It’s not all about Gucci and size zero…

It’s not all about Gucci and size zero…

Being at Mount Carmel, for almost 2 years now, and on for 3 more, I assume this is rather something that constantly caught my attention, and never fails to do so, even today.
My bunch of friends and I, would sit in the celebrated MCC drives unto eternity (Which happens to be an unparalleled choice of killing time, in passing, so far.) and relentlessly observe and turn commentators on the diverse fads and figures, cults and cues on campus. Before we knew it, we were all clones and branded “Carmelites”…
And thus began my analysis on what all this could possibly connote.

So what exactly does this term mean?! It’s reasonably simple… here’s the definition straight out of Wikipedia “Fashion refers to styles of dress (but can also include cuisine, literature, art, architecture, and general comportment) that are popular in a culture at any given time. Such styles may change quickly, and "fashion" in the more colloquial sense refers to the latest version of these styles.”
But guess what? It’s much more than all that. And I’m sure all of you will agree with me.
It’s about being yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Flaunting THAT attitude that you have and that no one else can possess. To me, that is synonymous with ‘style’.

There are absolutely a lot of things that go into this, being popular is just part of the game. Even in a girl’s college, what is taken note of the most is who has the most popular gang? Who wears the skinniest of jeans? Who acts like a perfect blonde? Who flips and faints over a cracked, manicured nail? Who shrieks on a rain drop on that made up head? Who carried a Gucci bag? (Who cares if it’s fake or not anyway!) Basically, who is the center of the damn attraction!? Or well, that’s what all the observation did to us. This was what it was.

So how did media play a role? AND how did the “Getting thin business” reach such great heights, strangely?

According to some experts, television, magazines and films have a lot to answer for when it comes to fashion and inflicting a smash up on self esteem. How? Well, mull over a very high BMI, obesity and you want to fit into the skimpiest outfit that Cameron Diaz just wore… another example; people establish “role models” with flawless skin and split-end free hair… Okay, cut it! That’s how it is; self esteem would have turned to ‘elf’ esteem!
Giving ourselves a break we just know to ourselves that we aren’t going to look like super models and clearly, we aren’t awfully imprudent to attempt grave malnutrition in order to look like a pencil and walk like one!

I critically analyzed these so called “role models” and well… It made me feel a lot better! My personal scrutiny on the subject:
1) Their skin looks golden and flawless like a swan’s because their photographs and faces are touched to remove any blemishes. Ha! It doesn’t need a genius to figure that out! And here I was thinking – Garnier or Ponds? Crap!
2) They all give the impression of being spectacular because they spend 4 hours on their makeup and 3 hours to get their hair done, before one photo shoot. So, I’m guessing it’s still okay to have frizzy hair?
3) They look amazingly sexy because they are wearing a zillion quid’s’ worth of designer clothes on their back. Recession doesn’t affect these people, somehow.
4) Photographers waste roles and roles of film to get “ONE” perfect shot!
5) Glam lifestyles, beauty and FASHION have nothing to do with anything, they might just make you feel good momentarily, and then plunge you into misery! Money matters!

Well… looking at points 1 and 5, the “aam janta”, you and I, could be super models, with all that help. The point is just this – I’m not interested in borrowing an image and getting a makeover. I want my own – Not a makeover, I am talking of an image here.

Coming to the getting thin business, Hmmm… Diet plans usually make a big sing song and dance about eating only ‘good’ food, therefore leaving you with appalling cravings for the ‘bad’ stuff. And human nature being what it is, you instantaneously break your diet and eat the banned goodies. Put on weight and feel like a failure. Diet is a very wicked cycle when you think about it.
If you are serious about losing or gaining weight go see your G.P ignore the miracle cures (there aren’t any, please note.) and the advice of family or friends. If you have chubby cheeks, well, that’s CUTE! Everyone likes it! DO NOT become a victim of media or fashion hype. Your doctor knows the true score not your favorite celebrity!

Why do some people find a mirror an absolute night mare and run a mile in the opposite direction on a mention of their photograph being taken? All this is because you are not happy with yourself. These days, being happy is being fashionably nice, and feeling good about it. And why and how could I forget?! Getting compliments… sigh!
Do it, don’t blow it!

And so Oscar Wilde said - “A fashion is merely a form of ugliness so unbearable that we are compelled to alter it every six months.” So why blow on something you’ll have to alter every six months? Put on your thinking caps, splurge on fashion that makes you feel good, not something only because Gwen Steffani wore something for the Grammys!!

I’m glad that I’m acquainted to people who do not succumb to the so called “societal pressures” and lead a life of choice, and not that of a chance. I’m talking about all you people! Way to go!