Well-being
Well-being is something that has been connected to us since the human existence and it relates to every single action that happens during our life. Whether it be school or even something as simple as daily routine actions such as cooking.
Fashion in itself, such as the well-being, have an immense impact on the human’s life and it has been like that since the 19th century. As Coco Chanel once said: ‘’Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening’’, this represents how fashion is in everything and the way it can influence the way of thinking and well being. As a matter of fact the way we dress up can give us self-esteem, determine personalities. Clothes are an extension of ourselves, it can be consider as a second skin. However, this one you can personalize in your own way. Fashion can make everyone feel better, since it expresses identity statements.
There are two types of well-being: Eudaimonic and Hedonic. The Eudaimonic type focuses on the experiences that the human have, such as self-actualization, esteem, love or belongings, safety and psychological. Whereas, the Hedonic type approaches the positive and negative effects in actions and the mental state of mind. Fashion plays a crucial role on both types of well-being, not just for what we wear, but the way we wear the clothes we choose.
In a world where cruelness is a big part of it, it is important to stay true to ourselves and fashion is way to do that. Anxiety and depression are really common these days and trying to find something to give comfort in order to get away from negative thoughts can be complicated. Fashion can be a way out since it enhances the creativity and well-being. In spite of what society might think, fashion is not just clothes, is a state of mind and it is completely normal to feel comfort on simple items such as clothes or accessories. Accordingly to Bill Cunningham: ‘’Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of the everyday life’’.
Taking care of our mental health nowadays is crucial, every single action has an influence on our state of mind and having control over everything that is going on is impossible. Nonetheless, having control over one thing can create an enourmous impact on our state of mind. Therefore, fashion enhances the creativity and as a consequence, the well-being.
References:
Harper’s bazaar staff (2020) ‘The 70 Greatest Fashion Quotes of All Time’ Harpers Bazaar. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a1576/50-famous-fashion-quotes/ (Acessed: 13/03/2020)