It's amazing how clothing can make a difference in the way we feel about ourselves, how others treat us, if we get a particular job, whether we are respected by certain individuals... Even more amazing is how there is no one particular path or set of rules to follow when it comes to fashion. Geography even plays a part. It can build or destroy our image; it can tell people whether we are worth something or perhaps worthless. I remember a time in high school when I bought a pair of plaid pants. I loved those pants and it didn't even occur to me that they would cause as much of a stir when I "rocked" them on dress down day at my high school. Mind you, I went to school only an hour away from New York City, but yet, these pants were strange. All day I heard jokes about my pants-to the point where I was so annoyed inside of me, that I made it a point to wear more and more "strange" clothing - with runway influence. I suppose it helped me to feel stronger and believe in myself, but in a lot of cases, it has the opposite effect, especially on young children. Granted, this isn't the fashion industry's fault or even clothes in general, it's more of a societal problem, but it just goes to show that clothing screams without saying a word. My point isn't to point out the usefulness of fashion in this world, but rather to accept that clothing, much like television and music, are a part of our lives and it impacts a lot of what we do, if not most of our actions. Whether we hear a song that reminds us of a past love and we decide to contact them again or it makes us angry and puts us in a bad mood that affects the rest of our day, these are "things" that have come into our lives that change our lives and if these "things" can affect us in the deepest and most personal ways, why not use it to foster positive changes in our communities and our lives and why not have this positive change start through fashion industry themselves? In addressing fashion specifically, fashion makes a statement and because of this "power", initiatives by the fashion industry have the clout not only over how we and others view each other, but also to change our society and set an example for others to follow.
Bianca Nero is a prominently well-known fashion designer based out of Los Angeles, California and whose fashion extends from coast-to-coast and worldwide. Since 1992, she has been selling her creations to Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's. A former fashion model based in Milan, Maria Bianca Nero's designs are strongly influenced by Italian fashion designers Azzedine Alaia and Romeo Gigli. She is also a strong example of how fashion has no particular path or set of rules that makes it "right". Bianca Nero debuts her 2009 spring fashion line on October 3rd at Sport Clube Português in Newark, NJ by enlisting youth from a New Jersey based community organization to model her new line. As many designers forego traditional runway shows, this runway show is a way to present a collection in a not so typical way as part of a greater cause. It allows for a measure of creativity not possible in a runway show, which can be limited by budgets. Additionally, the proceeds are being donated towards two local New Jersey charities - Camp Marcella for the blind and a cultural enrichment program for young children in Newark, NJ.
The power of fashion should never be underestimated or taken for granted. To finalize, I'll quote the Spiderman Credo: "With great power, comes great responsibility"... to ourselves and to each other. I get that the fashion, television, oil, financial industries are essentially in business to make money, i.e. survive, but money can be made while helping out others in the mean time.