Many of us would like to think that there is something unique about us as individuals. And of course there is. None of us, not even identical twins are alike in every way, shape or form. But the type of unique that these people crave has nothing to do with DNA, but is instead about how we are perceived by the world around us. They don't want to be seen as 'normal' or your 'average Joe', they want to be spoken about as 'trend setters' and 'leaders'. Very few people actually manage to create this sort of uniqueness.
The most common way uniqueness is sought after is through physical appearance, through clothes, shoes, hair, accessories, etc... However, the majority of people end up falling into certain sub-cultural groups, which come to think of it are often correlated with the genres of music you listen to. If you walk the streets of London you will find several of these groups. From the goth who wears black, is covered in white make up and pierces ever thing in sight, to the 'fly guy/swagger don' who wears snapbacks and is always looking to be seen in the next 'cool' brand, to the 'highstreet girl' who fills her wardrobe with Topshop, Topshop, and more Topshop.
People often fall into the trap of having what they wear dictated for them when they intended to set it themselves...
Perhaps the only people who can truly call themselves unique are the individuals who originally influence a style, the icons whom people aspire/d to look like, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Pharrell Williams, these are just a few examples. Most recently however, no-one can argue that the Lady Gaga phenomenon has pushed the boundaries of uniqueness right off a cliff. As far as I know, no-one before her had dressed as outlandish as she does, and have the audacity and courage to pull off some of the outfits she has, for example the infamous 'meat dress' she wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.
I am an individual with a desire to be unique in some way. Yet, I don't want to, have the mind to, or in fact the time, to be the eccentric type who carves out their own style, not following or copying anyone. Recently I bought a pair of 'round framed' gold Ray Ban's in a style similar to those worn by John Lennon. I did so because I was bored of wearing the standard square frame or Aviator style of sunglass that are donned by a great percentage of people today, and wanted to wear a style that most others didn't. I guess it makes me unique amongst my own group of friends as none of them have them, but in the great scheme of things, I am simply copying a legend of the past.
A toast to all those before us who have influenced each of our 'unique' styles... Cheers!
What do you think?
