Calm, Collected, Creatively Covid
The Fashion of the day has become whatever your personal style is. This was proven by the recent Billboard Awards for 2020, held on 14 October at the Dolby Center in Los Angeles. The show was originally scheduled for April 29, but was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ignoring what they wore was not an option, neither was the controlled atmosphere we as “watchers” are fast trying to become used to. It was cool, calm, collected, yet inspiring and oddly entertaining.
Kelly Clarkson was once again the presenter (for the 3rd year in a row), enduring multiple costume changes, and sharing a form of presenting that at times reminded of lone-method-acting, taking viewers from nothing to something within the first 3 minutes. Well rehearsed, the presentation was held virtually, with loads of physical distancing, and reminding all of us mere mortals watching remotely to stay safe.
FASHION: There were and are no trends at all, and all of nothing was trending – for the seconds and/or minutes the artists were on air. By the very definition of the word, that IS fashion right now. Each artist portrayed the world they live in, showing off with pride whether their voices are for voting (Lizzo), Corona Hairstyles (Brandy), staying in PC casual sleepwear (Pre- and during, and supposedly post pandemic (Billie Eillish), or the ever young Cher’s legs that go on forever, with a wardrobe stuck in Bob Mackie times (her designer back in the 80’s).
The word “fashion” has officially become an acronym for
Fading At Sight How Insane One Negate.
It is known that "fashion fades but Style is forever", but seeing high profile icons in their bubbles has never drawn a more apt parallel between inspirational and disturbing - as right now in the middle of a world wide Pandemic.
STYLE: Celebrities can do whatever they want. Especially if they have "enough" followers on social media, and these followers obviously represent a side of the icon, you may not see or like. Not liking it does not make it ugly, it simply makes it kitch (a word popularized in the 70’s). And one (wow)man’s kitch is another’s inspiration….
Here is a short rundown of first impressions...
- If you love frills, frill everything…. Julia Michael!
- If you feel like sleeping while working… Billie Eillish yawned it away.
- If Corona images inspire new hairstyles… Brandy it up!
- If you walk on legs to die for, walk over the haters … Cher
- If your dress is large enough to write on it, keep scribbling! …. Lizzo
- If you feel dollied-up, you probably are… Sia
- If you hate the one look, keep changing till all is fine… Kelly Clarkson
True style is best defined by not having to say a word when you wear something or nothing, but in true Pandemic fatigue style, this is the best time ever to dig in deep into your wants versus needs, be it for your wardrobe, lifestyle, or etiquette rules, and live in the moment: stylish or abso-fashion-lutely not!
For more, visit www.thestylebible.co.za, www.simonrademan.co.za,
Or have a fun look at what Her Royal Lowness, Novelle Clovidia Whuaa’an (also popularly known as HRL Clovidia) is up to in her FREE online colouring book… www.simonrademan.co.za/history.htm