Fashion has always been a topic that has provoked deep self-reflection for me. Unlike many fashion enthusiasts, my love for dressing myself did not come from my parents or siblings. Nevertheless, even from a young age, I took pride in my attire and paid meticulous attention to detail when it came to getting dressed.
According to my mother, there were initial signs that my love for fashion was innate. Even before I could speak in full sentences, I would match my hairbows to my top. It was undeniably adorable. However, as I entered my pre-teen and teenage years, my taste in fashion began to flourish.
No longer content with shopping at the Gap for back-to-school clothes, I insisted on visiting more high-end establishments like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom at our local mall. This newfound passion, or rather, obsession with fashion, became a subject of eye-rolling discussions. And let’s not forget the relentless whining and begging that accompanied back-to-school shopping trips.
But as time went on, I started to question the significance of collecting fashion items. There was a constant disconnect between what I was wearing and what I truly desired to wear. Even at a young age, I felt this guilt in my stomach when my mom couldn’t meet my standards with her purchases. Despite having everything I needed, it never felt like enough.
Throughout my life, I have repeatedly asked myself why I always crave more. As I pondered the possibility of achieving “Purse Peace,” I found myself revisiting this question. I have sat for hours staring at the wall, filled countless journal pages with my thoughts, and even contemplated selling off most, if not all, of my designer items. In the midst of an existential crisis, I questioned the importance of consumerism, the true meaning of life, and why all these material possessions matter to me, as Miranda Priestly would say.
However, a recent trip to Paris provided me with a renewed perspective. While fashion will never be the sole purpose of life, the experience of visiting Paris left a profound impact on me. It reminded me why I fell in love with luxury fashion in the first place. Sharing this experience with my mom, who also purchased her first luxury bag, felt like coming full circle. But the most enlightening part of the trip was exploring the fashion museums.
La Galerie Dior offered an immersive journey through the evolution of the Dior brand, from its early days under Christian Dior to the design aesthetics of Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and many others. This experience transported me back to my childhood when I would borrow fashion books from the library. It was during those moments that my love for fashion flourished, nurturing my creativity and shaping who I am today.
Similarly, we visited the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, which provided a closer look at the history of the House. Housed within Yves Saint Laurent’s former haute couture establishment, the museum showcased his work and offered a glimpse into the original atelier and more.
Witnessing the incredible history and journey of these iconic brands reminded me of the true essence of fashion. It goes beyond mere material possessions. Each brand carries its unique story, deeply rooted in history, sometimes originating from humble beginnings, and often playing a role in shaping the world of fashion as we know it today. Experiencing all of this with my mom created a humbling and bonding experience, allowing me to unabashedly rekindle my love for fashion and, of course, handbags.
In fact, my mom even encouraged me to simply “buy the [Bottega Veneta] bag.”
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