Bill Cunningham, decades-long photographer for the New York Times who chronicled fashion and street style, once said, “fashion is the armor we use to survive reality in everyday life,” and “He who seeks beauty will find it.” I believe that these two statements go hand in hand, in that Bill constantly sought out beauty and uniqueness amongst the mundane and sometimes harsh parts of life.
Fashion has certainly helped me through difficult times of my own. During covid when illness and uncertainty were the norm, I still dressed up a little when I stepped out to go on a walk or to the store. Fashion helped provide a sense of normalcy during those unprecedented times.
For this quasi-royal look (photo on left), I I chose a nice, structured dress in a rich plum color as a base. The gold jewelry gives the look a sense of gravitas and a grounding — the necklace is long and heavy–almost like a mini armor breastplate–covering my center, while the gold earrings lend a confident, anchored yet sophisticated appeal.
Fashion can be a powerful shield against the darts of darkness and heaviness. Fashion (clothing and accessories) invites us to take solace in its beautiful forms, colors, fabrics and textures. I refuse to yield to the bleakness in the world. Instead, I rise up in my beautiful garments and accessories, confidently facing each day. While my faith is what truly grounds me and gives me lasting hope, fashion is the tangible grounding I use in daily life. Faith and fashion combine to form my daily trusty armor.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13