There are some designers who flash and burn - Courreges is an example of that. But he still marked fashion history. And I don't think that longevity is always a badge of honor. Modern brand management means that we are always celebrating birthdays, when what is exciting about fashion is innovation, not repetition.
Interpretation
Fashion is about innovation rather than just lasting popularity.
In this quote, Suzy Menkes reflects on the nature of fashion and design, arguing that the merit of a designer should not solely be based on their longevity in the industry. She proposes that what truly matters in fashion is innovation and the ability to push boundaries, rather than merely maintaining a brand over time. This perspective challenges the traditional notion that a long-lasting brand is inherently superior.
In practice
This quote can be used in a fashion design class to emphasize the importance of creativity over tradition.
If fashion is for everyone, is it fashion? The answer goes far beyond the collections and relates to the speed of fast fashion. There is no longer a time gap between when a small segment of fashion-conscious people pick up a trend and when it is all over the sidewalks.
I think of myself as a jungle musician because of my lack of formal training.
If you play music for the right reasons, the rest of the things will come. The right reason to play music is that you love it. That's why I play music. I never imagined that I was going to be doing this, especially because I never thought of myself as an instrumentalist.
I love singing jazz. I don't like the idea that classical music should be over here and jazz should be someplace else. It's all wonderful, and we should be open to enjoying it all.
They wasn't gonna give you nothin'. I didn't care as long as they let me play my music. Cash on the spot... You cheat me and I'm gonna get me some money, too.
On stage, you're not limited at all because you're free in language: language is the source of the imagination. You can travel farther in language than you can in any film.
But remember this, Japanese boy... airplanes are not tools for war. They are not for making money. Airplanes are beautiful dreams. Engineers turn dreams into reality.
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