Dude, Where's My Couture?

Seeing all of the hubbub with the Oscar fashions got me thinking about how much people rely on the clothes that they wear. The first question that people ask on the red carpet is "who are you wearing?" I guess the scrutiny is more intense when you're in Hollywood, but gay communities are just as critical of people in normal life.

I once attended a little party full of gay people and the only requirement was that everyone had to wear a white t-shirt and blue jeans. No belts, no watches, and no fancy jewelry. The idea was to see how different people interacted with each other when they all looked alike. It was amazing to see so many of the social barriers collapse when you don't have to worry if someone liked your outfit. Everyone had fun talking and laughing with each other. Doctors talked to the unemployed, and younger boys weren't hung up on mingling with people who weren't in their age range. If the same people were to meet in a bar, they wouldn't give each other the time of day.

The only dark spot in the evening was a young man named 'Ben.' If 'Ben' had to choose between a pair of Prada loafers and two months worth of groceries, the Prada would win out every time. If it wasn't couture, then it wasn't worth it. That was his motto. 'Ben' had a sour look on his face the whole time and we asked him why he was so down. He was upset at the fact that no one commented on how good his shirt looked. We were all wondering what he meant because we were all dressed the same. It turns out that 'Ben's' shirt was Dolce & Gabbana and retailed for about $175. That was my friend's cue to spill champagne on it. Oops, now it's crap. Ha ha!

'Ben' missed the whole point of the party. People tend to hide behind their fashion to shield their insecurities. They should realize that a lot of us don't have the money to spend on the latest flippy collar shirt or leopard print Yves Saint Laurent shoes. Frankly, we don't care. Sometimes you can't even tell what designer made the clothes unless their name is splatterd all across it. When I see a man in a shirt, I don't wonder who made the shirt. I wonder how long it'll take to get that shirt off of him and onto his bedroom floor. SNAP!

Some people argue that their clothes are an extension of their personality and that is a valid point. We need ways to assert our individuality and there is nothing wrong with wearing fun clothes. It's when you make other people feel shitty because you think you're better than them because you're wearing a $175 white t-shirt that looks exactly like mine that I take issue!