It’s no secret that when I stopped styling in television in a network wide capacity last year that my exit was questioned by many and left people scratching their heads a little.
In styling, the fundamental principle in play after you have dressed somebody is Judgement. That Judgement is also shared around with make up artists and hairdressers who may or may not have their work appreciated and applauded.
I have been very fortunate in my long television career to have worked with amazing and exceptional artisans who put their heart and soul into every brush stroke, every detail of every look. Every day.
But in the lasts decade I was becoming more and more aware of the fashion pendulum swinging strongly in one direction. Where it was straight up entertaining to pull apart red carpet looks for fun. This wasn’t limited to every fashionista’s favourite show, The Fashion Police. Copycat segments in many lifestyle shows and magazines sprung up everywhere. I myself was asked to be a judge in the 2008 Best and Worst Dressed copy of one magazine here in Australia. I didn’t really think too deeply on it as I penned my thoughts on the red carpet moments. I was probably more concerned with my next shoe purchase to be honest. But I do look back now and see that I was also feeding the beast called Fashion. Interestingly, the fashion credentials of the people asked to slay the fashion choices in so many of these critiquing panels are not exactly in the same league as say, Tim Gunn or Suzie Menkes. Sometimes severe judgement is offered by people who in my opinion might not be best qualified to be voicing these sentiments.
I stopped watching The Fashion Police over a year ago because many of the “critiques” seemed to me simply being nasty for the sake of making what we in the industry call “good TV”. Watchable. Inflammatory. But for every red carpet moment that might be broken down on air there was also a variety of designers, stylists, make up artists and hairdressers whose good work and fine reputation might also come under fire behind the scenes. All for the sake of ratings. The Yoga Sutras discuss a concept called Ahimsa. It asks us to consider a non-violent approach to life. That is in our thoughts, our words and our actions. Good on Kathy Griffin and Kelly Osborne for challenging this fashion blood sport this month on their exit from The Fashion Police. I can almost hear the talented people on my side of the frocks and brushes breathing a sigh of relief.
I would like to think the pendulum is swinging back the other way.
Because fashion should be about personal expression shouldn’t it? Styling is about helping people express who they see themselves to be visually. When someone is slain for choosing the “wrong” shoe or wearing a colour “too old” for her what are we actually as a culture saying? Are we saying you don’t have permission to be you?
Yoga teaches us to suspend judgement.
In a yoga class there is wonder and beauty in watching people move and breathe at their own pace, in their own time. Adapting poses to suit your needs on that particular day is encouraged. The variety of modifications and levels of pace in a room of yogis moving through Sun Salutations is something quite breathtaking to behold. It’s the same vinyasa. It’s a group made up of individuals. And it’s perfect.
So for those still scratching their heads about me deciding to spend more time preparing for the yoga mat and less time preparing for the red carpet, this might help bring clarity.
In genuine personal styling there is no right or wrong way of doing things. It’s all about expressing your own perspective. In fashion styling, however, it’s a whole different story bound cover to cover in Judgement. On the yoga mat, it’s all about being guided to find your most stable and comfortable way of moving through the asanas. The yoga sutras call it Sthira Sukham Asanam. It’s about what meets your needs. Physical. Emotional. Spiritual. On that day.
Don’t get me wrong. I still love a frock. I am still left breathless by some of the beautiful art that is expressed in cloth and metal. But the weight of my intention, my San Kulpa, is sitting on that pendulum which I sense is swinging back in the other direction now. Where it is just fine to be just who you really are.
Namaste.
theyogastylist 