stage’ performances, or for red carpet moments. These looks do not translate well, simply because one has a red carpet in ones own living room. Also now the ‘launch’ of anything and everything is deemed ‘red carpet,’ so one should know that attending these events doesn’t mean that one is walking the red carpet at the Met gala.

I believe in ‘less is more,’ but this doesn’t mean that it is any better or worse than what the next person is doing. My own minimalist silhouettes and color palette, along with my accessorizing in the simplest ‘mala beads’ highlighted perhaps with one key jewelry piece, is where my personal style ethos has evolved to. I do not stand to dictate but ask that one take a long clear eyed look at ones true self, understanding that what we put on our bodies can be a basic reflection of who we are. Wear what best works for you, but understand that it is you and not your wardrobe, that needs to be memorable. Remember that it is you who wear the clothes, so do not let the clothes wear you!