does she kill?

I have always considered the possibility to look individual as my favourite aspect about having an interest in clothes - standing out, making a statement, the odd gawp courtesy of a surprised onlooker. This, however, when juxtaposed with the traditional notion of fashion presents conflict. Having always hated the cliche of beginning an essay with a dictionary definition, it pains me to do so now, but by dictionary definition fashion is the current popular custom, the latest craze, fad or trend. Yes, fashion is dictated by the Lagerfelds of this world high in their ivory towers with the lay people below clutching at their copy - cat garments. And the people who do take interest in fashion are seen as the zombies, the 'fash - droids'.

The luxury fashion houses certainly influence what we all wear, but is their soul purpose to dictate - do we feel dictated to? Does fashion in its definition destroy the originality of dress sense? I think not. I think the designers and their creations are inspiring and that is their sole purpose - to inspire us. Designer clothing, particularly couture is the dream, the aspiration. It is here argument arises between fashion's critics and fashion's aficionados. If truth be told I wish there were not so many fashion weeks in any one year yet simultaneously this is what makes fashion so exciting - the fast - moving nature of it. I cannot speak for everyone, but for me its just the sheer love and wonder of clothes - the material, construction and concept and inspiration - and the subsequent creation of outfits that makes me a admirer of fashion, regardless of its materialistic nature.

But, back to the initial question - does fashion destroy individuality? I am certainly not the most original dresser. I am influenced my many things, including typical things like celebrities such as Alexa Chung and Kirsten Dunst, fashion magazines and TV characters and sometimes just a single random image. Of course I am also inspired by designer collections. Do I follow trends - certainly, but subconsciously I hope rather then purposefully. Do I feel I have my own style? Yes, I hope so anyway as many of things that influence my style have inspired me with a reasonably long time.

I have always love Mod fashion, adoring the swinging- sixties London look. I love too the 'Parisian' 1960s' look of skinny trousers, horizontal stripes, smoky kohl eyes and flat shoes. I love the 80s - sequins, shoulder - pads, RayBan's and enormous saucer earrings and loved 'Bananarama's' look in the "Do they know its Christmas time?" video long before that Topshop Unique collection came along. I love the contrast between soft and edgy and the androgyny of skinny jeans and winkle - pickers. I love Debbie Harry's style but hate 'tribal'/'ethnic' and 'safari' trends. I love 1940s daywear look and for some reason I have loved for quite some time the notion of the urban British look in the 1980s, something like 'The Smiths' in their "There is a light" music video. I like 50s' rockabilly quiffs and jewellery and blazers and over - the - top skirts. And these are hallmarks of my style, original or not.

That is my point. Trends may seep into my style, but it is still mine. I think of one of my heroes Vivienne Westwood. She despises conformity yet is one of the world's most famous fashion designers. It may appear contradictory, but it proves fashion can still create originality. Those fashion aficionados, like Westwood, who truly do step out of the box, but still continue to love and be apart of fashion are the most inspiring of all. And for those wondering what is the point of originality, I refer to Westwood again: "In this sea of banality, distinction and elegance of dress is of more value today then it ever was before."

rebel rebel

I never thought I would have a leather jacket hanging up in my wardrobe, never mind the fact that it is currently my most beloved item in there. Perhaps, it was all those Rick Owens' jackets or maybe Susie Bubble's scrumptious cropped version or maybe just my cliched image of the 'rock chick' that I often cling to, to make up for the fact that alas, that will never actually be me. Regardless, it's love - I've got a feeling we're going to have a lot of good times together.

I'm not so sure why I have a teddy girl tossed into this collage. I do realise the Teddy Boy subculture and the Rocker subculture, to which the leather jacket is traditionally associated with are too entirely separate groups. She just looks like a rebel. Buttoned up shirts are an obsession of mine too.

Indeed, I seem to be playing quite the love - struck one. Constantly drifting off into some daydream..involving me and my beloved, of course.. counting down the days until I can try it out with a girly pink dress or with a mid - night blue sequined top. And that's exactly the thing, its an item that can go with just about everything. I cannot help, but be smug in my conversion! I bet you're just waiting for that typical leather jacket description cliche too: "buttery leather", but it really is made of such soft, delicious material!

Of course I quite like it in its more traditional 50s rocker style form, as seen in my attempt below. Just ignore all those lame "Where's the motorbike?" jokes.

Two of my favourite style obsessions - Paul Weller and Debbie Harry - both seen here in leather jackets. Of course punk and leather go hand in hand as The Clash decked out in leather here would prove.

Sorry for the hiatus, will catch up on comments shortly. - Kat x