A women's magazine recently asked me to participate in an interview for its September issue and sent me a list of questions. These are the predictable questions, with my unexpected answers.
Q. What is the must-have/must-try trend this season and why?
A. Everything and nothing. I've long given up on this idea of "must-have" as nothing is really a must-have unless it's lunch. There are simply too many pressing requirements in life to think of any random fashion item as a "must-have." Seriously, what actually happens if you don't have a "must-have"? Nothing. Who cares?
Based on the trends that you chose, please answer the following: Top 3 runway representations of the trend and why you chose these 3 brands.
There aren't actually any "trends" anymore: Everything goes nowadays. In any given season, you can see everything presented as the latest. The trend seems to be that at any one label, they would show a wide spectrum of looks and items to encompass all tastes and styles: The result is that short, long, volume, slim, minimal, print, plain, embellished, matte, shiny, black, colour, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s is well-represented. Show me a "trend" and I will show you the exact opposite - and often from the same collection. Fashion is a market after all, and labels just want sales.
Is this a trend for everyone? Why and why not?
This "trend" of providing something for everyone with a cynical eye on sales is ironically what is detracting from the power of fashion. Because everything goes, nothing is therefore a "must-have" and the pull to buy isn't that urgent. And since everything is '"in" then you might as well just shop your own closet.
What do you like and dislike most about this trend?
I like that this makes fashion very democratic - but I dislike that now everyone is a fashion expert/ style icon. Now everyone with who can afford to buy a studded shoe thinks he's a fashion director - or worse - editor.
Is this a seasonal trend or do you predict this trend to have a long shelf life? Why and why not?
Hopefully this doesn't go on for very long - but delusions can last for a whole lifetime.
How do you suggest to wear this trend for the work week and weekend.
You can wear delusions for a very long time, and everyday of the week if you factor in trips to Seoul to get your face done now and then.
Give 2 style tips on how to wear this trend.
Must-haves to wear this trend convincingly would be to have a Kenzo cap and a new nose/ filler cheeks.
What are the must-haves to own?
The LOUDEST press samples you can grab at the sample sale and a very developed ego.
What items do you think will sell the best?
Absolutely the LOUDEST, most-easily recognised items, those things that can immediately be identified on Instagram - things which leave no room for real worth, workmanship or subtlety.
How do you turn this high-fashion trend into everyday life? Is it possible? Why and Why not?
Everyone and their sidekick is doing it, so as long as you have an Instagram account you can too. And get that studded shoe!
3 dos and 3 don't when trying out this trend.
dos:
1. Watch Korean dramas and MVs, and learn to do synchronised dancing.
2. Layer everything loud over everything louder.
3. Wear the most hideous, over designed shoes.
don'ts:
1. Think too much - it will crease your brow.
2. Read.
3. Pretend that you're human.
Who are some personalities who will wear this trend best? (eg. someone who is a conservative dresser or someone who loves colors etc)
This trend is for all the poor lost souls who always wanted to be in fashion and now they find they can - after some nip and tuck and now that Instagram has made words redundant.
Does this trend come with rules you should follow or is it best to break any fashion rule with regards to this trend?There are no more fashion rules - only ego and shamelessness.
