Trash Fashion

 ***Re-posted from DesignAWEAR

white trash gets stung

Okay...so i'm not sure how to start this post without verbal diarrhea containing 101 personal opinions regarding fast trash fashion boutiques. You know the ones, racks upon racks inexpensive clothes that hit the store before the ink has dried on the latest street trend photos. It's no secret that many most of these rapidly produced ultra trendy garments are of poor fit and worse quality.  Yet the majority of the population continues to flock to these stores like a sheep, recently shorn and in need of a good coat. But instead of a good coat they end up with a shitty one that they'll throw out by next season along with a few sparkly shirts, some cheap tights, and a handful crappy plastic jewelry. We've all been there, emptying our closet into boxes and bags meant for the nearest goodwill. "The belt loops ripped the first time i put them on; i wore this shirt once but it got all twisty after i put it through the wash; i haven't EVEN worn this!; uhg what was i thinking?; etc etc etc." We sigh at the x amount of dollars wasted and try to comfort ourselves with the thought of someone with less dough who will find the article on the next 50% off day at the thrift store. But lets be honest, that top wont last anyone more than a year before it falls to threads. And dont even get me started on the community of talented designers who all have to compete for the tiny market of conscious shoppers while the rest of the fashion savvy refuse to pay for good quality creative design that actually costs what its worth, fits well, and is made to last.

I am aware that there are many people who study fashion with the hope of job security in the form of a product development position in a large corporate chain. And there are even more who's first thought for next weekend's outfit leads them right to the corner of Yonge and Dundas (or the nearest sale rack at the mall). I generally try to bite my tounge and lead by example. But after reading this article in the New York Times the angst has turned into a ball of rage sitting in the pit of my stomache. This is what happens when clothing is produced at such a rapid pace that theres not enough time to sell half of whats made before the next trend takes over. As if these giants arent moving things to the end of the product lifecycle quickly enough, countless stores are skipping the consumer all together and heading straight for the dumpster. All in the name of brand scarcity i suppose. Read the article and form your own oppinion but please think about what your supporting when you spend your hard earned cash on the 'perfect outfit' for your date next friday.

Love Forever,
Jamie

Family Matters

A friend* and I were recently discussing the concept of a 'normal' family. There is this peculiar belief held by most of society that this ideal exists; a group of individuals tied together by blood and/or marriage who get together for holidays and Sunday dinners without incident**. In these homes the Christmas tree never falls down, birthday gifts are always thoughtful, and everyone agrees that the meal is delicious. When the topic of politics or religion does come up the debate rarely becomes heated because as we all know, those of a feather always have similar values and beliefs and fall generally close to one another on the political spectrum....or something like that.

What i want to know is where did this belief come from? I don't know a single person who would describe their own family as "normal". Sure some folks do a pretty good job for the duration of a meal or a birthday party but i assure you that as soon as the guests leave the masks come off. Take my family for example; theres an uncle who's trans-gendered, at least one person who's done time, and a cousin who's currently being brainwashed by a cult. And thats just on my fathers side. At any given family dinner you are sure to meet a left wing artist-of-sorts, an ultra conservative ideal of middle class manhood, and a closeted homosexual. To me, THIS is normal. Whats a few days at the parents house without too many empty bottles of wine, some tears, and a good laugh (probably at someone else's expense). As my older brother*** used to declare at the peak of an argument "We put the FUN in dysfunctional!"

Love Forever,

Jamie

*sister wife

**yelling, fighting, crying, hurt feelings, drunk uncle/aunt/brother/mother, general disappointment, etc...
***comic relief

I used to go to punk shows in high school

people used to yell "skid" when i got on the school bus.
i used to eat lunch in that hallway where kids like us ate lunch.
...these days?
i've discarded the blue spikes and the name calling has turned to subtle digs.
the kids from that hallway have become this or that.
which is worse?


Love Forever,
Jamie