Fashion Shmashion

I had a very interesting encounter with one of my acquintances. We met at my roomates birthday do, which was an intimate affair in a small bar in downtown Hamburg. Catching up, the question of his new fling came up.

'Is she pretty?' I asked?

Yes, No or She is really hot/attractive/ (insert positive adjective) would suffice. I got a weird mumble of words that led into a discussion of what our opinions of beauty were. Ideas were thrown on the table and his conclusion was yes, he thought she was beautiful, but he didn't think that I would think she was. Surprised I asked why?

'Well, you are quite superficial,'

Thought at that moment (Cue Paris Hilton high laugh Hee Hee)

'So how did you come to his conclusion' I dared ask

This is someone who I only meet in situations where there's loud music and alcohol involved. He had based these opinions by the funny videos I post on facebook, my dress sense, the smile on my face and the silly conversations we've had -in infantile English and German for communications sake- while intoxicated. 

This took me back to when a guy I was dating said I needed to tone down my dressing because everytime I entered the room everyone noticed. I highly doubt it is in my dressing, I thought it was in my aura. Still I beat myself up about this remark until later that week, when we were at Hugo Boss picking a suit for him and the attendant came over to me, complimented my look, mentioning how chic I looked and that everyone couldn't stop staring. 

'Well, you noticed, that I am stylish and by your afore stuttering you know I set my standars high' I said...'so Thank you'

If we were to go by facebook, I told him, I'd say you are not who you pretend to be. He want's to be alternative but during his birthday the present he was most excited about was a designer T-shirt. We shop at the same stores (mostly) and he posts a lot of nonsense too on facebook. 'So I could call you superficial too you know'

Outward appearances have never been my motivation to acknowledge people but I learned early, they are very important. I must admit, I recognise the better dressed people in the room faster and I'm naturally more interested in them.There is something intimidating and mysterious about the stylish people in the room. That does not mean that I am snobbish to people who aren't stylish, or that I spend unbeliveable amounts of time on appearances.

In our situation, we are in a party/social gathering. We have all come from our stressful days/lives and we are out to celebrate. So, I'll indulge everyone, I do tend to keep it light and funny.

In this society where really good clothes are readily available at such affordable prices, I find it quite suspect that some people do not care about appearances. A former roomate once explained it to me as 'everyone wants to be so different they all end up looking the same' and it's true. 

So am I supposed to acquisice to acquintances 'Idea' of serious by wearing black clothes and dirty chucks at all times, and talk about HIV and AIDS and how it's a national disaster in my country? and how infection rates are rising in Germany due to lack of information? Or talk about German politics which BOOOOORES me to death because the politicians are so uncharismatic and they lack the balls to tough out negative media?

If said acquintance, or anyone else for that matter wants to judge me for taking time to dress up, be my guest.

 

'Well, I know you would NEVER wear H&M and the likes' said aqcuintance...

I was in a top and jacket from H&M and Zara trousers and booties...

At this point, it is pertinent to add that said acquintance is a male model, and was in designer wear. I'm quite tempted to photograph him for my blog.

THE WORLD IS YOUR RUNWAY!!!! WEAR WHAT YOU WANT