I consider myself a fashion anthropologist, someone who observes what people wear and then attempts to answer why they wear what they do. I have used this scientific approach before when studying fashion design at Albright College and I continue to employ it now, especially in graduate school. As a fashion stylist I can put my knowledge of contemporary and historic dress to the test when choosing the perfect ensemble. Still, the proper observations are essential to my job as well as to my academic career, the most basic of which is something everyone is guilty of at least a few times a day . . . people watching!
The majority of my people-watching skills focus on their attire, which then transmits to my brain a closet of information about trends, silhouettes and colors. Seeing what other people are wearing automatically makes me think about what I am wearing. How are people viewing me? I believe the way we see ourselves in clothes can be very different from the way others view us in our clothes. Shakespeare was probably the first to observe the significance of fashion and explain why we care so much about our appearance when he penned the phrase, “All the world’s a stage; And all the men and women merely players.” We put ourselves on display constantly and we dress the part so it is human nature that we all look and judge, this is why fashion changes.
I recently made a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the newest fashion exhibit from the Costume Institute. The show titled "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" explores the design aesthetics between these two Italian designers. As a member of the Costume Society of America I was able to attend a private lecture from the Director of the Costume Institute, Harold Koda, where he offered up all of the behind-the-scenes info on the production of the exhibit. Personal photos of the exhibit were not permitted so you will just have to see it for yourself!
Fashion on display has become quite the trend in the museum world. More and more museums and other institutions are realizing that fashion exhibitions bring huge crowds. The last fashion exhibit at the MET, "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” drew almost 600,000 attendees during its 4-month run. Over the last few months, the Lehigh Valley housed two fashion exhibitions and I am sure there will be many more to come. "Frock and Roll: Fashion that Rocks" was on display at the Baum School of Art and at the Allentown Art Museum "Gothic to Goth: Embracing the Dark Side" presented contemporary and 19th century mourning costume and accessories.
The Lehigh Valley also plays host to numerous kinds of fashion shows throughout the year, Bethlehem even has a Fashion Week in September! Charity shows, student fashion shows and shows celebrating important milestones are the ultimate venues for seeing what others are wearing and also for displaying your own personal style. I recently enjoyed an amazing fashion show at Chaar's 10th Anniversary Party, which was held at their retail store in Allentown.
As each gorgeous model turned onto the runway I couldn't take my eyes off of the clothes! I have never seen Western-inspired fashion quite like this; it was contemporary and chic. I immediately felt out of place in my non-Western clothes.
Well now that I've created a sense of paranoia, a fear that whenever you leave the house you'll be scrutinized by your peers and complete strangers, I must request that you please relax. Fashion is fun! One of the great things about fashion is that you can choose to participate or not. Go ahead and break the rules because guess what . . . there are no rules! Wear white after Labor Day, forgo that spring neon trend and rock that 1950s style you love. You just might be the next trendsetter!
