Not only was Mr. Kesuke Miyagi a martial arts master, but he was also a fountain of life’s truths The same can be said for fashion designers and style icons. They are much more than just a source of sartorial inspiration. Below are a few morsels of wisdom brought to you by fashion’s greats. Pay close attention, young grasshoppers.
“Collaborations have no meaning if 1 + 1 does not equal much more than 2.” – Rei Kawakubo
IRL:
1) The Cronut. Sorry, had to do it. You can smell the hype from states away, but we’d be lying to ourselves to not admit that the union of the donut and the croissant is at least a little bit magical.
2) Highstreet and designer collabs. H&M and Margiela, Target and Prabal, et al. “Aspirational” pieces that don’t result in a diet of eggs and ramen for the rest of the month? It’s fashion for the people, people!
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel
Simplicity is underrated.
Take for example, the button down and jean combo. This uniform requires minimal synapses in the brain, but with these well fitting basics, you still often end up being the best dressed person in the room.
“Don’t look to the approval of others for your mental stability.” – Karl Lagerfeld
You heard it before, but I’m going to say it again: You can’t please everyone.
Read: If you want to rock jeans with a lace up crotch, make like Nike, and just do it.
“Vulgarity is a very important ingredient in life. I’m a great believer in vulgarity––if it’s got vitality. A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste––it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.” – Diane Vreeland
Diane was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar for 20 years before taking seat as Editor of Vogue, and now curates and consults for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is basically the Anna Wintour before Anna Wintour, and even this no-nonsense lady understands that quirks and offbeat oddities are things to be embraced.
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” – Audrey Hepburn
It’s that simple.
Whad’ya know? Fashion mentors and life mentors. Wax on, wax off, dear Chictopians.
By Adrienne Y. Han
