Fashion just an expression

By Katherine Chow

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is held each year in one of the fashion capitals of the world, documenting a memorable spread of styles that inspire fashionistas everywhere. At this year's September event, which took place in New York City, looks for spring 2010 made their debut by designers such as Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Diane von Furstenberg. Within these magnificent and extremely unique designs, neutral tones, peek-a-boo dresses, metallics, feathers, leisure suits and school-girl looks were all modeled down the runway as trendsetters for next spring.

While sifting through the pictures posted to document yet another successful fashion week, I was somewhat surprised by some of the blogger opinions that made it onto the internet. Although I will admit some designs were not appropriate for everyday wear, fashion is more than just putting together pieces of fabric and making clothes. Fashion is a form of artistic expression; it's a way to channel creativity.

Although some trends cannot be worn to the mall or to class, inspiration can be drawn from these designs to make them wearable during the day. The way I see it, the peek-a-boo dresses and some of the feathered pieces which are considered outrageous and versatile are patterns of expression that designers thought were meaningful and worth designing.

Another thing that surprised me this season was the comeback of some looks that were presented a couple of years ago. Neutrals were a comeback this year for spring 2010 apparel.

As I have watched and observed the different fashion trends that have been emerging in our societies, I like the fact that some people still wear trends from a couple of years ago. Although every year fashion week has renewed trends, it's always nice to see an ethnic print on a colorful top or even refinished menswear that has made it onto a runway for a second time. This recycling of fashion is a great way to keep trends going; essentially, nothing will really go out of fashion.

I must admit that I am not exactly a fashion enthusiast. I have my fashionable days where I find rare pieces and they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Otherwise, my days consist of sweatshirts and jeans, in my opinion, the most comfortable outfit I will ever find in my closet.

The concept of fashion is extremely interesting to me. It's very rare that people can put together an outfit, much less make an outfit that will not only look good but also stand out from mediocre everyday wear. I can relate to fashion in the way that it allows expression.

So fashion? What's the big deal? Fashion is like every other way of expressing yourself, whether you're singing your heart out, painting or kicking butt in a scrimmage. It builds personality and understanding of who you are and allows many people to discover what they are passionate about.

Katherine Chow is a freshman undeclared arts & science major.