Christopher Brewards Aphorism

Aphorism 1: Fashion can be about confirmation, of self and others. But it is also about anxiety, ambiguity and worry. As an aid to understanding psychological complexities it is unsurpassed.

The meaning of this aphorism to me means that in a lot of cases people look for confirmation about what they are wearing. In a current aspect, people today post to social media wearing clothes that have a lot of hype around them. This is to get confirmation from others that what they are wearing is valid. Instead of fashion being a personal thing, it is now something to show the world. A lot of people are into fashion now because the culture of fashion has blown up so much over the years. Christopher also points out that fashion is about anxiety, ambiguity and worry. I believe this to be true because people are always anxious and worry about what they’re going to walk out with the next day. Going back to the first point, they are mostly worried about what they’re wearing because it may not satisfy someone else’s eye. That person wants to satisfy what the other person next to them likes. They believe that if others around me don’t like what I’m wearing, there’s something wrong with me. Which to me is what’s wrong with the fashion scene today. The last sentence of this aphorism is something I don’t agree with. I don’t believe that looking at someone’s clothes is the end all be all to psychological complexities. But, I do understand what Christopher is trying to point at. If you see someone wearing all black that may make others think that person is antisocial and lonely. Or, if someone is wearing neon colors that means they are happy and open with who they are. This may have been true in the past, but in this day and age I don’t think it is. Anyone with any personality can wear anything and you still wont know what’s going on with them psychologically.

 

Aphorism 2: Fashion is intensely personal, in the same way that poetry is intensely personal. It is a medium through which personal stories can be told, memories re-lived and future foretold.

Fashion can be intensely personal. A persons sense of fashion can be curated in a way that represents them extremely well. You can tell when someone has a personal connection with fashion. When you look at their wardrobe, you can determine who that person is. Also, fashion can be personal by the sentimental value that they hold. This is why women hold onto their wedding gowns. Memories are held within clothing, just like any object. I have a t-shirt that my mother gave me. It is a basic white t-shirt with a screen printed graphic on it. The graphic reads “Feasters Restaurant” in neon green lettering. Below it is a drawing that my mom made that has people eating around the table. This t-shirt is very personal to me because my mother is the one who got me into art and design. To own a T-shirt that she designed reminds me of her and her talent. I have manifested her talent and I am pursuing my art goals and aspirations. I agree with Christopher fully on this aphorism.

Leave a reply

Skip to toolbar