There’s been a lot of talk on the fashion blogosphere this week about Topshop’s decision to sell a Pierrot-inspired clown hat. I kind of get the point that it’s a bit overpriced at £15 – it is
essentially felt, cardboard, and a pom pom or two, and anyone with a
remotely crafty gene could probably whip it up for 1/5 of the price at
home. Alternatively, you could probably find yourself something similar
at your fancy dress store for mere pennies.
I for one have numerous accessories bought in party shops or in
Woolworths around Halloween time. My favourite skull earrings were from
a Trick or Treat party bag and I have a fabulous pair of fake Raybans
that started life as a Blues Brothers themed costume kit – there’s no
shame in fancy dress as everyday wear!
All of which leads me back (in a
roundabout way) to the Topshop clown hat in question. I’m not 100% sure
why everyone’s got their panties in a twist about it. OK, so I wouldn’t
pay £15 for it, but would I wear it? Hell yeah! Fashion is, in every
sense of the word, about dressing up. Sure, it’s a multi-billion pound
industry, but it’s also an excuse to wear nice stuff, look a bit silly,
and, most importantly, have fun whilst doing so.
Why else would
people parade down the catwalk in haute couture gowns that incorporate
scaffolding, horses heads, strap-ons and all matter of other
paraphernalia? It’s fun, innit. It’s about dressing up, and looking
fabulous whilst doing so.
No-one actually takes
fashion seriously, and if they do, well good for them. They’ve got more
money than sense and probably live in a house made of gold with
diamonds for windows. I’ve worked in “the industry” for some time now
and the most powerful players I’ve met over the years have had a
serious dose of snark with their style.
I’m not naming names,
but I spent one happy afternoon in the office not so long ago watching
a certain fashion editor prance around in a Dolce & Gabbana space
suit, complete with helmet, so, y’know, just because they write about
hem lengths and heel heights, doesn’t mean they actually take it
seriously.
Ladies (and hell, gents too); if you want to
spend £15 of your well-earned money on a Pierrot hat, do it. It’s your
money, it’s your life, and if you want to live it dressed a clown, then
good for you. Just go easy on the make-up.