TRANSFORMATION!

I was recently listening to a stylist talk about her work. During the session, she mentioned that the purpose of her role was to transform her clients. When I heard that, I immediately gave an inward gasp. Her words evoked a very visceral response in me, and not in a good way.

When I looked up the definition of the word ‘transformation’, this is what I found:

To change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is improved

Without sounding too much like a head teacher, I find this kind of attitude worrying. If we need to completely change the appearance or character of someone, does it signify that there is something wrong with them?

I’ve never been the kind of image professional that posted, or even took, ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures. My practise has always been involved with enabling my clients to discover for themselves the types of clothing that makes them feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, so they radiate their own personal energy.

When I think of transformation, the only creature I can think of that conforms is that of a caterpillar to a butterfly. People aren’t like that, are they? I recall various styling programmes on TV a decade or so ago. Alongside the usual hair, makeup and styling, some contenders went through serious changes of appearance via cosmetic surgery and dentistry. At the culmination of the show - the big reveal - they were no longer recognisable. I wonder how difficult it was to look in the mirror and no longer see your own reflection. How hard must if be for their partners, waking up in bed to find a total stranger residing there? I cannot imagine how one goes from couch potato slobbiness to a red carpet appearance without the necessary emotional support to get you from A-Z, which is what it is. This surely was a very quick journey that took a massive leap, and not the small steps required for such a major goal.

The other thing that bugs me - sorry I really am sounding like a whinger now - is that many stylists seem to ignore the wishes of the personal client. Instead they use rules such as how many accessories you need to wear, that a waist must always be highlighted, hair should always be coloured, all in an attempt to remain ‘fresh and youthful’.

What if you have no waist? I do have one - just - but I also have a huge ribcage and belts or waisted clothing become really uncomfortable when I sit down. I also loathe accessories, so why would I wear them. Surely, when we are comfortable in our clothing, that is what makes us fresh and youthful because we feel like our true selves.

Ok - moaning is now over!!

But I would like your take on this.

Do you still feel you need to follow rules to make you feel properly dressed? If so, what are they?

Or, are you more like me and only wear what makes you feel good? On the photo at the top of this post, I’m pretty much breaking all of the so called rule but I’m still happy and smiling.

Please share. I know we would all love to read your comments.