This is an invitation to step back and see how today’s societal norms around fashion—constantly buying, staying “on trend”—are just that: social constructs, ideas that don’t have to define us. As cultural theory reminds us, these constructs are shaped by time, place, and values. To understand this, I’d like to share a story of my grandmother, her relationship with fashion, and how these values trickled down to my mother and, eventually, to me.
My grandmother, a tailor, believed that fashion was an art, something you crafted with care. For her, creating a garment was a personal journey, and clothes held deeper meanings of self-expression and identity. She’d tell me about her younger days in the Balkans, where young women didn’t shop for the latest trends but made their own clothing, stitching their personalities into every piece. It wasn’t just practical; it was personal, creative, and a cherished tradition that they often practiced together.
This story of making clothing to express oneself wasn’t unique to her; it’s something many - if not all - cultures around the world share. Yet somewhere along the way, we lost this personal touch. With fast fashion’s rise, the pressure to buy and keep up with trends replaced this art of creation, leaving many of us feeling disconnected from our clothes and how they reflect who we are.
When I was younger, I didn’t understand this. Like many teens, I shopped impulsively, collecting pieces that felt exciting in the moment but rarely represented me. But as I watched my mother take pride in her few but well-loved pieces, I started to realize that my closet lacked heart. Inspired by both her and my grandmother, I began adding personal touches to my clothing, creating things that felt like “me.” It felt like reclaiming a piece of myself, a quiet rebellion against a world that told me what to wear.
We don’t have to settle for passive consumerism. We can choose to be makers, embracing creativity over conformity. Fashion can still be a reflection of our individuality, one that doesn’t rely on trends. Whether it’s upcycling, sewing, or simply pausing before a purchase, each choice we make can bring us closer to an empowered relationship with fashion. This journey back to creativity isn’t just about what we wear; it’s about honoring the spirit of making that lives within us all.
It’s about more than just clothes; it’s about embracing the energy of creation that lives within each of us. So, let’s be makers again.
The cover photo features my grandfather's sister, whom I called “grandma,” and my mother. The fabric design (the background) draws from the theme of interconnected lives, inspired by how personal histories, family bonds, and friendships create a woven tapestry of shared experiences and unspoken connections. Each shape in the design is symbolic of those invisible threads—bonds that may be silent, unseen, yet are always present and sometimes deeply felt. This piece brings these connections into view, making visible the intricate and delicate ways our lives interlace.