“It often happens that people think of fashion as a phenomenon that only touches the surface of things. But sometimes there is a dark side to the life of a designer. And the reason why their clothes have such a powerful impact lies precisely in the fact that they themselves hide. These words are spoken by Justine Picardi, former director Harpers Bazaar Great Britain and author of the biography of Coco Chanel. Quote from a study done recovery villagehis words evoke a vision – a dark, unknown side – which is just the tip of the iceberg Debate is now more than ever needed in the fashion system: the one on mental health.
What does a designer sometimes hide in their clothes? What problems or frustrations are experienced by those who work in the fashion industry? There is no single answer, and even if there was only one, it would not exclude that the importance of talking about mental health in the fashion system is nothing less than the importance of talking about mental health to us humans.. Everyone, regardless of profession. “Do you think cashiers have no problems? That suburbanites don’t have a problem? Blame [la fashion industry] it’s not the key”: words of Marc Jacobs, reported recovery village, and is echoed by photographer Mert Alas, who doesn’t blame the fashion industry. “I’m the kind of person who lives under pressure, but I love it and it has a lot to do with your personality,” says the photographer. We are all under pressure. The bus driver is under pressure. But, you know, here’s how you get out of it: if you can’t take it seriously, the pressure can be nice.” However, this is not always the case.
Mental Health: Managing Pressure, Knowing Your Limit
The vision of Mert Alas may not suit everyone, because. pressure at work should also be measured taking into account the tolerance and needs of the individual.. Entrepreneur knows this well. Brunello Cucinellifounder of the fashion brand of the same name, who most recently spoke about the importance “Mixing work with spirit, technology with humanism”: “We can’t force people to work in front of a wall because if they look out, they produce less. If we work for 12-13 hours, in my opinion, 30% of this time we do nothing. Instead, we have to work a maximum of 7 hours, and the rest of the time we dedicate to ourselves and our soul,” Brunello Cucinelli said in statements released by Corriere della Sera. Of course, sometimes you have to find a compromise, because certain industries do not forgive: “Fashion is the devil,” says Tom Ford in a study recovery village. “Try to stay away from the stage for a while, and you will see that people will forget who you are and that your name will no longer be valid.”
Fashion and Mental Health: Lessons from the Past
There have been many news cases to date that have shocked the community in the face of the latest act – the most extreme and tragic – of great names that are no longer with us today. In 2010, Alexander McQueen died: a “hooligan with a needle and thread” committed suicide, and a film was dedicated to her life. was made public.
In 2014, at just 49, designer and model Lauren Scott committed suicide in her Manhattan apartment after years of depression. His death was announced by his partner Mick Jagger, frontman of The Rolling Stones. Subsequently, a three-year scholarship named after Lauren Scott will be established for students of the famous London Fashion University Central Saint Martins. One of many small but necessary initiatives for raise awareness of the importance of mental health and break any stigma on the subject.
Fashion and Mental Health: Let’s talk about it to get attention
First step to lift the taboo on mental health is to talk about it. Lots and sincerely. Important contributions in recent years have been made by celebrities who, in our eyes, are so perfect, so glamorous and with such an unattainable life. However, at the height of their success, Giselle Bündchen suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and depression. She remembered those moments like this: “I felt powerless. The world is getting smaller and smaller and you can’t breathe anymore, which is the worst feeling I’ve ever experienced. […] I once thought that if I jumped off the balcony, it would all be over. I never had to worry about this overwhelming mood again.” Today his testimony rebirth to new life – going to memoirs: his book is called Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life.
But Gisele wasn’t the only celebrity to speak openly about mental health. Last year she was a supermodel Bella Hadid talk about her depression, and she did it on social media to highlight how unreal they are: “Social media is not real. To all who fight, remember that. Sometimes all you need is to feel that you are not alone. I tell you, you are not alone. I love you, I see you and I hear you. Self-help and mental illness/chemical imbalances are not linear and are almost like a roller coaster that runs between obstacles… it has its ups and downs.”
Fashion and Mental Health: Lead by Example
And there are those who decide raise awareness of the problem with a practical example. As the design duo behind the creative direction of the fashion house Viktor & Rolf, which focuses exclusively on haute couture and not ready-to-wear collections. Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaia also took a stand against the frantic rhythms of the latest system, choosing to create his collections according to his time, his rhythm and his calmness.
Instead, other luxury brands have supported the cause through the support of foundations such as Manolo Blahnik, who is partnering with Mental Health Foundation since 2019 and with a non-profit organization Make a change in the mind from 2021. This year on the occasion world mental health dayManolo Blahnik will donate 10% of the proceeds from the sale of green shoes to them.
Fashion and mental health: asking for help
“I had all these voices in my head, they asked me so many questions. I was afraid to say no, I thought I would show weakness … I was on the verge of being in a psychiatric hospital or underground”: the experience and turbulent past of John Galliano, the former creative director of Dior, can also teach us something. Asking for help means admitting that you have a problem. Asking for help is on the way to resolution. According to recovery villageToday symptoms of depression they become more recognizable to the person: there is more awareness. As for the fashion industry, it would seem that those who work in the fashion system are 25% more likely to develop questions related to the topic: this is the data shared Mental Health Foundationbut the fact remains each sector can have an impact on a person’s mental health.
Based on the need to raise awareness and empower people to seek help, in 2010 model Kristina Romanova founded a non-profit organization with Antonietta Costa, a fashion lawyer. fashion people. In collaboration with the Fashion Law Institute, the non-profit organization created a legal advisory service (if a lawyer is needed) and psychological support service for those wishing to start the therapeutic path. “We want to educate people,” explained Antonietta Costa. vogue.com “It’s a very human issue.” And as such, it’s a priority. Let’s get to work.
Source: Elle