Having graduated USC as a Fashion Merchandising major, I
often get asked if I now find “fashion” to be superfluous, unnecessary,
meaningless even. And I don’t think I ever really had the words for this, until
now.
So here’s my answer: No. Not even close. Quite the opposite
rather. As I sit 6,000 miles away from one of the fashion capitals of the
world, and where I always thought I’d be at this chapter of my life, NYC, I
realize that it just isn’t possible for fashion to be unnecessary.
Fashion is art. Fashion inspires people. Fashion influences
culture. Fashion helps communicate a sense of identity for individuals around
the world. Whether in NYC, with access to the greatest luxury designer labels,
or in the bush in Zambia with limited access to secondhand clothing, people use
fashion as a means to express themselves and their personal identities. People
are creative beings. And if you don’t think everyone possesses a sense of
fashion, realize that people still have to choose
to put on jeans and a t-shirt if that’s the style they choose to portray
themselves (and many days it is for me, so no judging here).
So when I got the opportunity to attend Zambia Fashion Week,
it reignited my respect and enthusiasm for the industry I studied and followed
for many years of my life, and still try to from afar. When I graduated in
2012, I had played a part in almost a dozen fashion shows in NC and SC, and I
don’t think it’s only because I had issues with materialism. I think it’s
because I’m greatly inspired and encouraged by the boldness and creativity of
designers worldwide, showcasing their hearts on a runway for all to witness and
take part in. Just like walking through an art gallery, I find the event rather
brilliant, magical even.
Yes, the fashion industry looks much different in Zambia.
But I would never dare to say that fashion is irrelevant here. At the Chikondi
Community Center, I see that fashion inspires people, fashion creates the space
for women to express themselves in ways words or society do not otherwise
allow.
My wardrobe may have shifted from some trendy finds to now having a couple of
ripped and hole-y tops sprinkled among Target and Old Navy steals. But nothing
about my interest in the fashion world or its influence on culture, or my
ability to express myself through clothing has changed. You just gotta get a
little creative sometimes ;)
But that’s the beauty of it. Piecing together ordinary
items, secondhand items, to portray our inward God-given identity and
personality- it’s creative, it’s unique, it’s inspiring.
So ZedFW may not quite live up to the Mercedez Benz Fashion
Week I still dream of attending once in my life (and follow like a madlady on
Instagram), but I rejoice and thank God for the opportunity to give life to the
passion He’s placed inside me for fashion.
Nothing is wasted. God knew exactly what He was doing when
He planted this desire within me, and when He gave me so many opportunities to
refine and use my skills and talents in the fashion world in the States. Little
did I know it would take me to Zambia to share with women here, but I am so, so
grateful that it did.
[And if you wanna see a bajillion- or 30ish- photos from the 3 day long Fashion Week here in Zambia, check out my Facebook album >> https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152311388820916.1073741844.601170915&type=1&l=3c4e3c2be7 and if we're not friends yet, let's be friends!]
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