There are no black and white answers when it comes to fashion and why some people seem to enjoy it so much. For one person dressing up is all about fitting in, to be part of a certain clan, while for another it represents a sense of authority and status. Whatever the reasons, and there are many, there’s no getting away from the fact that you are judged by the way you dress on a daily basis. Fashion sends out messages about who you are and what you do.

Alison Lurie, the author of ‘The Language of Clothes,’ describes the process, ‘Long before I am near enough to talk to you on the street, in a meeting, or at a party, you announce your sex, age, and class to me through what you are wearing – and very possibly give me important information (or misinformation) as to your occupation, origin, personality, opinions, tastes, sexual desires and current mood. I do this unconsciously and you simultaneously do the same for me.’

The debate opened with childhood memories and how girls are often encouraged to take an interest in fashion by clothing dolls and playing ‘dress ups.’ Erin discussed how she felt at odds with her own body while she was growing up, as she felt tall, gangly and flat-chested, “That’s why would often wear suits because it reveals the truth about my body. Suits were my armour. I don’t have boobs and long, flowing hair, but now I have gained confidence in my body I sometimes dress to accentuate the very parts I used to hide.” Confidence and body image were often referred to throughout the discussion.

The debate continued with the question - Why are there so many male designers at the top end of the industry? “I think they see women as something beautiful, almost objectifying them. Whereas women can be hung-up on their own body image as well as other women’s,” Hadley responded. “I not sure,” said Erin, “but some of the most uncomfortable things I have ever worn have been designed by men!”

Kira mentioned that there was no getting away from the fact, “that some women are dressing to attract the opposite sex.” Hadley replied, “Women are better at seeing that obvious ‘sexy way’ of dressing - men seem a bit more forgiving. Anti-sexy can be sexy, take the quirky, Prada kind of look.” Bella chipped in, “Being able to carry-off a look is attractive, much more so than very obvious ‘sexy dressing,’ you can attract someone with a brain. It is difficult to discuss as there are so many sub-categories.”

“I think if you are a follower – it’s an easy route to buy into, especially for people who are nervous about fashion.”

The talk then moved into the realm of High Street shopping and mass appeal. Kira commented, “It’s like a collective consciousness when all these people buy into the same things. It’s a code – to be part of the same tribe, people spend a fortune trying to fit in.” Bella responded, “I think if you are a follower – it’s an easy route to buy into, especially for people who are nervous about fashion.” Hadley added, “People are always looking for the next big thing, look at Kate Moss and those pirate boots, next thing you know they’re all over the High Street, people then buy en masse and it all gets completely over-exposed.”

After the High Street - couture provoked the next batch of comments. “Couture represents a fantasy. I once questioned who would buy one of the very expensive dresses I wore at a couture show and it turned out this rich Arab lady bought it - as a work of art. She didn’t wear it but admired it and showed it to her friends like a precious piece of creativity,” mentioned Erin. Bella continued, “Fifteen years ago they all said the same thing - couture is dying and that only a very wealthy few can afford to buy it, etc…But it does act as advertising for the brand and it won’t die out if it continues to get press.” A woman from the audience disagreed, she felt that without the revenue created from perfume and accessory sales couture fashion week would in fact be extinct.

The talk ended with the question, ‘Why do some women care so much about fashion?’ Kira replied first with, “Because, they want to look nice, be attractive and to be liked!” Bella grinned and said, “You know that’s probably fairly accurate. Clothes have given me scope to develop my own personal scent - and they are useful.” Hadley rounded off with, “It’s an accepted form of self-expression.”

By Jo Iles

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