There are not too many occasions that I deem necessary to warrant me devoting all my energies to looking spectacular. By spectacular, I mean carefully planning every single detail of my look, even going as far as having a trial run of my hairstyle done at the hairdresser before the actual event.
For me, such exaggerated measures have and only occur when there is a wedding to attend (my own and those of others), 
an Old Year’s night celebration party, my birthday and the birthday of my partner. In comparison to some friends of mine, my meticulous planning is a bit extreme, some have even called me out on being too obsessed with image.
Due to the narcissistic nature of most hair, beauty and fashion rituals some may even argue that they lack importance in a world where such doings do not add to the progression of society. Without a doubt a fancy up do and a fresh coat of gel nails cannot be compared to solving global warming or eradicating poverty; but in the same way our abilities to like and be good in varying industries should not be used as a yardstick that measures our worth. I think we should at all times be conscious of our spending and consumption patterns; I also think it’s a good thing that our interests vary for more than one reason.
The ideals of beauty and fashion need to be constantly challenged. Such platforms have been excellent avenues where many who have been excluded from the world’s acceptance have earned a safe haven to express themselves. Like contemporary art, we use fashion and beauty to communicate our social values and our culture. Their importance should never be overridden.
The need to place such importance on fashion and appearance for certain events can also be linked to one’s upbringing and even one’s political ideals. For instance, I grew up seeing my mom getting dressed up to go to Old Year’s night parties with my dad. In the past it was the one time of year they were guaranteed to spend time with each other and be happy. Maybe this was why she went the extra mile.
The amount of effort that went into putting together her entire ensemble made me crave for the age appropriate time when I could indulge in such celebrations. There is a strange pleasure that comes from adorning yourself with the best every once in a while. I guess it was more the feeling than the fashion I was craving. Its one of the reasons I have always preferred a long dress for Old Year’s night. I felt short dresses were too regular and they did not do the celebration justice. The idea of appearing over the top by any means was my first priority.
On the other hand, in Romania where I am currently celebrating the festive season, my in-laws have a deep-rooted obsession with appearance and the way the world sees you. For them it is important to be dressed up all the time and to appear lavish. Image is not necessarily about how you feel but the effect your look has on other people. A full face of make-up is welcomed to lounge at home. Both my mother-in-law and father-in-law were born in the communist era in Moldova when it was a part of the Soviet Union. They have it ingrained in them that it is important to distance themselves from the appearances of such times even though they live in a different political era. It is important for them to never ever appear in peasant-like clothes. Dark, neutral colours are not welcomed. I suppose it is one way of banishing the memories.
Influences aside, we must be constantly wary not to use fashion to fight a battle while compromising our comfort. We must understand that while the indulgence is amazing, clothes do not always guarantee the satisfaction that you think they may bring.
This year, I’m wearing a velvet dress from the 80s by Yves Saint Laurent. I found it in a second hand vintage store and fell madly in love. It is also short. It will be the first time I’m wearing something that is used and short for Old Years night.
The one thing that no one shares when they get dressed up is how they truly feel in the clothes for the occasion. Even though I longed for glamorous looks, it was tiring and most times I felt exhausted from always having to ensure my gown was not getting stepped on. I know now that it’s never the dress, it is the person in the dress that’s important.
Best Wishes for 2017!!
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