February 23rd, 2009
Survival of the Fittest
Today I interviewed the fashion designer, Cynthia Rowley, for a project on luxury. I was interested to hear what she had to say on the subject having just completed the Fall 2009 collections. I was half expecting a somber report from the frontlines of an industry in crisis. Instead I found the designer in high spirits, her showroom a flurry of activity. If she’s feeling the crunch of this recession you wouldn’t know it from looking at her. Our conversation was upbeat and reminded me of something I’ve always known: when times are tough, you want to be around artists.
Of all human types, it’s the artists who thrive on change. They are sponges in times of crisis, interpreters of inconsistencies, mirrors reflecting our own behaviors back to us in a way that makes them understandable…sometimes tragic and sometimes beautiful. They soak up the swirling tides of conflicting energies, process them, and generate something altogether new and if not coherent, at least cogent. While others long for stability, artists allow themselves to be swept along, unafraid of change because it is the very nature of creation.
Labor Pains film Cynthia called the recession ‘exciting,’ and a ‘great opportunity.’ She is a woman at the top of her field and she seemed energized by the fact that now–of all moments–it’s time to get to work. It’s no time to be lazy. It’s time to be hungry, a perfectionist, tireless. She spoke of her respect for the customer who has access to options and a growing desire for objects of highest quality. She looked like a kid. “It takes me back to my roots,” she said.
Cop Dog aka Marlowe trailer What’s changing? Status symbols are dead. ‘Group think’ is dead. Fashion is about art and creativity now more than ever. Who will survive? Those who have true vision and the ability to bring ideas to fruition…against the odds. It’s going to be a shake out and the survivors are going to be the ones who have the confidence in their ability to generate necessary objects. It’s a Darwinian moment.
Scary? Not for those with skill, ingenuity, and a little luck.
3:10 to Yuma the movie Pictured–accessories from Cynthia Rowley’s Fall 2009 collection. Note the wishbones and rabbit’s feet.
Seed of Chucky The Flyboys buy Paulie rip Ghostride the Whip full
posted by schuyler brown
Filed Under: Skyelab