First of all, I'd like to see someone reference Henry Rollins' "look" when he ran to grab his Grammy in between setting up a gig or something and almost got stopped by the security (HR was wearing a sweaty grey tee and Nike shorts). Secondly, that made me think of what they talk about on my most fav pop-culture podcast, Every Outfit, when they lament that celebs don't style themselves anymore for red carpets and other events. It's all curated, it's all delegated to stylists, and there might be some blood-oath to Chanel or Loewe involved. Which is also why there's little personality behind the looks, it's mere "aesthetic". How can anything fresh spring in that environment?
Absolutely. Although I would at least leave Met Gala be as it is now, because it used to be fairly lowkey as well, as you say, an industry event, but we do need a little pomposity once in a while 😅
Great read Vik. I often observe and think about this in the world and context of photography. The referencing is getting out of hand. As you say it’s like a guarantee to be seen or spoke about but it’s also quite lazy. I’m not sure if the laziness is coming from brand briefs (if is) and also artists who are afraid and are deluded into thinking what they are making is original by justifying the reference in some abstract way.
Thank you for bringing this conversation to the table!. As an artist myself, I've been reflecting on how, nowadays, so many people seem like copies of one another. It often feels like the focus is more on seeking the spotlight and external approval rather than embracing the creative process—which, as you mentioned, requires time, trial, and error. I truly believe that those who understand this and commit to developing their own style and voice will stand out in the long run. Eventually, people will tire of the repetitive cycle of unoriginal references that lack intention or artistic meaning. The creative process is what makes an artist unique, and that uniqueness can’t be developed if all one does is replicate what’s already been done.
First of all, I'd like to see someone reference Henry Rollins' "look" when he ran to grab his Grammy in between setting up a gig or something and almost got stopped by the security (HR was wearing a sweaty grey tee and Nike shorts). Secondly, that made me think of what they talk about on my most fav pop-culture podcast, Every Outfit, when they lament that celebs don't style themselves anymore for red carpets and other events. It's all curated, it's all delegated to stylists, and there might be some blood-oath to Chanel or Loewe involved. Which is also why there's little personality behind the looks, it's mere "aesthetic". How can anything fresh spring in that environment?
tbh maybe we went too far with red carpet dressing bc isn't that just like a work/industry event
Absolutely. Although I would at least leave Met Gala be as it is now, because it used to be fairly lowkey as well, as you say, an industry event, but we do need a little pomposity once in a while 😅
Great read Vik. I often observe and think about this in the world and context of photography. The referencing is getting out of hand. As you say it’s like a guarantee to be seen or spoke about but it’s also quite lazy. I’m not sure if the laziness is coming from brand briefs (if is) and also artists who are afraid and are deluded into thinking what they are making is original by justifying the reference in some abstract way.
I truly don't know what the line between referencing and copying is anymore!
Mark Fisher calls it “capitalist realism” - the idea that we’ve lost the ability to imagine anything truly new
plenty of new cool stuff but it is definitely a few layers below capitalism
Thank you for bringing this conversation to the table!. As an artist myself, I've been reflecting on how, nowadays, so many people seem like copies of one another. It often feels like the focus is more on seeking the spotlight and external approval rather than embracing the creative process—which, as you mentioned, requires time, trial, and error. I truly believe that those who understand this and commit to developing their own style and voice will stand out in the long run. Eventually, people will tire of the repetitive cycle of unoriginal references that lack intention or artistic meaning. The creative process is what makes an artist unique, and that uniqueness can’t be developed if all one does is replicate what’s already been done.
it is so incredibly hard to stay in your own lane when everyone else seems to be on the fast track but I think, it's worth it!
Fabulous read - as per usual.