Random fashion thoughts - Page 2498

Originally Posted by Uncontrol

kunk's plan didn't work out it seems lol

Originally Posted by BB1

One possible reason why Americans dress poorly and don't care about quality clothing is because the US is the most rationalized society in the world. In a highly rationalized society there is a tendency for quantity which is delivered quickly and inexpensively to be viewed as the measure of quality.

Thus we see the majority of Americans eating out at restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebees, and Red Lobster. Most of these chains provide the culinary equivalent of frozen food heated in a microwave. Yet the patrons of these places don't see it that way since they have been socialized to believe that highly rationalized systems and quality are nearly synonymous. The clean family friendly establishment that quickly and consistently delivers large quantities of safe tasting food is the quality choice. And odds are good most people's workplace promotes similar values.

Would not people's clothing choices be influenced in a similar manner? Looking at videos on youtube we can easily find young women showing us their mediocre finds from Forever21, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls as if they've hit the jackpot. "Look at this, I got 10 cute tops from TJ Maxx for only $50!" No matter where you live odds are there's a TJ Maxx within minutes of your home, providing you with inexpensive clothing in a predictable manner similar to how the Olive Garden delivers your food.

Additionally elitism is the equivalent of quality and American society shuns elitism. "What's that? Olive Garden is not good enough for you? Well you must be a snob!"

Lastly I would argue that good fashion design (like anything creative) is an inherently irrational process, and in a highly rationalized society such processes are unlikely to be highly valued.