Why Do Fashion Ads Make It Seem Like Wearing a Coat Over Your Shoulders is Normal?
Have you ever noticed how fashion ads seem to depict a certain style of wearing coats that just doesn't make any practical sense? You know the one - models strutting down the runway or posing in a studio, their coats draped casually over their shoulders, not actually worn in a way that would keep them warm or protect them from the elements. It's a look that has become so ubiquitous in the world of high fashion that it almost feels like a requirement. But why? Why do fashion brands insist on perpetuating this impractical trend?
Well, my friends, I'm here to shed some light on this sartorial mystery. As someone who has spent far too much time analyzing the strange world of fashion advertising, I've come to some conclusions about this peculiar phenomenon. And let me tell you, it's a rabbit hole that goes deeper than you might expect.
The Illusion of Effortless Style
At the heart of this trend is the fashion industry's obsession with creating an image of effortless, nonchalant style. The idea is that by wearing a coat draped over the shoulders, the model conveys a sense of casual elegance - as if they're so inherently fashionable that they don't even need to bother with the hassle of actually putting their arms through the sleeves.
It's a look that's meant to evoke a certain je ne sais quoi, a level of cool that can't be achieved through mere practicality. After all, who needs to stay warm when you've got style to spare? This is the message that fashion brands are trying to send - that their clothes are so inherently chic that they transcend the need for things like, you know, functionality.
The Power of Aspirational Imagery
But there's more to it than just that. Fashion advertising is all about creating an aspirational image - a vision of a life that's just a little bit (or a lot) more glamorous than our own. And what better way to do that than by depicting models who seem to defy the laws of physics and common sense when it comes to how they wear their clothes?
Think about it - when you see a model strutting down the runway with their coat draped over their shoulders, it's not just about the coat itself. It's about the idea of a life where you have the confidence, the nonchalance, and the sheer sartorial prowess to pull off such an impractical look without a second thought. It's about the fantasy of being someone who is so effortlessly stylish that they can make even the most impractical fashion choices look chic.
And let's be honest, that's a pretty alluring fantasy. Who wouldn't want to be the kind of person who can make wearing a coat as a cape look like the most natural thing in the world? It's the kind of aspirational imagery that fashion brands have been leveraging for decades, and it's not going away anytime soon.
The Influence of High Fashion
Of course, the prevalence of this trend in fashion advertising can also be traced back to the influence of high fashion and the runway. After all, it's on the catwalk where we first started seeing models strutting their stuff with their coats draped over their shoulders, and this aesthetic has since trickled down into the world of commercial fashion.
The reasoning behind it is similar - high fashion is all about pushing the boundaries of what's considered "normal" when it comes to style. Designers are constantly looking for ways to subvert expectations and create looks that are both visually striking and conceptually interesting. And what better way to do that than by taking a practical item like a coat and turning it into something that's more about form than function?
But the thing is, what works on the runway doesn't always translate seamlessly to the real world. While a model wearing a coat as a cape might look effortlessly chic on the catwalk, the reality is that it's not a particularly practical or comfortable way to wear a coat in everyday life. And yet, fashion brands continue to perpetuate this trend, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it's not exactly a relatable or attainable look for the average consumer.
The Disconnect with Reality
And that's really the crux of the issue, isn't it? Fashion advertising has a tendency to exist in a bubble, disconnected from the realities of how people actually live their lives. It's a world where the rules of physics and common sense don't apply, where style trumps substance every time.
But the truth is, most of us don't have the luxury of being able to prance around in our coats like they're capes. We have jobs to go to, errands to run, and weather to contend with. And when it comes to staying warm and dry, practicality has to take precedence over fashion.
So why do fashion brands continue to push this impractical trend? Well, I suspect it's a combination of factors - the desire to create an aspirational image, the influence of high fashion, and a general disconnect from the realities of everyday life. But whatever the reason, it's a trend that has become so ingrained in the world of fashion that it's almost impossible to escape.
Embracing Practicality
But you know what? I think it's time we start embracing a little more practicality in our fashion choices. After all, there's no reason why we can't look stylish and put-together while also staying warm and comfortable. It's not an either/or situation, and I believe that fashion brands need to start recognizing that.
Imagine a world where fashion ads actually depicted people wearing their coats in a way that makes sense - with their arms firmly in the sleeves, keeping them cozy and protected from the elements. Wouldn't that be a refreshing change of pace? A world where style and function can coexist in perfect harmony?
Now, I'm not saying that we should completely abandon the idea of wearing coats as capes. After all, there's something to be said for the occasional moment of sartorial whimsy. But I do think it's time for fashion brands to start striking a better balance between aspirational imagery and real-world practicality.
Because at the end of the day, we're not all models strutting down a runway. We're just regular people trying to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. And if fashion can't keep up with that, then maybe it's time for a rethink.
So let's embrace a new era of fashion advertising - one where practicality and style go hand in hand, and where the clothes we see on the screen actually reflect the way we live our lives. It might not be as glamorous as the current trend, but I have a feeling it'll be a whole lot more relatable.
