Thank you Rick Owens<3 PARIS FASHION WEEK JAN 2024 REFLECTION

Whether you've immersed yourself in the recent Fall/Winter 2024 Runway and Couture Fashion Shows or simply followed them from afar, one thing is certain: the magic of these showcases have sparked inspiration among fashion enthusiasts worldwide. As I reflect on the whirlwind of Paris Fashion Week, I find myself delving into what initially drew me to the world of fashion and why my passion was sometimes blurred and distant.

Perhaps it was the overt consumerism and digital saturation that left me feeling disconnected, or maybe it was the shift following the onset of the pandemic, where my enthusiasm for fashion seemed to fade. Before COVID, fashion felt exclusive, whimsical, and inherently artistic. However, as the landscape evolved, it seemed that the industry became increasingly fixated on profit margins, trends, and relentless consumption. Having studied and worked in fashion, I found myself looking for the emotional response that once fueled my fascination.

Yet, amidst the runway spectacles of Paris Fashion Week, a revelation dawned upon me—a reaffirmation of why I hold such admiration for fashion, not merely for the garments themselves, but for the visionaries who breathe life into the brands.

This epiphany struck me during the Rick Owens show, an endless highlight for its audacious aesthetic and unwavering originality. As I tuned in to the 16-minute show via YouTube, witnessing Rick follow behind his models with a sense of kinship, I was memorized. It was in that moment, seeing his quirky demeanor juxtaposed against impeccably crafted attire, that I grasped the true essence of my allure to fashion.

For me, fashion transcends beyond fabric, silhouettes, and stylistic choices—it embodies the boundless creativity and authenticity of its creators. The ability to manifest one's imagination into tangible reality, to build an empire solely from ones mind, is nothing short of extraordinary. It's the passion, the rawness, the unfiltered authenticity that resonates with me, igniting a fire within and reaffirming my admiration for the creatives behind the brands.

In a world where clothing serves as more than just a utilitarian necessity, these visionaries wield immense influence, evoking profound emotions through their creations. Their ability to generate such powerful responses from clothing is nothing short of remarkable, serving as a testament to the transformative power of fashion.

As we navigate through future fashion weeks, I implore you to seek out those moments of revelation, those instances of profound connection with the creators behind the couture. For it's in these moments that we come to understand not only the intricacies of fashion but also ourselves and our place within this ever-evolving landscape.

Thank you, Rick Owens, for your boundless imagination, mind, and unwavering authenticity —a beacon of inspiration in an industry teeming with creativity and possibility <3