The Price of Individualism in
Fashion
Abi Smith
Nearly every designer has showcased the return of the Gothic look for AW 2012 , making our lives simple in creating our own amazing designs . Editing your old clothes has been made easy with this trend , and obviously the first thing that comes to mind with Goth is black , and you can easily dye any dress or top this colour with dye from your local craft shop . Plus , with Gothic comes the crucifix , so stick tape on both sides of the fabric in a cross shape when dyeing it black to keep a crucifix stained on your favourite leggings or shirt . One of the keys to achieving this look is studs . Not necessarily by wearing a dog collar , but almost every fashion item in your wardrobe can be transformed to represent this style . Studs can be easily bought off eBay from 99p , or find some in your local market . This can add flair to tops , skirts , shorts even scarves and shoes ! Add to your gothic look with lighter eyes and darker red or deep purple stained lips , and bring back any old leather jacket your parents have . This also see ’ s the return of lace , so if you have an old lacy dress , bring it back by changing it from girly and lacy to a gothic fright by integrating it with leather and harsh jewellery .
We ’ ve all been there – an item we love at a low a price , yet an expensive consequence … each person you know has the same item . In a world of growing fashion and a world where you have to be different to stand out , how expensive is individualism ?
If you love fashion , it ’ s almost certain you long for the life of the rich and the famous ( or their bank balance at least ). Endless amounts of money meaning an endless amount of expensive ( but amazingly fabulous ) designer clothes , and better yet , what we all dream of , a different outfit every day . Yet unfortunately for people like me , that world is far away , and we have to settle for siblings “ hand-me-downs ”, Primark specials , and re-using clothes from years gone by . For many of us we struggle balancing our bank account with our love for fashion , especially if you long to be different , be admired for your individuality , and stay stylish whilst standing out .
However this is all changing , with a new wave of creativity coming over the fashion industry . What was once a pricey and agitating hold-back to a low budget wardrobe , is now transforming into a home-made DIY palace of fashion excellence . Even the high street is trying to imitate the “ home-made ” look with dip dyed fabrics , ripped jeans , and cuts to the clothes looking like they were done by hand . With the ever-growing fashion society , and easy ways to get your hands on cheap supplies , it ’ s never been easier to be an individual in the fashion world whilst spending as little as you can .
abigailkatesmith @ hotmail . com
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