I've spent a lot of time thinking, researching, and trying to understand the people and systems involved in the fast fashion industry. The complexities and structural problems can feel overwhelming, and at times, I’ve felt the weight of the world on my shoulders as I became more aware of what our shopping choices are really supporting. While it's crucial to stay informed about the impact of our consumption, I also want to emphasize something else that shouldn’t be overlooked or undervalued: the beauty of romanticism. I’m a romantic at heart. I love adding meaning to life through small details and rituals that bring joy. Whether it's music, art, dance, or any form of creative expression, I believe these moments matter deeply, even in a world that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency over beauty.
Everyone carries their own burdens—things that weigh us down, make us feel scared, defeated, or like hiding. But beauty lies in the small things. First, in learning to appreciate them. Then, in learning how to create them for ourselves and others. It’s through these little things, often dismissed as silly or pointless, that we become braver, more grounded, and more connected to what really matters.
I believe we need to allow romanticism space in our lives—without guilt. As a women, I’ve seen myself and my friends feel pressured to focus solely on careers, on productivity, on fitting into society’s demands. But I also see us rebelling, in small ways, by embracing the little joys that come from dressing the way we want, wearing colors that make us happy, and creating spaces that feel cozy and personal, even if they’re not on trend. We don’t have to apologize for wanting beautiful things or for valuing comfort and individuality.
This push to strip everything down to function is everywhere—architecture, fashion, interior design. We’re surrounded by black, gray, and muted tones, as if we’re being told to stick to our societal duties and hide everything else. The message is clear: function over beauty, productivity over joy.
But what is this function modern society keeps pushing us towards? Work. The type of job where you’re expected to sit at a desk all day, with barely enough time to rest, let alone enjoy life. We’re constantly told to "balance" work and life, to go on wellness retreats or read another self-help book to regain control. But these are just ways to push the responsibility of “fixing” things back onto individuals.
In reality, the pressure isn’t on us as individuals to solve these large structural problems. We can’t tackle the entire fashion industry. But what we can do is be conscientious about our choices—be mindful about what we support, and choose what feels right for us. That’s where romanticism comes in. It’s not about rebelling for the sake of it. It’s about carving out space for beauty, joy, and self-expression on our own terms, even within a world that often tries to deny us that.
Romanticizing life in small, personal ways isn’t pointless. It’s necessary. It’s a quiet act of resistance—not to prove anything to anyone, but to explore and embrace who we truly are, without guilt or shame. We deserve that.
*Cover image is original art by Dina Mohrs. Please respect the creative process and refrain from reproducing, or printing without permission.