Use fashion to connect with others
Unity Not Division, Cooperation Not Competition
Fashion has a long history of bringing people together. Communities celebrate their unity through icons, colours, and styles, each of which echoes their shared interest and identity. One only needs to glance over the recent decades to see punk rock fans adorn themselves in torn denim or hippies revelling in tye-dye. These attires not only express the individual’s personality and preferences but, by doing so, they connect them with others. Even before a word is said, the visual expression of our clothing can build bridges between us.
Sports teams utilise this every time they step onto the field, bringing together their supporters beneath the flag of their uniform. Fans unite with colour and emblems, building an instant community with little more than a shirt or coat. It is a visual wonder that goes beyond the playing field, into our society and culture too. We wear our history, our personal and socio-political identity. And, just as in competing sports teams, fashion can lead to division too.
Fashion has long been used for uniformity and as a statement. It’s how the LGBTQ+ community have been able to express their support and solidarity, imbuing rainbow design with a message of acceptance and love. Statements can even be undeniably political too, from the militant style of the Black Panther movement and the adoption of miniskirts for female empowerment to the more recent appearance of red baseball caps that are now inextricably linked with American far-right conservatism. Clothing has the ability to perpetuate a message, whether for better or worse.
Unity is the same basic motivation behind business attire. Companies seek to measure individual expression with the intention of bringing their employee team together. Only certain shades and designs are accepted, with all other individual styles detracting from the ethos of their decided professionalism. Most of those who have worked within these environments will understand that, ultimately, it has an adverse effect, one that, instead of serving to bring workers closer together, it instead leads them to feel stifled and removed from their own identity.Once we start to see this power at work, the ability for fashion to affect communities, we are likely to see its ubiquity. DIY clothing becomes indicative of a person’s environmentalism and brand labels become an expression of company support. We may then realise how much potential our own wardrobe can have. Our own garments are beacons, calling out to others who pass us by. This is who I am, they say, is there anybody out there?
And, as our society becomes more deeply divided, I believe that this is something we should pay greater attention to because what we wear has the amazing ability to help us connect with others. It can bring us together at a time when we’re being pushed apart.
This is why I celebrate my personality with each item of clothing I wear and create. I believe in happiness and creativity, wanting to share this with others. So, if you enjoy the same, be sure to browse my homemade clothing store and you may find something that connects us!
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Hello! I’m Dori,
Spice it up with Dori is a blog about bright DIY fashion, crafts & lots of creative endeavours.
My aim is to create an upbeat positive vibe so you can as well cultivate your inner-creativity and establish an innovative DIY way of lifestyle and spice things up with your personal touch. Find out more about me.