There’s No Such Thing As Ugly Fashion
Fashion is where the intersection of art, history, and culture occurs – a representation of the most prevalent attitudes that exist in our society at any given point in time. In a modern world, where even the most outlandish looks are accepted, is there such a thing as "ugly" anymore? It's all up to interpretation.
Haute-couture dates back as early as 1826 when Sir Charles Frederick Worth opened the first fashion house filled with made-to-order ballgowns consisting of heavy garments with layers upon layers of fabric. Such a silhouette became the blueprint of women's fashion for quite a while, carrying on into the collections of '50s Givenchy, Dior, and Balenciaga dresses. As time went on, however, fashion designers began to lean away from conservative looks. They headed towards a more liberal direction around the '60s. Chanel introduced silhouettes that catered towards practicality and movement for women, while Yves Saint Laurent gave a new spin on previous iconic silhouettes. Free-spirited looks only became increasingly popular after this point.
It's no secret that innovation keeps the fashion industry alive. It is natural for the introduction of something new to be met with scrutiny because people are comfortable with familiarity. Once the shock wears off, the latest looks are embraced. This isn't a new phenomenon because it's been demonstrated time and time again throughout history.
However, one of the best things about our generation is how quickly we welcome new ideas. This inclination is manifested in the current climate of the fashion industry. An example of this is how we've gradually become more accepting of previously crossed-off looks. Just a few years ago, "bell-bottoms" or flares, low-cut jeans, denim on denim, and the color brown were considered "ugly" because it was "old" – now, 90's/Y2K fashion is one of the most prevalent trends that exist today. Of course, an unwavering appreciation for traditional elegance, modeled by icons like Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn, will always exist because this style is the foundation of high fashion. However, fashion-forward individuals and the industry alike praise bold, new looks that challenge current social conventions. Kitschy, audacious looks tend to steal the spotlight because "ugly" is what draws attention and stirs controversy. The Balenciaga's ugly shoe and the 2019 Met Gala's Camp theme is also a testament to this idea. They were memorable enough to leave a lasting impression on any individual – and that's typically what brands aim for in the fashion industry. These days, everything new in fashion is received with an enthusiasm that lets us know that nothing's really deemed "out of style" or "ugly" anymore.
Fashion is a vehicle for self-expression. It strengthens one's sense of individuality, and standing out for doing something different is not a bad thing- in fact, it tends to be celebrated in fashion. Since fashion is viewed as art, it's personal and utterly subjective, so it's difficult to honestly say whether an outfit can be considered ugly. People can still form opinions on whether someone has good taste or not, but the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" can easily be applied to fashion. Within such a dynamic, ever-evolving art form, what isn't accepted right now might very well be later. Critics are simply behind. Our society and generation have cultivated a landscape where we have the freedom to express ourselves to the fullest and to experiment with clothing. Originality is fashionable, and it will never go out of style.
Ysabelle Nina Salazar