Image credit: Wear and Why
When fashion week(s) rolls around, the stylish elite come out to play. Haute couture and the game of pushing limits in art have always brought about clothes that are questionable to the general public. But especially since the area of streetstyle and blogging has boomed, many of those that attend fashion shows will don the craziest outfits for which photographers will swarm around to get shots. Termed "peacocking," this way of dressing becomes a competition of who can get the biggest exposure with images circulating throughout the internet realm. And in reality, it can really become a stepping stone - or even a means for a career - in the industry. For example, bloggers such as Susie Bubble and Man Repeller were first known for their wacky looks. But exhibit A is definitely Anna Dello Russo, editor-at-large for Vogue Japan.
Image credit: Marquis of Fashion
(The first picture with the orange coat and big hat is also a look of hers)
ADR as she's referred to is known for her over the top, elaborated outfits (or costumes??) that often involve fascinators, huge sunglasses, and provocative cuts. And every single day of fashion week/month she will appear in a new ensemble. Although some of her looks are definitely cool while still being wacky (such as this bird suit below,) a lot of the time I'm just like "No, please... no." While she's not alone in the game, she definitely takes the cake.
And you know what peacocking reminds me of? When I first saw Hunger Games and the citizens from the Capital, my mind immediately clicked back to these elaborate outfits. Words such as excess, frivolity, hierarchy, all come to mind. Not the best association. I would not at all be surprised to see any of these looks on the streets at fashion week.
Image credit: Sweet World of Fashion
Now, I understand that half of fashion is all about having fun, taking risks, appreciating it as an art form and all that... but I think peacocking takes it past that point to a sheer show of how much money you can spend to have a one-time-only ensemble. It takes away the humanity and turns people into mannequins. I think there's at least a 2-3 inch wide line between dressing up and ostentation. Instead of looking into the styling as a reflection of who you are, it's just about being bigger and weirder, getting attention, the spectacle without refinement. Or perhaps I just have untrained eyes.
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