Fashion & Fantasy

I have observed for a while that I seem to have an innate attraction to the fantastic when it comes to fashion. One of my signature pieces is a pair of black leather arm bracers that look like something out of a gladiator match. I frequently wear them in combination with a pair of tall leather black boots (no they're not girl-boots) that look like pirate boots. The combination of the two bring a fantasy element to my outfits that largely creates my style. I usually wear this in contrast to a basic pair of jeans and a button up to bring the outfit back to a wearable level (full ensemble can be seen in the profile picture).
I have wondered for a while what it is that attracts me to the fantastic and recently I think I have come to a conclusion. The truth is, I am sick of reality. Reality is depressing. Reality is not fun. Especially with the obsession in American culture with Reality T.V. shows, gossip columns and the push to use "honesty" on a societal level as means to conflict resolution...I am sick of reality...and this generally reflects in my style. I go well out of my way to delve into "un-realistic" fashions (but of course fusing them with realistic elements to make them wearable and understandable). This is my signature. This is the means I choose to express my emotions and grab onto an outlet outside of reality without actually leaving it.

Interestingly enough, I think that the rest of the
fashion world is beginning to take a turn towards the fantastic as well. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), down the street from me, just recently did a superhero-themed exhibit and shortly after The Metropolitan Museum of Art did an extensive exhibit on superheroes and the culture surrounding them. Both exhibits contained numerous fashion innovations into the world of superhero fantasy. They provide glimpes of an alternate reality outside of this ugly world, that fascinates so many people.

Another aspect of fantasy, if you will, that I find myself drawn to is exotic foreign fashions. These inspirations are usually derived from non-Western cultures and usually manifest themselves in the form of various Asian and African infusions. Three summers ago, I traveled to India for an altogether mind-blowing experience, while I was there, I picked up a number of eclectic pieces of clothing and accessories (such as the tunic top in the profile picture) and have since incorporated them into my everyday style.
This, although not quite otherworldly or fantastic, I see as another means that I use to leave my American reality and bring some alternate reality to my persona.

As long as our culture continues its obsession with reality, I think the fashion scene will continue to progress in ways that make the beholder feel as though they have risen above the norm.