“Everyone Participates, inevitably, in these “conversations” through style-fashion dress. In the process, individuals explore- in an ongoing, change way- “who I am” and “who I am becoming
-Susan B Kaiser,Fashion ands Cultural studies, p30
Intersectionality is a concept that is new to me, however It is something I realize we have all experienced throughout our entire lives. style-fashion dress, in particular, is an part of intersectionality I can easily identify with, because so many factors, or subject positions, affect what I choose to wear.
For my map, I wanted to properly represent the depth of the influences, so I that the influence itself was evident even in the way I choose to design the very thing explaining it(the map). Broken down into 6 subject positions, or influences, I chose the ones I felt were the most relatable to my life. This includes: Place, Sexuality, Age, the desire to be “on Trend”, “edgy”, and what it means to be an “Art kid”.
The first subject position I chose to represent in my map, is Age. I find this to be a more obvious one, because I think it is a topic that many of us can relate to in similar ways. Being 20 years old, I am at the height of my life when it comes to finding out who I am, and experimenting with who I want to be. And I am surrounded by people of the same age group, doing the same thing. This influences the way I dress on many levels, because not only am I being influenced by the ads and the music and whats on tv, but I am also responding the way my peers interpret those things. Its a ongoing cycle, and every age group is different. I remember being 10 years old, and believing that Justice was the only store I would ever shop at. Its funny how things change.
The second influence I chose for my map is Place. I chose place because when we were discussing intersectionality in class, it seemed like something the majority of us understood, having relocated to the city from different places all over the world. Where I am from, in Orlando, Florida, Disney attire is acceptable everywhere, Ugg Slippers are considered acceptable shoes for daily outings, and Lily Pulitzer is given the upmost respect as a designer brand. And then theres me, taking my style-fashion dress inspiration from the places Ive been in the world, and the things Ive seen in each place that stuck with me. Experimenting with colorful hair, multiple piercings, and every possible way to style Dr. Martens, might be an expected thing here in NYC. But where I am from, I get dirty looks and double takes. It used to bother my growing up, but now I just own it. Its funny how location can change a persons mindset so drastically.
The next position I chose is sexuality. I chose this one, because when I saw it I thought of an issue that has been bothering my for a while lately. Im not sure if this is the proper approach to this position, but its a way in which I relate, and I wanted to talk about it, even if it was just for myself.
I am a firm believer in being about to dress however and in whatever we want. One of the reasons I love this schooling this city is because it is so open to students expressing themselves through what they choose to wear, I mean I saw a young man wearing a care bear onesie the other day!(he rocked it by the way)
In regards to sexuality however, I have found an imbalance between how women in particular, choose to express themselves and how they are made to feel walking down the street. It is upsetting to me that I should have to think to myself every morning, “If I wear this will I get negative attention, will I making myself a target ?” Its sad, because it really is a subject position that influences the way I, and many other women choose to dress. Its an issue I have been thinking about quite often lately, and I had to touch on it.
The last three positions I chose are ones I feel all come hand in hand: Being an “Art kid”, the desire to be “On Trend”, and “edgy”.
I chose these because I have found that they are the most influential to me, coming in to my second year here at Parsons. Constantly being exposed to the images from the runway, researching designers, instagram, etc., It all affects the way I choose to dress. At this school, simply walking in a classroom is a pool of all different styles and approaches to fashion dress. No two are alike. Finding a balance between fitting in and standing out is a constant battle. However, its also a huge inspiration. The possibilities are endless. Edgy on Monday and girly on Tuesday, and then Wednesday mix the two. Its fascinating to me. Inspiration is everywhere.
