Ex·pres·sion (ikˈspreSHən)
noun: expression; plural noun: expressions
-
the process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings.
Style (stīl)
noun: style; plural noun: styles
-
a way of painting, writing, composing, building, etc., characteristic of a particular period, place, person, or movement.
Synonyms: fashion
Fashion can be treated as one of two ways: 1) cloth used for the purpose of covering one’s body from outside elements, or 2) cloth used to express the individual’s feeling, thoughts, attitude and inner badassity.
Travel is all about escaping one’s native culture in order to jump into another. Food, history, transportation, schooling, living arrangements, etc. are all ways to transform from one culture to the next. However, possibly the most fun and modern way to transform is through fashion.
Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines fashion as “the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time.” Infer from this definition that fashion exemplifies what is popular in culture during a certain time period and place. From fashion, a traveler is able to learn about influences of pop culture, social standards for external beauty, and proper attire and customs for various social events.
What I learned about European streets is that anytime someone is going out, they are going out to see and to be seen. Everyone wants to see what everyone else is wearing and wants everyone else to see what they are wearing. For that reason, the streets are runways.
In America, citizens tend to play things safe when it comes to clothing, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. However, in Europe, people want to look like the most individualistic person in the room.
Heidi Ellis, shop owner of Au Grenier De Lucie, says that fashion is like dressing up in costume. She is always on the lookout for quirky, retro, different, and colorful pieces to add to her shop collection. Heidi also believes that fashion is meant to be fun and is an art form to be worn and shown off.
European fashion stands out in that it is always being pushed to the limit with bold accessories complimented by natural hues or the opposite, with delicate jewelry paired with furry loafers. Everyday is to be celebrated with family and friends and celebrations call for dressing to the nines in a very personal creative way.
When visiting the most famous flea market in the world, Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, or Paris Flea Market, one may stumble across Heidi and Jason Ellis, shop owners of Au Grenier De Lucie. Au Grenier De Lucie is an antique jewelry and vintage high-end dress shop dedicated to selling bold and rare vintage styled accessories and clothing.
Heidi and Jason, believe fashion is art and is about expression. Heidi loves character style for its bold qualities and fun vibes. This shop represents what Paris is made off, and that is fashion expression, bold risk taking, and classic art.
Heidi and Jason have had much success at their shop, having celebrities like Rihanna and Kiko Mizuhara visiting Au Grenier De Lucie, to discover necklaces, earrings, rings, and more to wear while on the red carpet or during Paris fashion week.
It is found that Europeans “lazy day” attire is still fitted clothes, minimal jewelry, comfy shoes, and simple hair. Going off of this look, an American could travel in style without breaking too far from his or her’s comfort zone.
Keep in mind that travel is meant for learning about cultures through participation. What makes fashion expression fun to partake in while abroad is that it is an art form that collides with pop culture. By fitting in with local style, fashionistas are pushing limits for the sake of cultural education.