Choose any two of Christopher Breward’s aphorisms from his foreword to Fashion Studies, which you read in Week 1. Explain what each of the two aphorisms means (in your own words) and explain why you agree or disagree with them.
“Fashion is gossip. Never underestimate the power of gossip. Semiologists are driven into ecstasies of supposition by its whispers.”
I believe that the comparison of fashion to gossip is reflective of the fact that fashion and trends can travel just as fast as gossip can. Suppositions are uncertain beliefs or ideas therefore representative of how everyone has a uniquely personal style whether they know it or not. Semiologists are those who study signs and symbols so perhaps this symbolizes how fashion is something to be studied and is indicative of the times we are living in and of course the past. I agree with the overall statement that its trying to make because it is true how trends can travel as fast as gossip can and before you know it; primarily because of social media, everyone knows about it.
“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 futures foretold.”
I completely agree with this notion that fashion can be intensely personal and the comparison it has to the self-narrative capabilities poetry can be. However, it is not always the case. Fashion isn’t necessarily important, highly regarded, or considered personal to some people. This is where the idea of class can be discussed because some people don’t curate their clothing choices by their personal taste. Yes, stories can be told or read by others by the way one dresses but I don’t agree that what someone is wearing today predicts their future. I see a piece of clothing in my closet and there are memories of who I was when I wore it or when I bought it but fashion is also evolutionary for people while it can be revolutionary for the designer of the clothing.
