In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the earth. Not only did He create the image of the world, but He crafted human beings in the image of Himself (Genesis 1:27), that they might express His beauty and creativity.
Fashion is understood throughout modern society as simply a system of capitalist gain, despite fashion studies that clearly demonstrate how complex the universe and art of dress is.[1] As our society continues to influence the pillars of this conversation, the need for voices grounded in truth and purpose grows. Insight into the genuine art of fashion seeks to be renewed, as the art of expression continues to die. Overtaken by the rush of comparison and competition, personal truth, metaphors and purpose struggle to find their voice. Fashion speaks in many forms of symbolism and to ignore this is to ignore beauty, truth and purpose.
As fashion opens up the door to self-expression, it is far more than just the appearance that captures the eye of the beholder. It seems as though fashion allows a platform for the Spirit of an individual to speak, to express, to be felt. Dress is different from all other art objects in that it can lead to a degree of contemplation, as it automatically refers us to something else, its longevity gives it a more marked presence.[1]
Our perspective and individual presence is what sets us apart. We must ask ourselves what may be influencing us, and whether it is pure, good and true. As the loss of purpose and meaning continues to grow, fashion offers everyone the opportunity to influence the weight and truth of who they are with beauty and purpose.
Although, through the eyes of empty and vein conceit the genuine beauty of art and expression is lost. As humans, it is our job to express, to create.
One can learn from the beautiful and impactful soul who paved the way for expression among women of color. Through the posture of Amanda Berry’s heart, the Lord evidently spoke in and through her life, as she traveled across the world preaching, singing, and evangelizing the good news in the 1800’s.
Perhaps Amanda gained the approval of her multiracial audience due to her understanding and awareness of symbolic dressing within her time period. African American women consciously used the power of external expression to be a pure, true and beautiful message of their inner self. Women who insisted on inserting themselves into provocative roles as public speakers risked attacks, both verbal and physical, as their detractors called them “female monsters.”[1] To advoid this risk, religiously inspired women often used clothing as a badge of honor and a source of protection, both in and out of the pulpit. Faced with these realities, Amanda Berry was one of the first to combat this issue within her culture. As African American preachers and social reformers asserted equally radical agendas through dress. That is to say, they declared themselves fully deserving of the status of virtuous women with important messages to convey to American culture.[2]
As the world seeks to define our voice, confine our expression and dull our light, the Spirit of God encourages us to break free and live in the freedom of our own rhythm. With this in mind, we can consider the vision that comes with fashion as we earnestly consider the ethical questions that are attached. Does this emanate the truth of who I am, of Who He is? Does it contain intentional beauty? Is there foundational purpose?
With a spirit of grace and freedom we must embrace the opportunity to live in the reflection of the Lord’s creativity. It is through this living invitation that we should accept the hope and grace over our life as we freely and deliberately express our purpose. Although the world may pull us in many different directions regarding our expression, our creations carry great meaning as the implications of our beauty, truth and purpose should be sewn into them.
[1] Theory 2: 165–92. Miller, Sanda. 2007. Fashion as Art; Is Fashion Art? Fashion Theory
[2] Theory 2: 165–92. Miller, Sanda. 2007. Fashion as Art; Is Fashion Art? Fashion Theory
[3] Klassen, Pamela E. “The Robes of Womanhood: Dress and Authenticity among African American Methodist Women in the Nineteenth Century.” Religion and American Culture
[4] Klassen, Pamela E. “The Robes of Womanhood: Dress and Authenticity among African American Methodist Women in the Nineteenth Century.” Religion and American Culture
The Pursuit of You 