18/01/2023
FROM PROTECTION TO EMOTION: WHY IMAGE IS SO IMPORTANT
It is not only about looking beautiful. Today more than ever, feeling protected and confident is an essential part of how we build our image.
As stated by Nash Popovic in his splendid work "Personal Synthesis", an appealing appearance implies “some level of coherence between our inner and outer, between what is expressed and how it is expressed.” In other words, our garments have more than one function. Whenever we think about our day ahead, it is essential to pick out clothes that will respond to all our needs. In his chapter about Appearance, Popovic lists some of the “multiple purposes” that our image has to fulfill: “to attract or protect; to help us situate within a certain role; to signal mood, character, profession, position or status”.
This same idea has been shared by the ultimate icon of elegance, Audrey Hepburn. She had an extremely strong awareness of her image and her long-term friendship with French couturier Hubert de Givenchy was more than a classic costume designer-actor relationship. In one quote, she literally admitted the need for his garments in order to feel safe: “Givenchy’s creations always gave me a sense of security and confidence, and my work went more easily in the knowledge that I looked absolutely right. I felt the same at my private appearances. Givenchy’s outfits gave me ‘protection’ against strange situations and people. I felt so good in them.”* Conversely, the couturier, who transformed Audrey into a “chic Paris darling”, according to Christopher Laverty in Fashion in Film, was absolutely aware of the significance that his designs conveyed. In the documentary, “Audrey Remembered”, Givenchy remembers/quotes Audrey telling him: “You know, when I wear a white blouse or a little suit that you created for me, I have the feeling to be protected by your suit or your blouse and this protection is very important to me.”
Our own image is never fixed but is a holistic expression of our life path. That said, there are a few wardrobe rules that can be applied. Many of us have a strong emotional relationship with our garments. Each garment has a special role to play and it can be interesting to define some essential outfits and their function in the closet. Some are destined to corporate obligations, where a neutral professional attitude is de rigueur. Others are full of memories and special moments that bring back these souvenirs each time we pick them up. More than that, there can even be some superstition: pieces that we wore during a powerful meeting, for example, or others when we need to feel protected, just like Audrey Hepburn.
If you simply wish to update your current wardrobe with one strong item, a well-cut blazer is a winning element. It will fulfill many functions, from looking professional and stylish to giving a feeling of protection. The characteristic English tailoring produced by designers such as Paul Smith is now available in many other brands. During the fitting, you have to follow one role: make sure that the shoulder line fits perfectly, and that the length balances your proportions. Hips have to be covered with blazers. If you prefer to consider a short jacket, which is another timeless option for an elegant attire, the current selection of tweed jackets is very broad. The house of Weill is a well-known traditional French brand specializing in tweed garments, among other classic elements. Each of their collections are always adapted to fit with the current trends in order to please/satisfy/inspire the younger generations of fashionistas in addition to the classic clientele.
In terms of styling options, not only are jackets or blazers the ultimate symbol for corporate usage, they also look impeccable and give you a touch of authority and confidence. At the same time, a beautiful plain wool or velvet blazer can ideally complement a simple, belted dress. For the numerous jumpsuit lovers, adding a blazer brings out the touch of chic, particularly when paired with high stilettos. In short, a tailored blazer with attention to sartorial detail is the perfect item for a day-to-evening outfit.
*Quote in A Fashion Love Affair, by Cindy de la Hoz
