2. For this project I really thought hard about what I learned in this class and how my
thoughts have transformed. Throughout this quarter we discussed many different, diverse topics
in class. For example, we discussed sexual orientation and how that affects our clothing and how
many young girls are pressured into looking like a “Barbie Doll”. While we learned all of these
things, I believe I grew as a person.
The first project we did was the pictorial collage. During this project I had to really dig
and research not only online, but I had to look at myself and see what fashion trends I respected
and which ones not so much. I realized some things I necessarily don’t like may be a trend that
another student happens to love. An example of this is navy and black. I hate navy and black
worn together. To me, the colors clash too much and it looks tacky. My friend Bailey, on the
other hand, likes navy and black together. She wore a navy romper and black heels the other
night to watch the performance of swan lake. I wanted to throw those black shoes away. She got
so many compliments though. I learned that although I may not like one thing, that doesn’t mean
others feel the same. She got so many compliments on that outfit I thought clashed too much.
This just goes to show everyone is different, and just because I have different tastes than
someone else, does not make me better or them “less fashionable”.
The second project we did was the cultural and consumer behavior project. I thoroughly
enjoyed this project for many reasons. I was able to talk to someone I never would have normally
spoken to. That was a plus for starters. I got to interview this girl from Australia. It’s not every
day you get to know someone from across the world. I was able to learn about her and her
culture. We had an in depth conversation about how different the clothing styles and socially
3. acceptable wear varied. After that project it hit me that I am just a small speck when it comes to
the whole world. I also realized you can tell a lot about someone and their culture just from the
clothes they wear. People from different areas of the world have totally different ideas of what
“fashion” really is, and it is so cool to see what different cultures believe is acceptable and what
is not.
The last project we were assigned may have been the most difficult and challenging one
by far. I am not going to lie; dressing out of the norm was so hard for me. I was embarrassed to
look different than the average Joe walking through Wal-Mart. After that project I was very
humbled because I now have a greater appreciation for people who dress in certain clothing
because of their culture or religion. Every day they have to endure people staring at them and
ridiculing them. Now that I have been through that, I try my best not to judge people based on
the particular clothing or accessories they have on. I say, this project was the most rewarding and
humbling by far.
Before this class started I didn’t think much of the diverse appearances I saw daily. If I
saw someone in a crazy/ out there outfit, I just assumed they were “different”. I would walk to
class and see someone wearing all black and they had their head low. This made me assume they
were mean, unapproachable, and gothic. If I saw a girl with her hair and makeup done in a cute
outfit or sorority letters, I assumed she was approachable, nice, and very put together. After
taking this class I realized a lot of things. I realized I cannot judge someone’s personality based
on how they look. Sometimes I wake up late and don’t wear makeup or even brush my hair.
People are very judgmental though, I am guilty too. Everyone makes assumptions of what kind
of a person you are based on the clothes you have on. If you have your head and face covered, I
assume you are religious and the religion you practice doesn’t allow you to show this body part.
4. If I see you in a cowboy hat, dirty jeans, and an old shirt, I assume you are a farmer and
hardworking boy. After this class, I realize fashion is just a way for people to see who you really
are. I know this sounds so cliché, but fashion is a way to express you and your personality.
People judge based on how you look, so if you look “ratchet”, they will assume you do not care
what others think and you do not conform to the cultural norms. Whereas if I was wearing Tory
Burch, nice jeans, and a Kate Spade bag, what would you think? You would assume I really put
myself together and took time to look presentable. You would also assume I want to keep up
with the latest trends. I learned so much, but the big picture is that fashion gives us a way to see
what kind of a person you are. To me, it is amazing that we can express our beliefs, attitudes, and
emotions with the clothes we wear, our makeup, and the way we carry ourselves. This class has
just proven to me that fashion and style is types of art that shows emotion and character.
