Fashion that talks

LOOK magazine

When I saw a picture recently of Cheryl Cole wearing a very flattering and fashionable black maxi dress, I first thought well trust Cheryl to pull off what would look like a bin bag on me. But as my train of thought continued on its tracks, I started to think of the year she has had. Divorce, press stress, weight issues and life threatening malaria is to name but a few of her worries. So... maybe dressing in what would be described as a bin bag on me isn't her way of flaunting or showing off, but inadvertantly wearing her feelings.

This can happen to everyone and anyone, wearing clothes that mirror how you feel. It can be done on purpose, such as dressing down on a relaxed day to say you can't really be bothered; or it can happen unconsiously, like with Cheryl Cole.
The messages you can send through clothing can be large or little things. Maybe showing confidence instead of insecurity. For example, Nicola Roberts wears very pale dress, saying that she is ok with having a very pale skin colour, one that is generally unwanted when in the public eye.

It is not uncommon for public relations advisors to dress their 'clients' using the knowledge that they could send a message to the public or even a potential consumer or customer. Fashion sells, and fashion persuades.

This technique is used heavily not only in the media, but in politics too. Before the most recent general election, it became apparant that party leaders and representatives were wearing the colour tie that representated their party. This sends a bold message of support and leadership to public, getting the public to listen.


Everybody in the public eye wants to be listened to. Everybody will use any resource to be heard, and fashion sells, fashion persuades and fashion talks.