As London Fashion Week SS19 drew to a close last night, I found myself reflecting on it and how it made me feel. I have been attending fashion week in some capacity for years. I’ve interned inside the British Fashion Council show space, worked with brands on Instagram takeovers at Paris Fashion Week and done street style pieces at London Fashion Week. I’ve always had a purpose when going to Fashion Week, yet somehow this year, as much as I absolutely love the buzz of it, I ended up with a big case of imposter syndrome.
I think a few elements led to me feeling like this. Firstly, I did not plan my outfits in advance. This was a big mistake for someone like me who gets easily flustered and doesn’t like to be unorganised. Secondly, when I was trying to decide what to wear I felt like my wardrobe and shoe collection were a bit lacking (which is mad really but I’m sure we all have those days). And finally, by the third day of working at London Fashion Week, I was just feeling a bit insecure. It’s like a real life version of Instagram – watching fashion people coming and going, so easy to get sucked in but also feel like you need a break from it.
It was so interesting to read the BBC article about Alexa Chung – who showed at London Fashion Week for the first time – and her imposter syndrome. She completely flipped it on its head and said that it is a good feeling to have because it means we are capable of learning rather than just feeling like you are the elite and therefore have nowhere to proverbially ‘go’. From model to TV presenter to fashion designer, throughout her career Alexa has felt this imposter syndrome but look where it has taken her – it has pushed her to try new things and grow. So in reflection, I now know how to prepare better for Fashion Week and I also know not to beat myself up when I feel insecure.
Reflection over, let’s talk about this outfit. I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity – and weather – to wear this incredible oriental print jacket that is actually a family heirloom. Lewis’ mum donated for my charity clothing sale back in April but I loved it and its story so much that I bought it for myself. Handmade in the 60s by Lewis’ great-great-grandma, it’s a silk kimono style jacket in a vibrant red hue and it is just exquisite. I wore it fastened up as a top and paired it with my white Levi’s 501 jeans and red clogs to match the jacket. It was a super comfy look that still had that extra something special for Fashion Week. It took a while to decide this is what I was going to wear, but I got there in the end.
So there’s my rather honest and frank reflection on London Fashion Week SS19. I absolutely love it and will always find it so exciting but I think it’s healthy to be prepared both in outfits and mentally beforehand. Has anyone else felt imposter syndrome either at Fashion Week or otherwise? Let’s share experiences. X
September 22, 2018
This was such a good read and so relatable! I’ve never attended LFW but I understand the imposter syndrome feeling as I get it a lot when just walking around London! I moved recently with only a suitcase of clothes and it’s frustrating only having a limited wardrobe to work with, especially when it’s so easy to compare what everyone else is wearing!
It’s important to look at it in a different light though, so it was really encouraging to read this post!
Chloe x
chloxlla.blogspot.com
September 26, 2018
Hi Chloe, so glad you enjoyed this post! It was really therapeutic to write so I’m glad it was relatable to someone else! I know the feeling of moving to a new place with only a selection of clothes – I did it for 4 years before moving to London and now I have everything with me! Just an excuse to go vintage shopping 😉 xx
October 4, 2018
The red clogs are certainly an uncommon accessory, but are matching well with this oriental jacket! Did you receive many compliments during your LFW visit for your outfit?