During my time out of office, there has been a great deal of ground breaking news within the fashion realm. Within a couple weeks, we’ve experienced a mix of bitter sweet developments that I’ve taken time to ponder on. From Raf Simons & Alessandro Michelle ending their highly influential reigns, to CFDA award winners, to fresh new campaign movements, as well as the unfortunate destruction behind Demna’s Balenciaga regarding a disturbing children’s ad. I would usually feel inclined to write another opinionated piece on the historical impact of how Raf FW19 Look 32 influenced gorpcore, or the clear confusion as to how an honorable house such as Balenciaga could allow this rabbit hole of dishonor to occur so publicly. However, I sit today, on the one year anniversary of Virgil Abloh’s death (“RIP”), sharing my thoughts not as a writer, but simply as a fashion appreciator myself. I’ve spent time going through my notes, & I continue to arrive at the same conclusive thought: The current lack of direction in fashion has left its audience at a standstill to contemplate what’s to come next. It’s starting to feel like this pressure of holding your breath & hesitating to see when it’s safe to exhale again. In this year alone, legends have been lost, crucified, or stepped away. In a world where one’s attention span is being yanked in different manners & a media that wants you to digest everything so quickly, it’s difficult to find a voice amongst the commotion.
However, for the people that are fashion enthusiasts that find themselves still caring about the future of fashion and innovation, I have some words for us. This daunting haze we have found ourselves in is surprisingly motivating. It’s as if our commanders are putting down The Excalibur Sword & walking away to see who will be courageous enough to lead the next generation to success. The potential of who will be influencing history next is so open that it’s almost exhilarating to see what or who is bound to emerge. As darkness creeps back into the shadows, a new dawn of leaders will arise, cultivating an era of fashion culture & global interaction. The possibilities are endless & I believe this is exactly the kind of awakening this post-pandemic society needs; something to marvel at, a renaissance if you will. Although what is to come is ultimately unknown, it is certain that the time is now in being diligent towards your vision. It is up to us to serve as the foundation of the future.
“Everyday the sun won’t shine, but that’s why I love tomorrow”
