I thought it'd be interesting to talk about this recent experience of mine. Perhaps I am the only one who thinks that not having a "famous fashion icon" or a "fashion blogger" is not that big of a deal, let aside what will grant a person a job.
How the story started: I was given an interview opportunity at a boutique that I particularly love, whose name I won't mention since it has no particular relevance.
The interview: I was given a manual application to fill out. The first page was nothing uncommon, just about everything you would expect when you apply for a job. However, the second page was kind of interesting. I was asked these two questions: 1. What fashion blogger do you follow? 2. Who is your famous fashion icon?
My thoughts: I had my phone right next to me and it made me think that I could just use it to find some names so that I could fill out those questions. As I was going to do it, it suddenly came out to me the thought that I did not need to write something that I honestly did not know and considered to be significant. So I replied that I did not have any.
Why it doesn't matter: I understand the fact that it is a boutique and that it is all about fashion and trends, etc. However, I do not think it would be the type of question to ask in an interview to determine whether you get employed or not.
Honestly, people, the only fashion icon, blogger or any other famous personality you should follow is yourself. You wear whatever outfit works better for you or better yet, whatever thing or style that makes you feel comfortable and willing to take over the world (or something less drastic).
I have nothing against fashion or the people involved in the industry. On the contrary, I enjoy it and consider it to be an art. We all look at other people for inspiration—it is in our nature to imitate after all—but again, do we have to?
I don't think so. Maybe you want to be different, to wear whatever is not trendy, but whatever you particularly like. Who knows? People may even start looking up to you.
My point: I don't have a fashion icon of any sort. No, I don't think it is a bad thing to have one. However, what I consider being not appropriate is for an employer to take that into consideration when it comes to hiring. There are so many other interesting things to know about a person, so many things that are way more relevant to an employer about a possible employee.
I believe the key to success for businesses that deal with fashion is not necessarily the process of selling trendy items. It is all about making a difference, something that makes a place stand out from the rest. I am sure it will attract the eyes of many. Is that not the magic of life? Differences among people are what makes the world interesting, and what makes us unique. You tell me if it does not make any sense.
My advice to you: If this ever happens to be your case, I would recommend for you to write the following: I am my stylist, I am my fashion icon.
