THE MEANING OF FASHION AT CHRISTMAS
And here we are the 19th of December, onto the cusp of a new year. Can’t say I’m upset with seeing the back of a very peculiar 2016 and being able to sit down, clear my thoughts and open my Moleskine notebook to a fresh new page - metaphorically and literally that is. With Perry Como’s silky voice playing in the background, no there really is no place like home for the holidays and when you are home, for a few moments without a care other than last minute Christmas gifts, sometimes you just end up day dreaming and reflect...
Perhaps due to my studies at LCF (I have just finished Term 1!), this holiday season more than others has inspired me to really start thinking about what is the context of fashion during the holiday season. Yes, it is the season of gift giving- the most wonderful time of year also for retailers - but what is the true meaning of fashion at Christmas time? Surely there is there more to fashion than just being listed in Bazaar’s Gift Guide and being added to a wish-list on Net-a-porter?
After a long good think, well absolutely.
I am currently nestled just north of the alps, in an Austrian snow covered valley. The pine trees are twinkling and the sky is that sweet pastel colour of cotton candy pink and baby blue - similar to the colour scheme at Atelier Versace this season. Seated by the fireplace, wearing Johnstons of Elgin cashmere socks and The White Company flannel pyjamas - I couldn't be more cosy. Without this lounge uniform, I wouldn't be half as comfortable! The way these clothes make me feel lead me to argue that during the holiday season the delight and fruits of fashion isn’t necessarily what’s found under the tree wrapped up and tied with a red bow. Fashion at Christmas time is about feeling our best, complimenting the wonderful festivities and occasions which find themselves only at this time of year.
For example, the poised, glamorous gala dinner to grace the room in a stunning sheer Valentino couture gown (a girl can dream, ok?). A feeling of exhilaration and grace with all eyes on you, a Cinderella moment if you will, where you know you physically cannot look better and you feel fantastic. Or the homey neighbourhood Christmas gathering - Christmas jumpers mandatory. It has taken me 5 years in the UK to finally appreciate the glory of The Christmas Jumper. My personal favourite worn by Marc Darcy in Bridget Jones. Then there is skating at Somerset House or the National History museum bundled up in a warm faux-furry Shrimps coat. Or wearing a forest green velvet Saint Laurent smoking toasting in the holiday season with your main squeeze, looking utterly divine *cue the Mistletoe!*. Or hitting those slopes in flannel and a red Balenciaga puffer coat.
Or most importantly, post the evening when not a creature is stirred (not even a mouse) and you wake up looking fabulous in a la Perla silk pyjama set and robe. Spending time with family on the morning of the 25th gathered around the tree, maybe melange or latte in hand, is priceless and it's not about the clothes… it’s the feeling. Soaking up the love and laughter in the room. Of course you want to look your best to feel your best, but the beauty of fashion at Christmas time is that they play the supporting role. Supporting you to physically feel the warmth and joy - literally touching the Christmas spirit. A small but internal part of creating unforgettable memories, year after year.
And it is at this point, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas. May it be filled with peace, happiness, laughter and even a show stopping sartorial moment. And remember, as a very wise Green non-Who once accurately noted: Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.
