Fashion is the opiate of the modern masses

I was going to have a little rant about ethical book buying as seeing that Jade Goody has the best selling autobiography at the moment, outselling perhaps the most important man in modern history (Barack Obama) really wound me up on the weekend. But boycotting book buying wouldn’t last long for me! Plus, books are one of the few things in this world that aren’t considered to be disposable. So, instead, I’d like to complain about channel four’s inability to relate to the public.

Last night, Gok Wan was doing his usual ‘fashion fix’ and taking on the designers with ‘budget’ clobber from the high street. What startled me was the total lack of budget. Whilst most of us are struggling to make ends meet with utility bills and the cost of food through the roof, out of touch Gok was fawning over outfits costs a couple of hundred quid – a steal compared to the several thousand pound outfits being offered up by the rather mental designer-obsessed fashionista (and her pet pooch). Seriously, aren’t we all a bit beyond that now? I mean, who can afford the capsule wardrobe these days? Yes, Gok has a point, ‘buy less, wear more’ is a great idea but it does seem that Gok wants us all to chuck out what we have a buy a select few items which cost more than my mortgage!

Now what would be interesting is if instead of the designer vs high street battle at the end of the show, we had a high street vs shabby chic face off. I personally reckon that someone with a bit of sewing know-how, some style and guts could easily put together some fab outfits from charity shops, second shops and even car boot sales and on a budget that everyone can afford. Fashion is just a way of giving clothes exclusivity; stick a label on it and everyone knows that you’re minted. I say sod it, its time we all felt good about our clothes. Fuck fashion, everyone woman has the right to look and feel good about herself whether her gear’s from Biba or British Heart Foundation! Sadly, channel four are still promoting short-lived feel good fashion which just encourages the credit card crippling and excessive borrowing mentality that we’re all trying to leave behind. This just adds fuel to the fire of worthlessness and low self esteem amongst those who have been hit the hardest by the credit crunch – fashion is the opiate of the modern masses, and a tough habit to kick.