A Name Brand Will Always Be Advertising for the Designer

Fashion we all know is, in general, all about the look. The function is rarely touted as a part of the function of fashion. At the beginning of the 21st century, it’s become a trend to tout the more functional aspects of clothes in general terms. Of course, there are exceptions in fashion that do a fantastic job with intention as well as innovation in terms of function. That is, however, not the rule but the exception. It this important to note this in terms of brands and their names because fashion, in general, is all the same with different names (despite what is attempted to be told in advertising campaigns). Where this is especially notable is in the area of function. I’ve had the great privilege from my first girlfriend in middle school all through college and beyond to not only date quality women but qualified women that garner a lot of attention, both male and female. Such attention is not necessarily a bad thing but it can definitely be a stressful one. Through these relationships, I got to learn a lot about certain struggles that women have to deal with in a way I had never known before. From Florida to the Scandinavian countries all way to Jordan, South Korea, Japan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia — the girls I’ve dated qualify as quality individuals that are respectable in mind as well as in heart. Their quest for happiness had very different and challenging roads but there was always the common denominator for comfort. Comfort is something we can all relate to outside of gender. Comfort, to me, is a baseline want for all of us on this planet. After deep thought and much analysis, I plan to give insight to the fashion industry and its inability to understand how to measure its impact in terms of function for women. There is reasonable and understandable insecurity that most women face based on their comfort in terms of fashion in general. When function is added to this already stressful culture of judgment and inappropriate attention it can be hard on one’s mind, especially when there is added scrutiny because of a pleasing aesthetic. The fashion industry has completely missed the opportunity to serve women in the way that they not only want but need. While aesthetics are important to all people (as that is what we judge), when the mis-thinking of function is not acknowledged, the opportunity cost becomes more significant as each year passes. The proper service of women will have a significant impact on the economy and its value and operation. This is true not only from the standpoint of the retailer but from the standpoint of compound interest in terms of function and how it feels to be confident in comfort which, in turn, affects the effect of the look of fashion.

What do you believe fashion has done correctly in terms of women and fashion?