As the men’s fashion shows blow by in a flurry of visual madness, there are yet more interviews with designers around the question, “Is fashion too fast?” Not surprisingly to those who espouse the both/and way of looking at life there are those who find the pace stimulating and others who find it stressful. I would have to say this is a both/and situation for me.
There are certain things that catch my eye as I peruse massive amounts of images and text on social media every day and live in a city that is constantly in motion. Being trained in the art of qualitative research I cannot help but notice the themes and patterns of what I am drawn to. In the midst of such sensory extravagance simple beauty and elegant designs that solve problems in new ways are what will always catch my eye. Don’t get me wrong I love all the noise and color that surround me; in fact I would probably not have my breath taken away by the pleasing lines of an ingenious design if speed was not the back drop. In other words it would not be so beautiful to me if taken out of its current historical context.
As you may have gleaned by now I am rather enamored with Japanese design. Rather than the grand American admonition “the sky is the limit”, because of it’s geography, culture and history, Japanese innovators from all disciplines have had to think creatively within boundaries and limits. Somehow it is never about fixing old problems in new ways but thinking in new ways about the problem itself. It is looking up out of the small, dense space into the sky of endless possibility and then returning and adapting elegantly to the context you live in. It is big thinking that fits in small places and small geographies. Perhaps this could help us re-frame the fast fashion debate and not see it only as a problem to be fixed.
Despite the global reach that social media gives me as the Accidental Icon, I still physically live kind of a small life, so that explains the appeal. Over my break, I had to figure out how to re-design and de-clutter my rather small New York City apartment so the sky could come in and we could have sense of space in the midst of the clothing and photographic equipment Accidental Icon has brought into our lives (thank you Marie Kondo for your fabulous book that gave me graceful solutions).
Large performances and spectacles are going on in all the fashion capitals of the world, right now for menswear, stirring debates about the fastness of fashion and the impact of that on creativity. In the meantime for Accidental Icon, fashion is an event I attend every day through the choice I make to think about the clothes I chose to wear. Fashion lets me see the sky and is what allows me to experience the best of small living in a large, fast and media saturated world.
This is a wonderfully reflective post.
Given the choice, I think I would prefer a slower life, reduced social media, less noise, less external stimulation and honestly, less fashion. Especially fast fashion, (which I hate). This pace is not sustainable.
We need to learn how to take joy in using things repeatedly and stop using things up. Everything needs to slow down.
bisous
Suzanne
Just like all of the designers some wanted to slow down. As you note though there are implications far greater than the individual.
This is a wonderfully reflective post.
Given the choice, I think I would prefer a slower life, reduced social media, less noise, less external stimulation and honestly, less fashion. Especially fast fashion, (which I hate). This pace is not sustainable.
We need to learn how to take joy in using things repeatedly and stop using things up. Everything needs to slow down.
bisous
Suzanne
Just like all of the designers some wanted to slow down. As you note though there are implications far greater than the individual.
This is a very interesting question. As someone who loves fashion and has lived in New York as well as several other major international cities, I currently find myself living in a rather sleepy Southern California seaside town where just about everybody dresses as if they are in summer camp or a yoga class. It is only through social media that I feel a little bit connected to the rest of the world.
So it happens as stated in the interviews I read there are mixed opinions on this question.
This is a very interesting question. As someone who loves fashion and has lived in New York as well as several other major international cities, I currently find myself living in a rather sleepy Southern California seaside town where just about everybody dresses as if they are in summer camp or a yoga class. It is only through social media that I feel a little bit connected to the rest of the world.
So it happens as stated in the interviews I read there are mixed opinions on this question.
Connie, I hear ya, sistah! I’m currently living in a SWFL town that is on "island time" and sometimes I yearn for the rush of traffic, blasts of horns and blended sounds of different languages. Social media has kept me connected to places where things happen at a quicker pace with lots of energy.
Interesting as I write in the post, context always matters!
It is like finding a buried treasure.
Connie, I hear ya, sistah! I’m currently living in a SWFL town that is on "island time" and sometimes I yearn for the rush of traffic, blasts of horns and blended sounds of different languages. Social media has kept me connected to places where things happen at a quicker pace with lots of energy.
Interesting as I write in the post, context always matters!
I find it both stressful and stimulating, and I like the contrast and coexistence of the two states. The discovery of inspirational gems within the constant onslaught of information and noise, a quiet refuge in a busy city.
It is like finding a buried treasure.
Snap! I am reading Marie Kondo’s book too – and in the process of decluttering my possessions. Simplicity is an acquired art.
And I have learned a skill! The folding, rolling and vertical positioning is magical.
Snap! I am reading Marie Kondo’s book too – and in the process of decluttering my possessions. Simplicity is an acquired art.
And I have learned a skill! The folding, rolling and vertical positioning is magical.
Sometimes, the pace of life and social media and fashion can be whirlwind fast and tough to keep up with. I find embracing mindfulness in my daily life is invaluable. I first started engaging in mindful eating – really taking your times to enjoy your food and not checking email or social media sites while eating and being aware to savour the taste and texture of your food and take your time, I eat clean and really do enjoy mealtime . . . So, after realizing how much this mindfulness changed my attitude about food I decided to adopt a state of mindfulness for other areas of my life and basically slow down and notice little things and enjoy each moment and live in the present. This has all had a profound impact on me and shields me from being caught up and rushed away by the whirlwind and dizzying speed of so many aspects of my daily life simply inflicted there upon by society!
Hope you are able to read this, Lyn, and take time today to enjoy and experience. Be well, be happy lovely lady.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. I am attempting to apply that practice to this new semester. I can usually start out well…we shall see.
Sometimes, the pace of life and social media and fashion can be whirlwind fast and tough to keep up with. I find embracing mindfulness in my daily life is invaluable. I first started engaging in mindful eating – really taking your times to enjoy your food and not checking email or social media sites while eating and being aware to savour the taste and texture of your food and take your time, I eat clean and really do enjoy mealtime . . . So, after realizing how much this mindfulness changed my attitude about food I decided to adopt a state of mindfulness for other areas of my life and basically slow down and notice little things and enjoy each moment and live in the present. This has all had a profound impact on me and shields me from being caught up and rushed away by the whirlwind and dizzying speed of so many aspects of my daily life simply inflicted there upon by society!
Hope you are able to read this, Lyn, and take time today to enjoy and experience. Be well, be happy lovely lady.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. I am attempting to apply that practice to this new semester. I can usually start out well…we shall see.
Oh yeah, I am KatMagic Photography from Instagram – Kat.
Yes they take time and that is the challenge for me as well.
I’m stimulated. Social Media and fashion are tools. The challenge is integrating them into my lifestyle.
Yes they take time and that is the challenge for me as well.
Thanks so much
Gorgeous photo!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
Thanks so much
Thanks for sharing your personal experience about this topic having lived it! I suppose at the end of the day balance is the key.
Hi Lyn, I’m tisimais on Instagram. I began to follow you, because I love your black clothes and your look. As a former make up artist, my life was horribly hectic for 20 plus years. I still enjoy fashion etc. but I absolutely love my now very quite and very private life. When I get too stimulated by anything, I just shut down!
Peace and love to you, Isi
Thanks for sharing your personal experience about this topic having lived it! I suppose at the end of the day balance is the key.
Your posts are always so thought provoking Lyn. I would say that I am both stressed and stimulated by the pace of everything these days. I go back and forth from being stressed to being stimulated. I am a true Gemini in the fact that I could be happy living quietly in a remote area and in a bustling city! At times, I think, the stress and push of our fast paced lives stimulates me to be more creative. Love your black jumper!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Oh my I am a Gemini too and you perfectly echoed my sentiments.
Your posts are always so thought provoking Lyn. I would say that I am both stressed and stimulated by the pace of everything these days. I go back and forth from being stressed to being stimulated. I am a true Gemini in the fact that I could be happy living quietly in a remote area and in a bustling city! At times, I think, the stress and push of our fast paced lives stimulates me to be more creative. Love your black jumper!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Oh my I am a Gemini too and you perfectly echoed my sentiments.
Dear Accidental Icon,
I have only just read your blog post (days after leaving you a comment on this same image on IG). I wanted to share that I am both happy with my interpretation of your body language and in awe of the thoughtfulness behind your photographic compositions ….for my comment could not have been more apt. You are indeed a magnificent story teller….both through image and words.
I too have shared a love of Japanese Design for the best part of 40years – and working in sales for Akira Isogawa in Brisbane, I have come to appreciate even more this sensibility which is unparalleled. Thank you again for being your inspirational self.
Elizabeth
(timeless_styling)
Thank you always for your creative and brilliant analysis, I look forward to it each time I post even when I may not get to respond.
Dear Accidental Icon,
I have only just read your blog post (days after leaving you a comment on this same image on IG). I wanted to share that I am both happy with my interpretation of your body language and in awe of the thoughtfulness behind your photographic compositions ….for my comment could not have been more apt. You are indeed a magnificent story teller….both through image and words.
I too have shared a love of Japanese Design for the best part of 40years – and working in sales for Akira Isogawa in Brisbane, I have come to appreciate even more this sensibility which is unparalleled. Thank you again for being your inspirational self.
Elizabeth
(timeless_styling)
Thank you always for your creative and brilliant analysis, I look forward to it each time I post even when I may not get to respond.