les Bobos

There’s a person in my politicks class who set out to defend the fashion industry. By opposition it’s my job to bring down the full brunt of my mighty rage upon this misguided soul. But then when working around the issue I decided I’m not entirely against fashion.
As one of my solutions to this I brought out the reasoned argument that if fashion prevailed and everyone wore the same clothes it would be a triumph for efficiency and highly controversial as it would mean uniforms. The student body of our school has consistently fought the introduction of school uniform and I know the arguments. A compulsory uniform is a violation of our right to wear what we want.

Neither do I have issue with people who cut their jeans, grow ponytails or get tattoos in order to break from the fashion. Such sub-fashions are a reaction to mainstream fashion, an attempt to break away from the norm. I also applaud elements of subcultures which emphasize personal accessorising of clothing – because that’s part of the movement for piracy.

What I do take issue with is a uniform fashion to identify with Bobos. It sounds ridiculous when said aloud but it’s a valid term used to describe Bourgeois Bohèmes. A merging of the Bourgeois class with the Bohemian lifestyle resulting in a new social class akin to the Yuppies of the 90′s. The person with whom I’ve had this argument (see I’ve been really good not mentioning their name so far) is a good example of a Bobo. And here are my arguments with Bobo fashion:

1. It excludes those who can’t afford ‘fashionable’ and more importantly branded clothes. This is elitist and acts as a form of social exclusion.
2. It dictates that people should be judged by what they wear and not by what they are. This is most obvious at fashion shows where nobody cares about the models, they may as well be replaced by coathangers on wheels. It’s a dangerous strain of objectification.
3. It emphasises form over function. As a perfect example: high heels which are not only pointless but also damaging.
4. It encourages waste for an increase in consumption. When the fashion changes your old clothes become redundant and are to be thrown away. This contradicts a brilliant idea that each town should have it’s tailor where clothes are mended free of charge.

Yes, fashion is an art, but when your art becomes a component of consumerism which serves to counter actual functional products then it should be quietly put down, or at least reformed.

I’m sure that said person has a more in-depth knowledge of fashion (being a self-proclaimed expert) so I’ve invited them to share their points in the comments.