A term that came up on Mrs Fashion‘s post about croc bags, was a poorly consutrcted word; ‘label-ista’ which got me thinking about what it actually means. In that particular context, a label-ista is apparently someone concerned with the labels on a bag; IT bags etc. But when we really dissect the term, is it as simple as witch hunting someone out and crying ‘Urgh… you label-ista!’?
In my so called ‘indie/alternative’ stage during my teens, I would have gladly worn the sandwich board declaring ‘Down with the labels.’ I’m talking about when I was 14 and I would scoff at designer labels with disgust and construct sentances that went something like ‘Why buy X when you can buy Y?!’
It has been nearly a decade and during that time, I have developed an appreciation for what designer labels stand for, their work and if we’re honest that term ‘designer label’ encompasses a multitude of things (independent, high-end, couture, streetwear, list goes on and on…). However in a lot of people’s heads a ‘label’ denotes something hoity toity, the posh, snobby, expensive stuff that bars certain economic groups. This may ring true for some ‘labels’ but as we know, not all…
So the self-education about designers, keeping up with catwalk shows, all for me naturally led to the desire to procure/consume ‘designer labels’, precisely what I absolutely detested as a teen. Does this make me a shallow, ‘can’t see past the VIP tag’ label-ista? Furthermore, does it make that person who can afford to wear the dreaded fashion crime ‘head to toe in labels’ an even more vicious label-ista?
To answer the first question, I think by and large, readers of Style Bubble are like myself, into mixing and matching. Someone expressed their surprise at my purchase of that yellow Zara dress as she had the impression of me being into the ‘alternative and underground.’ Sure, I admire that strand of designers but what I admire and know of within fashion, doesn’t necessarily corelate to my spending habits. I buy on whimsy, on instant love, on instincts be it vintage, high street, charity/junk shop, designer, sample sales, etc. I don’t lie that yes, if I had the money, it may be that a large proportion would go towards those ‘dreaded’ labels’.
Yet somehow, admiring and lusting after designer labels is all find and dandy but as soon as you enter into the territory of buying the stuff, you’re villified as a label-ista. Then in answer to the second question, I don’t feel people should be penalised for being able to afford the lifestyle to dress ‘head to toe’ in labels.
I give mad props to people who are innovative and resourceful enough to do the best with whatever budget they have. At Style Bubble, I think I’ve shown a fair bit of what I try to do when pinching the pennies. At the same time, I’m not into reversed snobbery. If somebody has the means to buy something, fair play, congrats, lovely jubbly. I doubt many people here would physically say no if a designer garment or accessory came their way gratuit and object violently against it.
So when does the negativity that comes with being critcised as a ‘label-ista’ come into it then? My opinion is that when judgement calls are made about the origins of someone’s outfit not being good enough. Someone who is into designer labels isn’t the problem. But when they start to use and abuse labels to put people into boxes, that’s when the trouble begins. Perhaps, it may even be a case of sour grapes of not having the means to afford something and therefore raining hatred on those that can.
Perhaps it’s time to just accept different people’s lifestyle choices and that there are a multitude of ways to enjoy fashion, whatever budget you’re on. I won’t be aplogetic about lusting after that Burberry Prosum nylon zipper coat and yes, if the money ever came my way, off I would go to spend it on that coat. So I’m a label-ista? Alrighty….
What is your take on this hideously constructed word, multi-faceted word? (Excuse the essay-ish again, incoherent type posts…. expressing myself eloquently is not a strong point and as always, I haven’t got it quite figured out in my head so that’s where you guys come in…..)