Style Abroad
by Logan Steele
I recently had the opportunity and privilege of traveling across the pond and experiencing first hand the European fashion climate. Now my immediate reaction I must admit, was a bit anti-climatic. Seeing that I had always revered our Euro market as stylishly progressive and aesthetically composed.
Although I am not saying that my initial instinct wasn’t warranted, what I am saying is that their fashion sense compared with ours was more greatly parallel than I had anticipated. Being in the field of fashion it is always said that whatever is big in Europe undoubtedly will cross over into the North America and dominate the season’s trend. For example take the waist coat or even the colored canvas upper rage of the past two summers. You could find evidence of this trend in nearly every single reputable designer collection and even some of the lesser known labels. Let’s just say my last trip gave no such glimpse into anything that forthcoming nor innovative. It was as if fashion was at a stand still and nothing excitingly new was on the horizon.
I must say though, that when you saw an outfit put together it was done so immaculately and was a true reflection of this motherland of fabulous culture – La Dolce Vita. However, for the most part it seemed to be that same old tune. The ultra casual look done in designer fabric and labeled garment. Its what I like to refer to as the $1000 casual ensemble. This is where the individual may appear to be wearing merely a loosely thrown together outfit accompanied by a quintessential pair of sunglasses, of course. If you were to tally the cost of that seemingly dressed down, effortless ensemble you will inevitably find yourself in the $1000 price range. Jeans – $200, Top – $100, Shoes – $200 , Sunglasses and Accessories $300 – Originality? Lifeless. To be quite frank we have been beating this same style to death for the better part 5 years. It may be time for us to pick on something else.
Now, I am not saying that I have lost faith in my perception of European style – no, not at all. If I were to take that stand point, then what would that mean to us here who have adopted that very same swagger in our personal wardrobes? And, certainly I am not saying that I had expected to see people draped lavishly in couture while perched at a local café sipping espressos. This was not my first trip to Europe and I am not a novice.
I guess what I am saying is that either we as North Americans have finally caught up to our stylish counter parts or for the first time ever in history, they are looking to us for their inspiration. Which in itself would be jarring to say the least. As a side note; the one certainty I can say as far as forecasting upcoming trends, is that, the skinny jean has finally left the building. And, its siblings the Staight leg and (affectionately nicknamed) “Boyfriend” jean has entered the playing field. Hey, I’ll take what I can get.
Overall I must say that all fashion aside, it was an unforgettable vacation in a beautiful culture. Maybe, it is best to leave work at home where it belongs and enjoy your time away.
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