I have always loved fashion, but it wasn’t a love that I wore on my sleeve, unlike my staple gold Coach bangle. My relationship with fashion was an admiration from afar. It took me almost two decades before I could look in a mirror and be happy with what I saw. Because I didn’t know any better, I let trends define my vision of fashion and who could be fashionable. I subscribed to a limited perspective created by forces like influencers and social media. Thus, while the Gucci Marmont trend blew up on social media, I'm more than proud to call this belt a staple in my luxury collection in 2020 and for the rest of my life. In college I took a course called, “Getting Dressed: Discourses of Fashion” where I studied different fashion histories, houses, and most importantly, philosophies. In this course, learned what fashion was and what it was not. I learned that trends are just that, quick moments in time. But fashion is more than just a picture on Instagram, fashion is a language. And like all languages, change and justice can be created when used justly. One day my homework assignment was to create a dream look book. I vividly remember the first thing I wrote down was, “I want a Gucci Marmont belt!” For those unfamiliar with Gucci’s history, they may think this belt was made for Instagram. And those who know, know that 2016 is when Gucci released the Marmont collection. As I mention later, my motivation for getting this belt was its exposure on social media. I saw everyone and anyone with a sliver of influence buying this belt. It soon became a trend, and I finally joined the club. When I bought my Gucci Marmont Belt, I have the version with a snake monogram, "G" I paid a hefty price, surpassing $600. This version of the belt just came out and I had seen no one else wearing this version. But I saw this belt as an investment because this belt is now part of my luxury closet forever. In short, yes I love this belt and yes if it's on your list I say buy it! And if you want to know why I think the Gucci Marmont belt is a great investment, keep reading below! WHY THE GUCCI MARMONT BELT AND TREND IS TIMELESSThis belt flooded social media in the mid-2010s. Every influencer and wannabe influencer were rocking this Gucci monogram belt. However, being the luxury fashion house that it is, Gucci does not follow trends. Gucci like all luxury fashion houses transcends trends. And the Gucci Marmont belts, bags, and collection are timeless. The Gucci Marmont belt, she was the belt-no she was the moment that marked my revolution against the tyranny of trends. Here’s the things, fashion is an industry that doesn't showcase diversity or practice inclusion. From not showcasing different body types, dark skinned and Black models, and erasing trans and differently abled bodies, fashion perpetuates monolithic structures of exclusion and discrimination. And I think this belt is a great purchase because who ever you are I think you shouldn't ask yourself, "Is this still trendy?" Because then your contributing to the way fashion can omit people, even if they can access luxury pieces, just because influencers not in the industry deem it as no longer trendy. The Gucci Marmont collection born under the reign of current creative director Alessandro Michel was inspired by Gucci in the 1970s. (If you want to learn more about Gucci, but also just need a good movie recommendation, check out The Director (2013) by Christina Voros. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at Gucci’s history, the people behind the magic, and how they shape their iconic runways.) Obviously, understanding what’s a classic and what’s a trend in fashion is hard. Before I make any luxury purchase, I investigate a few dimensions of the brand and the item. Some things I consider are the brand’s history, the collection's inspiration, and even its resale value. Making a luxury purchase to follow a trend can make you feel guilty later. While I discovered the Gucci Marmont belt on social media, I bought it during a key moment in time. I bought my belt during my first trip to Boston, MA, surrounded by my friends, after having been on a serious health grind for about 6-months. Fashion is inherently exclusionary. But like other languages, fashion can be used to speak one’s own truth and for social justice. I remember seeing physiques wearing Gucci belts that were far from mine. These sculpted and gorgeous figures created a restrictive vision of who I thought could wear a designer belt. Trends find their power by creating exclusion. Trends also come and go in style and relevancy. Because fashion is forever that means that fashion has the potential to act as a way of creating change for the better. I cannot think of a better quote about fashion and its timelessness then this one from current Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, “For me, nothing is old. I don't know why. If a dress is beautiful, and it's very personal, I think it can live forever.” Now there are some designer brands who cater to fast fashion and hype beast culture. Think the Balenciaga Speed Trainers, aka the ones that look like socks. Even if you come across videos or blogs talking about why you should leave the Gucci Marmont collection behind, ask yourself, “What does this person know about fashion?” To all those who say the trend is dead I say, "Who tf cares!" I will continue posting in my belt proudly celebrating myself, my identity, and my body-going against the abs and size 0 waists I saw rocking this belt when it trended. Remember, fashion is a language. Just like you may have catchphrases, quips, and isms in your speech, your fashion style is unique too. Whether you have a Gucci Marmont belt or it’s on your wish list I say own it! Luxury fashion like Gucci is not fast fashion. I’m curious to hear from you, what’s your hot take on fashion and trends? Is there a trend that introduced you to fashion? Or, what’s your favorite fashion house?
Thanks for reading these Words by Will! Catch you in the next blog. |
Author William SamayoaMarketer by profession and storyteller by passion. L.A. raised, proud Latino, and pop culture enthusiast. Categories
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