When you hear fashion, what comes to mind first hand is the sewing and styling apparel.
Fashion is an art not just a sense of dressing; fashion is an extension of self, an interesting instrument that embodies ones personality, cultural and social dynamics.
Fashion is a sense of being, the birth or regeneration of newness, usually inspired by the seen (things surrounding us) and the unseen (thoughts and imagination).
Fashion extends into several other areas all underlined by various names in respect to the materials involved. For example, sculpturing; a three dimensional art that involves shaping malleable objects or rocks, could also be adopted in fashion, whereby fashion designers acts like sculptors, crafting pieces and shaping materials into artistic forms to suit the desired theme purposed in my mind by the designer. Designers like Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, and Iris van Herpen are known to adopt this form, where fashion becomes a wearable art, the art of shaping materials into form.
Other areas fashion cuts through and can be found express other than clothing includes:
Hairstyling – Trends in cuts, colors, and styles reflect cultural or personal expression.
Makeup & Beauty – Makeup looks often follow fashion seasons and artistic themes.
Footwear – Shoes are a major part of fashion identity—sneakers, heels, boots, etc.
Accessories – Jewelry, bags, scarves, and sunglasses complete or elevate a fashion statement.
Nail Art – Nail designs have become a major form of self-expression and fashion.
Digital Fashion / Avatars – In virtual worlds (e.g. gaming, metaverse), fashion is expressed through digital outfits.
Home & Lifestyle Decor – Interior styles (minimalist, boho, etc.) often follow fashion-like trends.
Moving further, how do we talk about fashion without referencing it’s diversity in Culture. Culture is a major factor the influences our fashion sense.
Narrowing it down to Nigeria, in our culture, A typical Yoruba man’s fashion sense differs greatly from that of an Igbo or Hausa man, in the same way our art, speech, writing, etcetera are fashioned differently. We all have our personal niche and fashion has become a common ground for all. ChatGPT said:
In this niche, even though we share a similar culture and environment, fashion allows us to step beyond the ordinary – to express ourselves in distinctive ways that radiate positivity and set us apart.
For instance, consider Personality A and Personality B – both are skilled, eloquent orators. However, Personality A’s enthusiasm drove her to go beyond the norm, infusing a sense of fashion into her words and style of speech. While Personality B remained known simply as an orator, Personality A became celebrated as a seasoned and fashionable speaker.
Fashion is about going those extra miles that few dare to travel — adding flair, creativity, and excellence that elevate you above the ordinary.
DARE TO BE A FASHIONABLE YOU!
Written by,
Ogundeji Oluwanifemi,
Intern, OHR Publishing Comms. Unit
