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."