The Fashion Bucket List by Robyn Chalmers of Fashionista 514
5 À La Mode Marks To Conquer In a Lifetime
Flip open any style mag, scour the internet following the edgiest campaigns, parties, and runway shows and its no secret the elite and cult-like world of fashion can really live up to its exclusive and contrasting name. Over my few sparse years submerged into this scene, even merely as an outsider, the experiences I have witnessed have only confirmed my belief in the seemingly impossible. The beauty, the egos and the fever behind every seasonal it item is rarely ever as it seems, and few dare to realize how penetrable the tight-knit celebrity circle really is. Not to say you can just show up and ask for the world, but if youre courageous enough to put an out of the box approach into action when it comes to access youre already set. There are certain magics that everyone with a common love for design, aesthetics, and thrills should be slingshotted into. Behold my bucket list for every self-proclaimed and aspiring fashionista out there from the instantly achievable to the unimaginable, start ticking these off your experience list
Growing up hooked to Fashion Television, I always admired the thick British accent and intricate observations of commentator and journalist Tim Blanks. Every phrase he verbalized seemingly unrehearsed was both magical and practical, the perfect balance of both a poetic understanding and well spoken otherworldliness. I would fantasize about everything he must have seen throughout his career (attending each and every one of the shows), that would allow for such an impeccable understanding of where the current fashions were stemming from. The vast vault of history and personal experiences to contribute to his mesmerizing brand of newsworthy storytelling. I dreamt of being capable of learning even half of what he did, of speaking and writing even remotely close to his seemingly natural capabilities.
Flash forward to 2011, me being in Paris, and anxiously awaiting the Alexander McQueen show to commence all the while distracting myself in an antique bookstore. Looking through some of literatures great (dusty) titles clustered together beside a slew of art books, I turned my head to see none other than the man who taught me the value of fashion Tim Blanks himself. I was frozen. All I could do was smile. It seemed unimaginable to even myself at the time, that this man I hold in such high regards (with an infinite amount of respect), was right beside me. He and everything he has created and contributed in his lifetime.
Seeing someone you deem untouchable in the flesh allows you to understand that anything you want to be, anywhere you want to be it during this life is attainable. They keep you driven and allow you to understand that you could just as equally be in their position if you gave the same amount of yourself as they have. Meet one of your idols let the inspiration they lend fill you with motivation to conquer your dreams.
2. Splurge, Collect & Preserve
I think many people have the wrong idea when it comes to fashion. So caught up in chasing trends, spending every last cent on a lifestyle that is not only unhealthy for their future, but also for their morale and groundedness, they become engulfed with the flutter of image, instant gratification and frivolity each collection showcases.
What do I admire?
The smart shoppers. The ones who will no doubt splurge when the perfect piece jumps out at them, but who also keep a keen and clear conscious by maintaining and caring for it long after its temporary relevance has passed. I love hearing stories of daughters coming of age and being able to wear vintage pieces their mothers and grandmothers loved and preserved so carefully all this time (jewellery heirlooms are amongst a few of my prized possessions). A step back into the sentimental and meaningful an excuse to share and make new memories. There is nothing wrong with spending a lot of money on your clothing if you value and cherish it the way you would any collectible (after all, fashion can sometimes be the powerful clue or artifact capable of unraveling pieces of family history, personality, or lifestyles forgotten). When I go shopping, because I have all my basics, Ive become increasingly selective with what I buy. Its an all or nothing approach in every sense of the expression, and I view my wardrobe as an evolving pandoras box representative of the places Ive gone and still have yet to. Select smart, collect meticulously with quality, and take care of your hard work while enjoying its every attribute every time you put it on.
3. Travel In Unmistakeable Style
There is travel the way most people do it, and then there is travel the way design fanatics do it (aka what you see in the magazines, better known as lifestyles of the rich and famous). There is something to be said about taking that excellent taste of yours and applying it to an international palette. Regardless of whether or not you can afford to do it on a regular basis, you MUST make room for a getaway whose whimsy and decadence surpass even your own initial comfort zone (it stirs up something to get excited about!). Fall down the rabbit hole of the 1% in your own little way grab a cocktail at a notoriously well known 5 a 7, rub shoulders with a different scene or crowd you admire, people watch over the perfect lobster mac and cheese, and leave being in the right place at the right time to chance when it comes to meeting new acquaintances. Dress your best (also the ideal way to avoid being targeted for tourist traps), and revel in feeling like a local connected in all the right ways (even if you arent). The most rewarding thing you can allow yourself when youre away from home, is an even more grandiose version of what your life currently consists of. Book the hotel, apartment or lodge of your dreams satisfy your senses with immaculate design and architecture, lush feasts, and unearthly textures/feng shui adornments.
Out of the question entirely for some time to come?
Indulge in the days of yesteryear when individuals wore their sunday best to board a plane. Think Pan Am or Mad Men and get dolled up for your next flight out of town not only will you feel the ladylike bar being raised just oh so much, but youll appreciate the respect and courtesy that effortlessly follows in its trail (you can thank me later when some young gentleman helps you with your bags or sparks up a conversation). From my highest heels to my most vibrant shade of red lipstick and winged liner, its a full face of foundation and mascara till the end when I travel train, plane or automobile! Live the glamour of the jet setter youve envisioned but never experienced.
Terry Kissing Terry from Terry Richardson on Vimeo.
4. Sit Front Row At A Fashion Show
There is no comparable thrill to witnessing fresh fashion hit the runway full speed season after season especially when you hold the best seat in the house! Just as fine art is never truly accurately represented via textbooks and visual media, fashion up close, in the real and styled on a model (surrounded by all the appropriate accents to bring its vision to life) takes on an entirely different meaning and vibe. Its satisfying in the deepest of senses. Whether you have to buy a ticket, pull a favour from a friend, magically become an editor overnight or manipulate the ticket takers, find your way into a show and just sit back while you indirectly learn. The overload of makeup, hair, lighting, clothing, music and ambiance will completely engulf you while swallowing you whole.
My most memorable front row fashion show experience to date?
Hitting up the Proenza Schouler show alongside Ashton Kutcher, Liv Tyler, Chloe Sevigny, Terry Richardson, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington (amongst others) in New York. Everything from the hidden loft it was hosted in, to the lighting and laid back benches set up on either side of the runway gave me thrills so intense I was literally shaking throughout the entire presentation. It was absolute magic and gave me a taste for what I hope to one day call my norm.
5. Learn Your History
Fashion can seem like a very fickle, superficial trade when you take it for face value. Forever being misinterpreted in a negative light, it saddens me that most still judge this coffee table book by its heavily snobby and suave exterior. Clothes are just clothes, relevance is overlooked and every original accused of being a fake.
Instead of assuming and turning a blind eye to the extreme talent, dedication and hard work everyone in its community continuously dishes out thanks to an overpowering passion, learn exactly what it is thats driving them all. Get curious and follow the yellow brick road back to times when controversy meant women wearing trousers inquire on the continuous rivalry between Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld in 60s and 70s Paris, or simply connect the dots from Diane Von Furstenberg to Andy Warhol. There is such a rich history when it comes to the culture of fashion, pop art, and symbolism we use without even understanding every day. Living legends that continue to contribute have defined our existence, and continuously succeed at reinventing themselves year after year amidst the sparkling competition surrounding them. Pay homage to these shape shifters, these modern-day moulders. Pay attention to the details put into every major (and minor) collaboration find the meaning and story behind the images and memories we have always come to accept so aptly without reason.
Similar Posts:
- Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Do Your Clothes Fit You?
- Archival Clothing Navy Columbiaknit Sweatshirt
- I’m Not Just a Celebrity, I’m a Fashion Designer!
- Miles Of Styles – The 100 Mile Design Challenge
