I was very excited to feature in this week's Observer New Review, along with a collection of other UK bloggers, in this article that began, controversially, by stating that 'what we wear is increasingly shaped by fashion bloggers'. I, an avid reader of many blogs, wholeheartedly agree that since discovering a wealth of quick, innovative inspiration at my fingertips, for free, the way I follow fashion has changed. And I bet many of you reading this would say the same. One scan of the 100 comments left on the online article will leave you in no doubt many people do not agree. And that, of course, is absolutely fine, it is the Guardian after all, the comments always form a fascinating, if sometimes visceral, debate - whatever the topic. I didn't enjoy this particular debate any less just because I'm a part of it. Perhaps that's why I don't feel compelled to defend or justify the topic of the feature at all, that would be for the paper to do, though I'm sure they're content with having sparked such a great furore!
What I will say in response is this: Contrary to what some people tend to assume about anyone who does fashion, my day job ensures I have good perspective about what 'really' matters - family, opportunity, education, democracy (all of which the Guardian covers amply) but let's not forget that fashion is a multi-billion pound industry that creates jobs and supports our economy. I know fashion isn't important, or even interesting, to everyone and appearing in the paper doesn't mean I think my little blog, a minuscule cog in a huge wheel, will ever have the power to influence anyone (which unfortunately thwarts my plan to use it for taking over the world, Bond villain-style).
But the growth of blogging is interesting to me, and (contrary to what one comment suggests) brings me, and hopefully my readers, joy. Which, along with the fact my mum could go out for the Sunday paper and tell the man in the shop her daughter was in it, is why I was thrilled to be included in the feature. Let's not forget, fashion is allowed to be just for fun and, sometimes, frivolous. Or perhaps, as one commentator put it perfectly, fashion is simply the fetishisation of something we all have to do in order not to die of exposure.
Thanks to the Guardian staff for being helpful and courteous throughout. I hope you enjoyed reading the article, and the comments, as much as I did.
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i think the rise is a very interesting subject to debate about, the why/how/who/when and what next. the demise perhaps? i'm sure there's already a few books out there and people will be doing essays on the subject i have no doubt
ReplyDeletewell done on getting in there
Ah I really love this post and I'm glad to have found so many people through blogging who really 'get' this period in our lives and obsession with documentation. I'm not quite sure what the average person on the street knows about fashion blogs, but I think a certain demographic is certainly aware and an important one at that. I mainly use blogs for news and inspiration and magazine are starting to reinforce what I've seen online. I really loved reading this post about fashion:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionpirate.net/2012/01/if-clothes-fit.html
No matter what you wear, your clothing says something about you and it's very style has been determined by numerous people within the industry.
Hah! I am a new convert to your blog after reading the guardian article online over the weekend - I used to live on hackney road (am now back in australia) and have been searching to no avail for a legit london fashion blog, til I found yours! hopefully the shout out in the guardian brings more readers your way. lesley
ReplyDeleteGood comment - well done. As a newcomer to style blogging I was interested to see this. Blogs are a source of inspiration for those who want it, but they're not going to be for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your photos - good luck.
Grey Fox - a man searching for style in middle age
http://www.greyfoxblog.com
well done on getting featured.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, I'm totally agree with you. And I'm also glad to see a fascinating debate on the Guardian, the "fashion world" has always been somewhat of a controversial issue and for sure a mysterious power. By the way, congratulations for the feature!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you to be featured in this! It's a real honor. I definitely agree with what you've said here. When I was writing for Yahoo there were a couple posts that got about 200 comments - all of which were pretty vicious. But then you have to think of your audience. We can't all agree and that's what makes it interesting, right?
ReplyDeletep.s. would have loved to see the look on your mom's face when she read this! xx
People always talk shit about stuff they dont know on those news channels, so don't worry about it xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the feature. I am sure mum was very proud. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteFirstly, brilliant to see you featured.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I am constantly mystified by the quantities of venom that ANY article produced by the Guardian generates. I used to spend ages reading through lots of the comments, but after a while it just becomes so much shouting. 'Courteous' - now there's a word missing from many online exchanges of opinion!