What is Fashion NOT? Defining What Fashion Really Is

I am just now coming off a 3-day fashion high after attending FashionXDallas – Dallas’ version of fashion week, and trust me: Texas has major fashion game. As one of 13 hosts, I had a front row seat to stars from Project Runway, emerging DFW local designers, and capsule collections from rising talents. Oh, and shopping galore with 20+ curated gallery spaces with jewelry, accessories and more which spurred multiple fraud alerts from Amex – budget exceeded. I’ll list my personal favs later…

How cool is it that unknown designers were able to share a runway with (Lifetime’s Emmy Award show) Project Runway winners? We all have mentors and people that inspire us, motivate us, keep us chasing the dream we see attainable. They’ve made it, and so can I! Personally, it would be like me being a guest blogger for Skinny Confidential. (Lauryn Everts, are you listening? I’m free for hire if you need. Wink.)Very few movies hit me hard, but when they do, they are thought provoking, have beautiful cinematography, and have incredible acting or all of this combined. Fashion can be equally as mesmerizing as a phenomenal movie, bringing with it these same magnetic qualities. Here are three fashion themes that make quite an impact.

Very few movies hit me hard, but when they do, they are thought provoking, have beautiful cinematography, and have incredible acting or all of this combined. Fashion can be equally as mesmerizing as a phenomenal movie, bringing with it these same magnetic qualities. Here are three fashion themes that make quite an impact:

1. What is Fashion NOT? Fashion isn’t pretty.

What is fashion? Define fashionable. It’s interesting. It’s unique. Authentic design is celebrated and not critiqued for being universally beautiful or refined. There were collections I didn’t relate to and would certainly never wear out in public, because I didn’t like a specific aesthetic. But, I still appreciate the talent and work that went into the hours of blood, sweat, tears and time they poured into they’re visual masterpiece. I noticed the person across from me drooling and lusting for the exact frock I hated, which embodies the meaning of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Also, I never once heard anyone comment on a model’s beauty universally speaking. Instead, I heard: “She’s interesting; she’s statuesque; she’s slaying that dress; she’s owning the catwalk.” And every once in a while, someone would turn and say to their seat mate: “now THAT would look good on you.” Swoon. Another interesting realization: I felt more confident in that setting because I was celebrated for my style. Those 3 nights were dedicated to celebrating one’s authentic style versus the perfect body, face, or hair. It was almost taboo for someone to say “she looks gorgeous, but what does she have on?” To be beautiful is to own the threads you’re in. Isn’t that how we should feel about living in our skin? Lesson learned. What is fashion to you?

2. Fashion isn’t skinny.

What is fashion? Gone are the days of Twiggy and Kate Moss. Instead, women of all sizes were represented on the runway with ALL the designers; No “plus size” collection needed because all shapes and sizes integrated in each collection making it cohesively beautiful. What a concept: A designer that is creative and talented enough to produce all sizes without compromising an aesthetic that doesn’t gel together. I’m now ‘anti-plus size’ and ‘pro all size’ with no segregation. Who’s with me? What does fashion mean to you? Hashtag #ProAllSize to start the trend. In fact, both Project Runway stars Christian Siriano and Tim Gunn have publicly spoken out about the plus size issue:

‘Project Runway’ Co-Host Tim Gunn Slams Season 14 Winner’s ‘Hideous’ Plus-Size Clothes

Thank you Christian Siriano, a Fashion Designer Who Speaks Size Sense

3. Fashion isn’t expensive.

What is fashion not? Fashion is not about labels or the amount of money you spend on your purse. OR shoes. OR face. (had to throw that in there – it’s Dallas, the plastic surgery capital of the world.) Do I love my Givenchy boots? YES! Do I equally love my Target Mossimo wedges? YES! Ok, maybe not quite as much. But, I saw many of people rocking a $100 vintage dress that blew away any Loubitouns. Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing one single red sole in the house. I didn’t notice the most coveted items to the label-obsessed people that believe the tag defines “style”. Creativity means someone who makes something luxurious and can bring a fabulous vintage dress into modern day chic. Speaking of, have you heard of Vintage Martini? It’s a hidden jewel in our own Dallas backyard, and Ken Weber put on quite a show on the runway. Bravo!

I almost feel guilty to highlight only a few of the amazing talent witnessed, but I gotta give out a shout out to my favorites:

Whit’s Awards go to…

Project Runway designers: Korto Momolu, Daniel Esquivel, Sonjia Williams

Local Designers: Abi Ferrin, Vintage Martini, Batch No.8, Lizna

Gallery Designers: Allison Mitchell (handbags), Blaine Bowen (jewelry), the Jenn Collection (jewelry), PennyLuck (shoes)

*Much appreciation to Matt and Kara Swinney, creators/directors of FashionXDallas, FashionXAustin, and FashionXHouston. Check out their website for the schedule of upcoming events – You don’t want to miss it!

FOLLOW ME ON INSTA @HelloWhitneyXO for more personal snaps at FashionXDallas.