In My View by Eric Musgrave: Is fashion extinct?
The Vanishing Allure of Fashion: A Commentary on Contemporary Attire
Engaging with readers' feedback on my monthly musings has always been a highlight for me. It's been over three years since Lauretta Roberts, the guiding force here, extended an invitation for me to share my perspectives with our audience. While I fully embrace that these are merely my viewpoints and not everyone will concur, the dialogue they spark is invaluable. Last month's column on the scarcity of quality fashion programming led to some thought-provoking responses that have inspired further contemplation on the current state of fashion and its impact on personal expression.Unraveling the Threads of Modern Fashion: A Discourse on Style's Diminishing Distinction
The Catalyst for Reflection
It was a pair of remarks on my LinkedIn that ignited a new line of thought. One individual posited that fashion's allure has waned, evidenced by the sartorial choices of the younger generation. The hope for a revival of fashion's mystique was expressed with a tinge of nostalgia. Another comment suggested that the public's fascination with attire has diminished, giving rise to an era of 'Multi-Purpose Clothing' where even luxury items fail to distinguish the wearer from someone who might have pilfered a vintage car.
These observations, coming from professionals with a strong footing in menswear, resonated with me. Having focused on menswear journalism for years, I've witnessed firsthand the evolution of the industry and the changing tides of public interest.
The Decline of Fashion's Enchantment
Upon initial reflection, I found the comments to be somewhat exaggerated. However, as I pondered more deeply, I realized there was truth in their stark assessment. The fashion that many of us grew up with, starting in the 1970s, seems to have lost its pulse. The once vibrant individuality that fashion afforded has dissipated, and the standards of dress have largely vanished. Seasonal trends, which used to change with the weather, now seem to stretch on indefinitely.
In menswear, the drought of innovation is particularly palpable. It's been a long while since I've encountered anything that could be described as both novel and practical. My wife, Jane Eastoe, with her extensive background in fashion journalism, echoes this sentiment, having not encountered anything truly 'new' in the fashion landscape for over a decade.
The Homogenization of Personal Style
Terms that once defined the well-dressed—stylish, chic, elegant, dapper, smart, well-groomed, soignée—now seem obsolete. Casual wear like leggings, tracksuits, and hoodies have become the norm for a wide array of occasions. This shift begs the question: are we witnessing a broader trend of homogenization in personal style, or is my perspective skewed by residing away from the bustling metropolis?
Despite this, there are still pockets of resistance. I take great delight in following @becomingmrsexeter on Instagram, where Penelope, presumably an Englishwoman residing in northern Italy, showcases the timeless elegance of the 1950s and 1960s. Her account pays homage to the era's fashion and encourages a return to dressing up, a concept that seems almost revolutionary in today's casual climate.
Nostalgia for Elegance: The Mrs Exeter Phenomenon
Penelope's account is a tribute to Mrs Exeter, a fictional character from British Vogue who epitomized grace and sophistication well into her fifties. The images she shares are a stark contrast to the attire we see in contemporary society, which is more likely to be featured in a period drama than on the streets. The notion of 'dressing up for dinner' is a quaint reminder of a bygone era, one that seems increasingly alien in our current 'Multi-Purpose Clothing' culture.
It's a sentiment that's echoed by industry veterans like Simon Berwin, who recently advocated for a return to tailored elegance, especially in the warmer months. His call to 'dress to impress' is a refreshing counterpoint to the prevailing trend of casual, often unkempt attire.
The Call for Sartorial Elevation
Despite the occasional voices championing a more polished approach to dress, those of us who value sartorial excellence can't help but feel like relics of a bygone era. The casualization of dress seems to be more than a fashion trend; it may well be a reflection of the national psyche in the early 21st century. The question remains: does our attire mirror our collective identity?
As I conclude this month's reflections, I invite you to ponder the connection between our clothing choices and our cultural ethos. Are we truly what we wear? I eagerly await your thoughts and insights on this matter.
