I felt it was always more than a game, I was routinely told by my mother that the trip to the supermarket, school mufti days or a muddy walk "was not a fashion show" and she definitely had a point telling me to change some of those outfits! My love for bright colours and bold patterns could be set free at uni when I didn't have to walk out of the house and past my parents.
However, when I got to university, I found myself wanting to dial down the colours, the patterns and the more outlandish pieces of my wardrobe. Instead of feeling free within the art department, I just felt like nothing I did could compete with everyone else’s interesting pieces, unique personal style, and eye for detail. I also felt pressure being surrounded by so many stylish people my own age, because at home I’m mainly surrounded by over 60s. So, I found myself wearing darker colours and paring back my style, not feeling very comfortable in the majority of clothes I brought with me.
I love the thrill that experimentation brings, running the risk of a fashion failure or creating a look that brings me euphoria
However, what has never left me is my experimentation and my sense of play with clothes, because in the end - it is so much fun. The entertainment the art students get from dressing up and looking at everyone else’s outfits is infectious! Even when wearing darker colours I wear a bold necklace, layer shirts with waistcoats or wear a bandana like a pirate. I love the thrill that experimentation brings, running the risk of a fashion failure or creating a look that brings me euphoria.
From one year of art school, I have learnt that good individual pieces are key - a perfect leather jacket that fits like a glove or a bag that enhances every outfit it touches. Pieces that are scavenged for in charity shops and vintage markets that everyone comments on are worth their weight in gold. But above all, the key is confidence and conviction, because without those every look will fall short.