The term “fashionista’ is thrown around so often, I find myself begging the question: what does this title actually mean?
Does it mean one has to know each and every designer in the industry and be up to date with their latest and most well-known pieces? Or is it purely a natural flair for putting exceptional pieces together, knowing how to make a sale item look like it was purchased on the million dollar mile or is it the ability to dress according to what complements your body type? Truth is, many females have the ability to look exceptional and make it look effortless and it’s this reason that I believe the latter outweighs the former in terms of what defines a so-called fashionista. Anyone can educate themselves about whose who in the world of designers but not everyone has the ability to put outstanding looks together.
Personally, there’s nothing more admirable than a well put together woman exuding with confidence & sophistication, making it look completely effortless as if she woke up that morning looking perfectly made-up. This to me is the true fashionista and it is this attitude towards fashion I love – people who appreciate fashion and take the time to always make sure they look their best. I would say this is what describes me and so many females I know. I have a true love for all things fashion and beauty. Nothing puts me on a more natural high than a new, chic outfit complemented with the perfect pair of heels, accompanied by hair & makeup done to the tee. Pure bliss.
How this love for fashion started, takes me back to a few years ago… Throughout high school I was always torn between following my dream of studying fashion or choosing the safe route and doing a business degree that would allow me to work my way up the corporate ladder, flaunting business outfits everyday and having the walk in closet filled with red soled heels and designer labels every girl dreams of. When I finally finished high school I was determined that I would be a fashion designer and make a success of myself within the fashion industry. I was accepted at Fedisa, the only institution that offered a fashion degree in Cape Town, ready to start my fashion journey when suddenly a major curve ball was thrown my way… My acceptance letter to UCT.
UCT had always been my dream university, the prestige, the beauty and the successes of graduates, is what drew me to it. Driving past as a child I always told my mom I would one day be a UCT graduate, so of course the day I received my letter was a major celebration amongst my family. The will to make my parents proud led me to make the decision of the safety net rather than take the so-called risk related to being a fashionista. Studying all things business related somehow seemed more appealing or perhaps purely just safer and my career for all things fashion was put on hold.
While sitting with text book after economics text book, it becomes clearer that being an economist is not my calling nor is it the profession I wish to practice. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that no education will ever go to waste. I may not be passionate about my path of study but I know the path paved for me is one that will lead me to great things. Truth is, your true passion always keeps you running back. The fashionista in you will never escape nor can it be suppressed.
Fashion is who I am, its what I love and its what represents me.
Note to self and lesson to everyone out there, do what you love and follow your dreams. As cheesy as it sounds, there’s so much truth in it and I wish with all my heart I believed this from day 1.
Love always
Lisa Kinshella
Lisa Kinshella 