Fashion Challenge, Day 3: Venetian Green
True Self Expression is a Vulnerable Act- But You Should Do it Anyway.
Just a quick check-in to see how you all are doing…
Today has been a quiet, blue sky day in the city and I don’t feel as if I’ve gotten much done. It’s been full of dirty dishes, answering emails, making pizza for lunch…
…all in a Venetian green dress.
It’s been kind of weird, admittedly. But, it lifted my spirits for hours. The fabric is heavy Venetian tapestry textile and was brought back from Italy by my sister, so once again my sartorial choice came via sentimentality. The dress is of my own design.
Growing up, there was the typical junior high//high school need to be trendy. It was only after learning to sew (at Tchad’s on the north side of Chicago- see link below) that I began to care more about individual expression, about textiles and construction…about the feeling you get from wearing a piece that’s one of a kind, whether it’s because it was handmade -or maybe because it’s vintage and, by extension, at least limited in its modern circulation throughout the world.
I’ve been praised while wearing the clothes I’ve made as well as criticized for my more “eclectic” choices. The criticism can hurt and there have been times when I’ve considered dressing around those people the way they expect I should dress, so as to not cause upset or teasing.
Ah, in the end though I have learned that the liberty of really, truly showing who I am is the ultimate freedom. There’s a lot that can be taken away from us. Nowadays we know that more than ever. So if a person can show outwardly who they are on the inside…that ooey, gooey bit that may or may not fit in with others…that is a powerful way to live. The way we adorn ourselves is one way to do that.
This is not a dress rehearsal. It’s now or never.
Self expression is different for everyone and that’s what I hope to discuss more of at the tail end of this challenge. I’m so curious as to how your days are going, what you’ve chosen….if there have been any breakout dance parties for you in the hallway en route to the kitchen. If it annoyed you and you quit on it.
It feels strange to be writing so much about this in the 1st person. Don’t be shy! I am interested in your findings, whatever they may be…
I am passionate about self expression and honoring the soul. It’s a vulnerable revelation at times. But it is SO worth it.
Yours truly,
Vivie Valentina M.
Some links:
Links to the original Fashion Challenge articles Part 1 and 2: here and here.
Link for Tchad’s sewing classes website here. He is an incredibly skilled teacher.
