More of the same?

Barabara Hulanicki brought mini skirts and psychedelic patterns/colours to our high streets when she founded Biba in 1960’s.  She has had a huge influence on the world of fashion and still today, aged 77, is a consultant for retailers in both the US and UK.  Last year she won an award for her services to the fashion industry.  However, she has recently commented that she feels todays modern woman dresses badly, claiming ‘There’s too much interest in clothes now and it makes women dress less well.”  Hulanicki thinks in today’s society everyone looks the same and “people are too concerned about what’s fashionable”.  She even says about herself that “It's very difficult to know what to wear now.  That’s why I always wear black.”

Part of me sadly agrees, it seems everything has already ‘been done’ and not much stands out anymore.  I have recently become increasingly bored with the high street as al the garments seem to be repeated from store to store.  When you look back in history at all the ground breaking fashion movements, it seems this generation has not been involved in such drastic fashions and plays it all pretty safe – or maybe everything just seems safe these days.

When talking to my mum/gran about their relationship and past with clothing compared to their views on today’s fashion it seems that they relish a time when they had to spend a bit more money and a lot more effort searching out somewhere special to buy something precious, whereas today all the shops are too large, too similar and they feel swamped by choice and disappointment in the disposable quality.  Lurking in mum’s wardrobe are some items from a past which feel more special- some fabulous liberty shawls and silk scarves, a Chanel style raw silk jacket, a pair of beautifully cut out fine wool Escada trousers.  Beautiful things with precious memories attached to each purchase.