“When the ritual of dressing up can literally shift how we see ourselves in the moment, and express beauty which in return makes us project more beauty into the world.
When we are living on survival, why would we reach for that beauty?
When we live in such an uncertain world, how do we reach for that beauty?
How do designers stay inspired to create during the chaos of that uncertainty?
What will they reach for and how will they express it?”
Solange Knowles recently shared a series of journal entries and essays with Harper’s Bazaar for their October cover story.
I’ve always admired Solange’s futuristic, otherworldly fashion sense, so my initial goal was to grab a picture from her home shoot and a quote for YOD’s instagram. While reading, I copied and pasted so many “quotes” from the article I found powerful. But when I read the quoted text above, I knew this had to move from a quick instagram post of one of my faves to a deeper look at life, art, and the reflection of beauty. So, I took time to sit with each of Solange’s questions and I offer my perspective on each below.
When the ritual of dressing up can literally shift how we see ourselves in the moment, and express beauty which in return makes us project more beauty into the world.
When we are living on survival, why would we reach for that beauty?
This statement coupled with a question struck me to my core. Because this is exactly what I’ve been contemplating.
So quick backstory. If you know me, you also know that for the past ten years I’ve worked in Costumes for musical theatre. At first, this was just a side hustle to my 9 to 5. However, once I left my job, I expanded the network of theaters and companies I worked with and took on the Wardrobe Supervisor role for a few productions turning theatre into one of my primary sources of income. When the pandemic first hit, shows were cancelled and other projects and businesses I was working with were also canceled or postponed and I was left with survival.
With time on my hands, I sat with myself and really dug deep to decide what I planned to do next. I was really torn over the desire to “reach for beauty”. It seemed absurd to launch a styling company in the midst of cancelled events and social distancing.
I said to myself, “People aren’t going out anymore, shows have been cancelled, travel plans have been cancelled, weddings have reduced their guests lists.” All of my logic and rational thinking concluded this wasn’t the right time, but I couldn’t shake the feeling.
My heart and spirit needed to reach for that beauty, my survival actually depended on it. I think this is true for all creators, it's through survival that we find hope, inspiration, and a reason to create something beautiful for the world.
In a time where we are faced with a deadly pandemic that’s claimed over 200,000 lives, the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, George Flyod, Daniel Prude and many others who have been killed this year by police, many with no justice served. It’s not easy to find the beauty in spite of our circumstances.
Whether you’re a writer, painter, musician, performer, designer, or stylist we must reach for that beauty now and lift the spirits of the people.
When we live in such an uncertain world, how do we reach for that beauty?
One lesson I’ve learned throughout my lifetime is that the world is always uncertain. We make plans and get comfortable with the pace of our daily routines which gives us a false sense of security. But the reality is, each day is uncertain. At any moment our lives could change dramatically.
Regardless of this fact, we continue to create. We look for cures for disease, innovate new technologies, and fight for justice to move the human race forward. We reach for that beauty by looking beyond ourselves and our current circumstance to the future we want to create for ourselves and those who come after us.
Some of the greatest pieces of literature and art have come out of a time of uncertainty and despair. When everything else has failed, love expressed through beauty stands. So we reach for beauty by sharing our hearts with the world and finding the passion that feeds our souls.
What will they reach for and how will they express it?
As a creator, I will reach for the light and the truth. There is inspiration, beauty, and magic in everything if you take a moment to observe your surroundings. I started a garden this spring, and found myself inspired by so many “little” things in nature. The pattern of an insect, the texture of the sky, the vivid colors of flowers.
I also contemplated on the reality of this moment. The wounds of this nation that need to be healed. The sharp halt of life as we know it, and the realization that we really don’t have to live this way. There’s a message in all of this for us. We must decide how we want to live and what we’ll do next.
For me, there’s no greater inspiration than endless possibilities. So, thank you Solange for the reflection.
Until next time <3
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