Between my sister being in town, the rain, and crazy amount of work, sorry I’ve been MIA lately. The 15/30 outfit challenge is still on of course, but I honestly haven’t been going out much because of work and the weather being crappy. Even when I did go out, it was just a boring pants-and-shirt type deal as well as the circumstance not allowing for photo shoots. I will be back with outfit photos sometime next week. I’m actually waiting very impatiently for a large order of heels right now so heaven only knows how crazily awesome things will get once they arrive. Anyhow, Seoul Fashion Week ended last Saturday and though I didn’t get to go as often as I wanted, I found the experience to be extremely educational in terms of learning about the fashion culture here in Korea. Besides all the stylish (and sometimes pretentious) people who seemed to be enjoying being photographed (in contrast to those in Italy per my experience), I noticed something interesting about them. Contrary to my preconceived notion or perception (I was trying hard not to be judgmental), most of the show attendees seemed to be students attending some kind of fashion school when I expected to see a lot more business people. I’m not against field trips because I do believe that experiential learning is one of the most effective training methods but to have every single show sold out due to students’ buying them at bulk doesn’t really make sense to me. If the shows are for students, why are the designers spending 20K to have models walk in garments that took them months to construct? Is it really just to have students use them as “inspiration” or a topic for their term paper? Shouldn’t the fashion industry be using the event as an opportunity to increase the awareness of talented Korean designers or brands? I really can’t think of a better opportunity for the designers to shine especially in Korea where it’s all about luxury brand names or anything that is remotely reminiscent of popular European brands. Along with the K-Pop craze that’s gone international at this point, the world is closely watching the evolution of Korean fashion but it seems to me that the designers aren’t getting enough of exposure or marketing help they so desperately need. I personally find Korean designers exceptionally talented (and a lot of them are kind and humble which is always a plus no matter your profession) and can’t help but feel bad that they don’t get the help they deserve. It’s times like these that I wish I owned something like Opening Ceremony so I can properly showcase hidden national treasures.
Now, back to me and my outfit for which I must confess and apologize.
As you know, the 15/30 challenge ends this Sunday 4/15 which means I only have 15 pieces to work with from my capsule wardrobe; however after a long fight against none other than myself, I gave in and grabbed a piece from my closet which was not part of my capsule wardrobe. Bad me, spank spank spank!!! I really did not want to, but with the weather abruptly deciding to bring back winter, there was no way I could wear this vintage dress by itself or only with the cardigan I had chosen as one of the project pieces, but I really, really, really wanted to wear this dress. (Dang it)
The first moment that I realized that this project was going to be a challenge for me was only a few days after it started. Not fully aware of the weather changes in Korea, I realized a few days into the project that most of the pieces weren’t going to work simply because spring was late, way late. I had picked mostly thin garments thinking that it will be warm soon but man, was I wrong. So basically, it was either thin spring clothes or my thick burnt orange coat that I practically wore in every outfit post for the first two weeks of the project or so (that which is now making me sick every time I even look at it because I’m so tired of wearing it). It is indeed when you are most vulnerable that you are most likely to fall into temptation… That’s when my evil twin started whispering into my ear to look elsewhere, and being the vulnerable little girl that I (sometimes) am, I reluctantly gave in (am I sure about this? I don’t know, but would like to be seen that way at least because it makes me feel better about myself. whatever)…
There it was, my guilty fashion week outfit. I totally cheated… with my Miss Sixty leather jacket. You are right, I deserve to be spanked many many times. (cries) but please give me some credit, I did try to be creative by turning my plain floral maxi into a knotted one to show off the inner layer of it which is absolutely beautiful. Designers liked it a lot as well which made me feel totally proud of myself but overall, I learned that living with guilt is not a good feeling. Never again will I cheat.
Running away from the camera out of shame. Would you forgive me? (gives you the Puss-in-Boots-the-Cat eyes)
Thrifted two layer floral print maxi dress (knotted in the front), Miss Sixty leather jacket, Justin’s beanie stolen from his closet, Ray-ban aviators, Jeffrey Campbell Security heels, Target socks, and some random fishnet stockings
© 2012, Tomi. All rights reserved.
LOL you are so funny. Yes you are forgiven (as long as you come to hk). :P