As long as I can remember, I have always had an infatuation with fabric. Napped materials like raw silk, linen, unbleached muslin, burlap and hemp appealed to me because of their slightly rough texture, just as much as fleece, velour, and gauze did because of their softness. As a little girl, my fingers became my eyes into the world of textile goods, feeling my way around garment racks and my mothers linen closet. It was always about how it felt, before it was about how it looked, behaved, or cost. Still today, much of how I experience the world is based on how a specific experience makes me feel.
When I started playing around with different materials and constructing one of a kind fashions on a more professional level, I slowly began to realize that I was not the only one who opted to base the satisfaction of a particular garment on this same premise. I imagine it is because at the end of the day, our inner spirit knows what it likes and what harmonizes with our bodies better, or maybe our likes and dislikes are based on some subconscious yet very real genetic memory attached to a specific aspect of our fabric of choice despite what society tells our minds we should like. ” Fashionistas shop only at designer boutiques like Gucci and DKNY”.
” Successful men only wear Italian suits “. “If you are a wise and thrifty shopper you will purchase the cheaper 80 count cotton sheets from a substandard mill instead of the 600 count organic kona cotton ones.” And the list of shoulds goes on and on.
After over 20 years in the fashion industry and a whole lot of observation of basic human nature, one thing I know is this; you have to feel comfortable in the clothes you are in first and foremost. The comfort and confidence alone will be the envy behind any possible judgement. I don\’t care what the latest trend is or what looks good on that airbrushed model in Vogue Magazine. And with so many great organic,fibers to covet your naturally beautiful vessel in a healing and harmonious way, their is no excuse for denying yourself of the pleasure.
So the next time you are at your local mall and find yourself perusing the racks of your favorite department store, close your eyes a moment and let your fingers be your decision maker. I have a feeling your body will thank you for it!
Posts by J&O Fabric Store
