Balenciaga, Logo Mania, and Perception vs. Reality

When Myrtle Snow elected to shout “Balenciaga” as her final words before being burned at the stake, she singlehandedly became the greatest trend-forecaster of our time. Yes Ryan Murphy, I am looking at you as the fashion voice of our generation. Sorry Gossip Girl creators, Blair Waldorf’s greatness does not hold a candle to the likes of Madison Montgomery and Chanel Oberlin.

Now more than ever, we live in a society in which perception is inarguably more pertinent than reality. Coinciding with the rise of social media and its ever-growing impact, fashion has certainly taken a turn to match the societal norms perpetuated in each facet of first-world life. Whether this is seen being actualized in a faux digital camera filter for an iPhone photograph, through a considerably over-curated moment from an influencer or even your best friend, or through the shift in emphasis of garnering a loudly showcased designer label rather than a well-made designer garment.

Of course, logo mania and street style are anything but new to the realm of off-duty wear and runways. However, the revival of such inspirations is truly seen at a greater magnitude today thanks to trends being revived across the board; from the 90’s and the early 2000’s. To be ostentatious in the ways that once were, and even more so in the ways that are now, is starkly contrasted by the simplicity that once-upon-a-time overtook the fashion scene during the Great Recession of the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. While this recession was rooted mainly in the United States and Europe, it managed to hold a distinct impact throughout the global fashion culture and the ways in which designers felt comfortable expressing their creativity. The recession shifted the conspicuous garbs of rhinestones and all things Paris Hilton to pieces characterized by understated practicality and a respected sense of minimalism.

Fast forward to today’s continuous spectrum of kitsch culture and logo mania, fashion is truly a reflection of wanting to be seen. While not unlike the boisterous nature of the exuberant styles that graced the likes of Marie Antoinette, there is perhaps a contrasting and unparalleled lack of qualms about the inherent low-quality of certain designer items. This, like so many realities of today, can be directly linked back to the fast paced news cycle and the perpetual surplus of information. To be noticed, or more specifically to be seen long enough for more than a brief “double tap,” is certainly challenging. Yet, at the same time, the desire to have such notice taken to you is becoming something that is an innate aspect to the subconscious of human nature in ways that it never was before.

While previous generations are inclined to believe that this desire to be different, seen, or heard is quite “been there, done that,” it is evident that this is something different. Through the socialization patterns and mental health status of those born in the year 1995 or later, one can see that this truth is contriving its own degree of impact on the minds of the present.

With the severity of this reality in mind, let me add some #links to my #bio so you can shop an opportunity to get some dopamine going. I mean, if you can’t beat them, join them. However, if you have somehow figured out how to beat them but want to feel included, I have linked some reasonably priced alternatives. If these alternatives inspire you, feel free to repay me by emailing me a step-by-step guide for achieving that major W, as I am in desperate need of one right about now.