Outside

“This fine art series explores the idea of feeling ‘outside’ of fashion - going beyond physical presence outside fashion shows, to traverse the emotional experience of everyday people feeling judged based on the way they dress.

Reexamining fashion week, an event I have documented for years, my mindset shifts from critique to curiosity and respect for the people who stand outside. Who are they? Why are they here? What do clothes mean to them?

Being outside of fashion - both figuratively and emotionally - can be connecting and liberating, but it can also be devastating and analytical. Regardless of your relationship with clothes and how much importance you place on the way you dress, every day we pass conscious and subconscious judgement toward the people we see.

While some people fight to be seen and stand out from the crowd, others prefer to blend in.

Clothing isn’t just about fashion - it reflects people and their stories.”

- Liz

8.9.2022 - Field Notes Paris Fashion Week

The show is happening inside, and I stand outside amongst peers who are there for different reasons. Some - like me - to cover the style - others to be photographed.

These people are ‘the posers’. *said in a gentle and endearing tone without judgement.

I’m amazed at their stamina - they return, show after show, to parade clothes that make them feel good - without an invitation.

Their tactics vary from arriving early and holding the same position the entire time - think fly on the wall - to bringing cameras that are the simple ticket of purpose. Or my favourite, catching the tailwind of someone famed or of note attending by arriving on multiple occasions down the same path.

In previous years I may have judged them, but this year I’ve photographed many. I think they must have a fascinating relationship with clothes. Why else would they be here?

Even so, the confidence surprises me - I could never parade. *Though I wish I had that confidence.

Intention/discovery:

It takes courage to dress up and stand out, to want to make others feel seen and valued for their creative expression through clothes.