Is Fashion Superficial? Is Fashion Shallow? Is Fashion Just About Filling a Deep Void in Ur Heart?

Answering fashion questions about fashion people being shallow, dressing for yourself, brands ignoring product, beginner tips, the current "era" of Rick Owens, and a ton more.
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[@frillSquid]

one of my favorite things about this channel is the anti-gatekeeping attitude. can't afford new or popular designer pieces? buy secondhand pieces you love. don't know where to start designing? start by making SOMETHING, then keep going. in a field often associated with old-money elitism, this channel blasts open a direct path to fashion.

[@oxiary]

FR it's waht Virgil would've wanted

[@felixsosa3949]

One perspective to have on the superficiality of fashion: it's not superficial at all, but an acknowledgement that we are social beings and everything we do in terms of presentation (e.g. how we speak, posture, smell, what we do etc) is a signal to others about who we are. Under this perspective, fashion *can be* a genuine attempt to authentically present yourself to the best of your abilities to others around you. In the same way you might increase your vocab in a language like English or Spanish so you can better express your thoughts, you can see "getting into fashion" as an attempt to increase your vocab to better express your *self* through how you dress. Of course, there are many other ways to express yourself, such as music, painting, poetry etc and it's not as common to hear someone say those are superficial domains. This could be because large portions of fashion use exclusivity to generate a lot of money. So, for those not interested in fashion for the art of it, there is always this alternative theory they can entertain that says people who engage in fashion are just shallow and trying to posture as someone who is rich and trendy, rather than people who want to express who they believe they are.

[@understitchYT]

I read someone say that everything is just a thing until you love it. They used the example of stamps, like a stamp is just a stamp until you're a collector, then they are detailed and interesting and worth collecting. Noone would say anything about a stamp collector, so why do we judge people that like and collect fashion?

[@ytknits4892]

Great point. (Also wanted to mention that I recently subscribed to your channel and I’m really enjoying the content!)

[@understitchYT]

@@ytknits4892 Oh, thank you, I'm so glad you like my content 😁

[@javiera.fernandez1326]

Just a comment from a frustrated former fashion and design student. Your channel gives me hope for the future of what fashion can become. You give perspective and artistic integrity to fashion reviews and avoid the trappings of being catty and overwhelmingly superficial. Your insight provokes thought and has allowed me to ask myself questions and do my own research. Bravo!! Keep it going!

[@a.ffirmative]

Do orange juice next time

[@Dee--]

we need a 20+ min video on that

[@mach1nefan]

@@Dee-- *30

[@MadonnaBlack]

Fashion is so much more than superficial. Some people just don’t have the knowledge or desire to learn about Fashion as an Art. Sidenote: I hate when someone’s see’s a couture garment and say “That’s stupid, where are they gona wear that”.

[@ulture]

whenever I hear someone talk about how some form of creative self-expression isn't Real Art (fashion, video games, animation, etc.) I think of how people used to say the same thing about painting

[@mattbray_studio]

i didnt know that, when did they say that?

[@ChrisGarciaJSB]

i’ve always thought beau brummell brought about the end of fancy-looking men. he was active in the early 1800s and i guess single-handedly ushered in regency men’s fashion. men used to watch him get dressed in the morning, like a living breathing gq magazine

[@sosabacon8630]

all of us humans are trying to fill a void in our heart

[@micaloli]

yea, trying to fill with clothes ain’t good

[@victoriaswain8897]

I do think fashion has a larger than usual potential for superficial exploitation because of its connection with the appearance of the human body and therefore ego. However, I think the opinion that it’s superficial comes mostly from those who misunderstand/don’t know about fashion. Fashion is about culture, expression - like any form of art. It is unique in its closeness and necessity for all humans. Because of its flexibility (used for practical reasons, uniform, status or creative expression) it lends is self primarily to the possibility to push the boundaries of what is possible with regards to dressing the human body and extending and bending meaning. It is unique also because it is mobile as the human body moves. It also maps time because of its constant in being used by all humans everyday. Because it is worn by the body, it can change the way a human feels during the whole time of wear, in comparison to simply viewing a painting for example. All imho.

[@itisrighttorebel]

Before there could be fashion or even art humans had to be able to clothe, feed and shelter themselves. Only when social production was brought to a certain point could “fashion” as it is understood today take root in human society. And the cultural expressions of fashion you speak on have always had a meaning that was superimposed by different social classes in their societies and usually the “fashionable” have been the rulers of those societies, not by accident but by design. I don’t see any difference between those societies and our own. However, I do believe that being into fashion is fine but there’s no reason to not be honest and act like it’s not a superficial relationship we give to clothing that gives it meaning.

[@Antistylestyleclub]

1:00 took me back too youtube in 2014 when fashion channels would ask people on the street how much their outfit costs

[@Happinc]

I love how you can’t really find fault with message behind all of Martin Margiela’s creations! He was always true to his message… he was a disrupter pointing a finger at the excesses and craziness he was seeing everywhere in 80’s, 90’s & 2000’s fashion ( and we all have to put clothes on our bodies to protect from the environment) to highlight and question these excesses… I love his work, his ethics & philosophy, I admire him tremendously just as I admire you for bringing all these ideas 💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡to as many people as you can! Please don’t stop 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙋🏻‍♀️❤️

[@LunarCrystal07]

Hi Bliss! Recently discovered your channel. I'm a fashion design teacher, though my school recently closed down that program, so now I'm doing private lessons. I love your approach. I wanted to share that when I taught my classes, I was highlighting how we're moving into a new paradigm of upcycling and DIY. Haute Couture was shown to illustrate embellishment techniques, but I always wanted to impress on my students that they could learn these things, and that their success in "fashion" does not need to be on the same - or even close to - the level of haute couture. Mainstream fashion seems to have fractured into more focused interests in substyles or specific trends (i.e. Cottage core, Fairy kei, punk, goth, et al.). And what I've seen is more people not being able to afford that "Selkie" dress, and just making it themselves. I love this, and see this as a good direction.

[@1234onetwothreefo]

fashion is a form of creative expression. all art has surface elements to it to make it interesting. the more you analyze this the less meaning it has. its like magic

[@fightfannerd2078]

i guess so

[@2nuts4cars]

This is the best fashion channel...

[@aaronstafford9783]

I really respect and appreciate when people create the content that they wish they had as a beginner to something. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with the world!

[@costcobongwater]

maybe the real priceless jawns were the friends we made along the way

[@calicojakk9974]

A guy with a channel about metal music did a look at the new Balenciaga collection and made a joke about them making a garbage bag bag, without realizing they already had. Got a really good chuckle out of that.

[@natalyarobinson9855]

I think you are spectacular and singular. Thank you for not being afraid of been seen and sharing your thoughts

[@mach1nefan]

to me, fashion is an absolutely insane pillar block of society. like literally, we’ve ALWAYS had fashion, and we probably always will. idk if anything is less superficial lol

[@aimeeaztec4601]

All fashion is apparel but not all apparel is fashionable. I see that fashion is as superficial as the wearer wants it to be. It is literally just warmth insulation for some and an expression of self to others. Price does not belittle or increase the importance of fashion. I deliberately wear balenciaga and clothes from Tesco (uk grocery store) as I like to contrast quality; the cheap is as important as the expensive to achieve my look. Every decision to put a certain piece of fashion on has a thought behind it - be it for warmth and/or how it looks. This decision gives purpose and meaning to the item and in my eyes makes it more than superficial; there shouldn’t be a hierarchy of reasons to justify the importance or depth of fashion. Thanks Bliss - I love the Patreon by the way - totally amazing. Your archive is outstanding!

[@shuwei5290]

Honestly honestly with me finally taking fashion seriously since discovering your channel this year and finally doing away with trends as we heavily advocate here, I finally see myself wearing the clothes in my closet because instead of outsourcing cool pieces it’s finally coming from within now. I’m finally feeling more comfortable in my clothes as I can express my love for fashion without actively consuming it now and have since decided not to buy anything new for the next 3-6 months, therefore I think I can justify a patreon subscription even as an international viewer from Malaysia ^_^ see you soon! Thank you for all that you do here

[@aduke1909]

love love love ur channel bliss, never stop because there’s no one out there doing it like you. ur art is crucial

[@stormzybanksy]

you absolutely do not make fluff content and, IMO, are the definitive source of intelligent, educated and insightful fashion content that pulls from historical references, pop culture zeitgeist and deep knowledge of designers to give us content that is easily digestible. and funny. and highly informative. a lot of other fashion KZbinrs out there, i won't name names, but ok - tim dessaint, frugal aesthetic, ariel rosado, richie le, flywithjohnnythai (the list goes on), and to a lesser extent, harry has or gallucks - seem to only have come into the subculture relatively recently and can only speak to fashion "of the now." a few of them are more about hype than actual design and couture. they certainly don't have a lot of knowledge or historical context to pull from and as such, can only recommend what's trending because that's all they know. i think the only other fashion KZbinr out there who has your level of charisma and intelligence is fashionlover4. so keep up the amazing work. we definitely recognize and appreciate it!

[@calebgasca]

The moment when the fashion KZbin king puts you first in his video!🤩

[@danwest9463]

What I enjoy about fashion, is getting these different pieces from let’s say charity shops, my dads old clothes, maybe Depop once and again, and maybe from an online store ( artists website if i find a good deal) - usually don’t because of tax and shipping. I buy these items separately no outfit in mind really but I always somehow get them into an outfit. These outfits make me happy because they normally come from nothing. To end my comment find outfits let’s say 3-5 (trousers,tops, and jacket plus shoes) that you absolutely love no matter the trends no matter the weather (preferably have stuff for all conditions) keep loving those clothes to the eventual end. Constant outfit pics with new clothes aren’t my thing but do you I guess.

[@BlissFoster]

I’m 100% with you. I’ve been buying slowly and wearing pieces out for 10 years and it is SO much better than swapping cheap stuff out constantly 💫💫

[@danwest9463]

@@BlissFoster really cool man, also thanks for interacting!

[@online6348]

Actually, if you look at how a rolls royce is made you’ll see that the same can also be said for cars. Actually, anything that requires a manual technique or that can be artisanal could be valid.

[@djdirtychai]

5:20 I know this was a joke but hear me out. A car is definitely a medium to express yourself the same way clothes do. A lot of is deciding wether or not you view them merely as an appliance vs an extension of your daily life. Like fashion, is something you kinda have to get

[@edwinbeta2806]

was going to say there are definitely stories surrounding cars, although the cars themselves may not express a narrative. Regular Car Reviews has done a couple large retrospectives on things like Lee Iacoca's run with General Motors, and their entire channel is ironically, a lot like this one. The guy graduated with some kind of lit degree and applies concepts from it and sociology into his reviews, its very cool.

[@weonlycomeoutatnight6111]

Rick is like this dope experimental rockstar who recorded a couple of awesome albums, got a lil popular and went full-on pop.

[@garbagefish]

Really liked this Q&A! I had a thought on your comment at 4:55 regarding most people not understanding the joke. I like art because I appreciate the artist providing their POV through a medium, in this case clothing. I do think that fashion has mass reach but suffers from people not viewing it as art because most people view these creations as practical object first as oppose to art. A canvas for example where it’s sole purpose is a medium for art. So for example paintings of Piet Mondrian would be first treated as something to be interpreted because that’s it’s inherent purpose. Clothes for the mass populace is still viewed to be practicality first. Hope that makes sense 😂. Thanks again for the video.

[@GebbzSteelo]

BLISS FOSTER U R A LEGEND 4 THIS ONE AND ALL THE VIDEOS , KEEP UP THE GRET WORK M8 !

[@astrogallus]

As RuPaul always says, "What other people think of me ain't none of my business." Good vid! 🤘👍

[@hhmm1047]

Thank you💚 I really agree that fashion is superficial for many but not all of fashion lovers. Most fashion pages on Instagram are all about cool or hot looks from fast fashion brands which are honestly a little bit ridiculous to my eyes. But the truth is not everyone can afford high fashion. I'm a simple student and can't afford it too. Still, I think it feels better when people value fashion as an art form, and here I feel like it's not that superficial because it involves meaning and storytelling... I don't know much about sociology, but many movements (political, and social...) have involved fashion, so it's kinda important too...

[@LettuceGod1]

I love how you talk idk what that’s even about but just yes king

[@simmyjester]

4:07 The pictures before, and "menswear has kind of had the sauce in the last few years"... my first thought was "bring back the dandy!"

[@akiraasmr3002]

It really depends one thing I do kind of hate is how all these young kids on Tiktok just getting into archive avant garde fashion act all elite like they have all the knowledge and look down on ppl who dress in "regular" or "normie" clothes as they call it. Ive been collecting since 2010 and I don't like to brag about it I just like to study brands and designers and appreciate getting to look at pieces in person and see the work the designers put in.

[@BlissFoster]

Yeah for sure, bragging is never it.

[@mizzpink98z24cavi]

You’re so good at describing everything. At least, in my opinion.

[@online6348]

7:50 actually, fashion magazines kinda did that but the way you or loic prigent for example present to us fashion is much more interesting and easy to adhere to and understand.

[@gregdahlen4375]

In a literal sense fashion is superficial, of the surface. But one's surface generally tells a lot about one. If one is pale, one might be ill. Or doesn't get outside much. If one walks with one's eyes cast down, one may not have much confidence. And so on. But fashion is only part of our surface, there are so many things visible on the surface that reflect who we are inside, our grooming, our jewelry, our body language, our facial expressions, our weight, our fitness, and so on.

[@BlissFoster]

Strong agree 🦾 Loved seeing your thoughts, Greg! Thanks for sharing with us 💫💫

[@Kanashi11]

I am on a Bliss Foster video. That is crazy, i think i can die happy.

[@duanekilgore9130]

People will argue that music is deep and emotional but it too is shallow all aesthetic and even less functional/ practical than clothing!

[@aldogoegan3091]

I like the balanced perspective you encourage us all to take while continuing to educate and broaden our perspectives. Thanks

[@vintageswiss9096]

Most of the stuff i wear is so obscure to most people in my area, that I’m not sure you could call dressing up superficial; at least not in the monetary or clout aspect. But to say we don’t dress up to look good is asinine. Of course you are wearing what you think you look good in. So from a certain aspect, we’re all being superficial to ourselves; regardless whether we are doing it to be superficial to others.

[@ktcat666]

your channel is such a gem!! i'm a complete beginner to actually learning about fashion & your vids have taught me so much already! def joining the patreon soon

[@libelula1715]

that meme about how we're perceived by others really hit home! I really enjoy your channel!

[@avacarter2724]

Here here! Well said Bliss!

[@keirablack3051]

I know the name that gets memed a lot as far as men's clothes becoming very plain at some point in history is Beau Brummel (1778-1840), who kind of became famous for mocking people who dressed too fancily and making a lot of cutting remarks about people's clothing. He would say stuff like "To be truly elegant one should not be noticed," and "If people turn to look at you on the street, you are not well dressed, but either too stiff, too tight, or too fashionable." His wikipedia bio mentions, "Eventually, he died shabby and insane in Caen."

[@dinadavari9102]

love your vids bliss!!!! you literally get me through my exams

[@iremyazici2493]

I recently discovered your channel and i’m really enjoying this sincere and wise approach of yours about fashion!

[@micaloli]

Fashion and fishing aren’t the same. You grab a pole and fish, it’s a quiet thing people do for leisure, sport, it costs little to nothing to do. Spending thousands of dollars shopping to dress yourself… like, it’s not the same at all

[@HeTalksFashion]

Great meeting you the other day Bliss! Hope to cross paths again soon ✊🏾

[@BlissFoster]

You too, Lunden! 💫💫

[@soumilinath1743]

Rewatching....okay.....I will begin from the BEGINNING!!! Thank you so much!!! I felt lost here initially!!! Thank you 😊

[@braden8275]

You should do a video on Stone Island and vintage Stone Island. Would love to know more about that brand

[@itisrighttorebel]

Your idea of superficial is more of an indictment on capitalism than it is of having a hobby. “Buying stuff” itself is not a sufficient reason for the superficiality of a hobby, that’s a necessary precursor to do anything under the conditions of modern society. What makes a hobby superficial is when commodity fetishism dominates your enjoyment of that hobby, it’s when rods are no longer to capture their intended target but because of the exclusion of buying that brand versus other practical but cheaper options. Clothes and fashion I believe is where this relationship is brought to its peak, the fact you used nobles, aristocrats and monarchies to describe the relationship is perfect also. They did not dress like that because they had a great sense of fashion but it was to distance themselves from those who weren’t apart of the same classes as them, mainly the poor and working classes. Honestly, I believe clothes lose their significance when they are not consumed for their practically but instead for the significance of owning that commodity. No matter how you care to justify it, you’re still giving a commodity extra-human qualities that only exist bc of societal valuations that are not controlled by the majority of people. You’re buying something for the purpose not that it’s intended for but for the significance and prestige that comes with owning this or that piece of clothing and it becomes a superficial relationship. It abstracts the human element from the ownership of that commodity and you begin to identify yourself with a commodity, which is inherently superficial.

[@laurenbourque7550]

Loved this and loved seeing everyone’s fits 🔥🔥

[@Bachilles38]

Galliano's Margiela menswear couture show is a prime example of men's couture done right, one of my favorite shows of the past decade

[@abigailmarks3180]

Which year?

[@Bachilles38]

@@abigailmarks3180 there was only one season for mens couture, SS19

[@Stream_of_unconsiousness]

i love the little robot voices you do for the questions

[@acacia5029]

I love the ending of these videos 😂

[@samsusaran09]

Speaking to nuanced story telling: I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on Bstory’s 5th season sAmsArA. The collection has been the target for most of the internet as “cringe bait”, what with the 4 hoodies with bullet holes featured from school who had mass shootings. I’m unclear with the message of the show.

[@jamiek4421]

Define superficial Houseplants Plants are questionably comparable to fashion - if you choose to compare the two, have a look at their co2 footprints

[@BlissFoster]

Superficiality and carbon footprint are definitely both bad things, but they are not the same thing 💫💫

[@mathijsknevels4767]

The very first question could be answered by stating that anything with monetary value is superficial, since money is superficially and socially constructed by humans. Great vid for the rest of it though :)

[@chitbhanusingh7389]

y'all need to join the patreon so we can buy our boy a lighting set up and a sippy cup

[@leemary4833]

Margiela….is amazing. Love his tech coats…but are extremely heavy for some reason.

[@joshuaphillip5785]

Don’t ever change bro

[@DivineYeezy]

Fashion has always been superficial. It's initial use was for practical purposes; add layers of protection for the human body as we go out. Like anything else, clothes ended up being used to further the birth of an industry as well as incorporate luxury into them as we found out we could use them to express ourselves.

[@chrisjenkins9978]

Products are not superficial, people are.

[@2nuts4cars]

Oh, boy, Bliss me & you are going to have a LONG talk about cars lol...

[@Stream_of_unconsiousness]

5:24 there is definetly nuance and art to car body design

[@fairuzastevenson9896]

Thank you

[@hiddenname9809]

To me, clothes are just that. Clothes. They are something that to cover my body. At the end of the day, I don't care about the trend or fashion. I am after comfort and body coverage. I think that is the point where we go superficial when we care who the designers are and how much they are and use them to show off and for social status.

[@masonfoster8163]

SO NEEDED. Ty!

[@fvckpink4206]

AYYY IM EARLY AFFFFF HELL YEAH I LOVE YOU BLISS THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO

[@kerrkristie]

you will reach the goal

[@biglloyd5870]

fishing can be about sustenance which i wouldnt say is superficial

[@yungpm]

Yeahhhhhhhhh he missed the mark on that one. Forgot that people fish for food lol

[@theprousteffect9717]

I mean, yes, but not exclusively.

[@dericflairmultiverse4952]

lol Rust t0 Riches is a dope car show, I'm trying to make a fit inspired by hot rod culture

[@evillead1989]

Joined the Patron today! (for the 2nd time, long story)

[@BlissFoster]

Glad you’re back in :) I appreciate it 💫💫

[@jamiek4421]

11:49 “that didn’t look unfinished”?

[@hewehawi]

Oh God! You are such a beautiful person.

[@facundotorga]

Bliss! What happened to the giant plant you had on your living room? 🥺

[@duchessedeberne3909]

I wanna know as well

[@Aluenvey]

I am curious about Margiela specifically. Are you specifically aiming to analyze avant guard fashion? Ive been getting more into brands like Killstar. Though they dont have the shoes I want.

[@OneOneThree-wl7ml]

We ball!!

[@liko_tunez]

Rick Owen’s FW01 Slab collection?

[@whitneysimeon2838]

your home looks like the modern family show set

[@nathanielguillory9088]

Bliss ily but youd be the guy who gets the super cool tattoo with a hour long story behind it

[@anishalawrance0888]

u just made me want to drink water, but im lazy to get out of bed

[@the_CHAR_official]

Fishing I so superficial when you go home and feed your loved ones

[@dvwnte]

This guy is mega cool

[@dewimayasari6084]

your video is giving dogme 95. Special lighting is unacceptable. Great!!!

[@guntermuller850]

One More water and i will be joining the patreon 💯

[@rudolphludolf7506]

chess is not superficial

[@1boulet]

FISHING IS NOT ABOUT BUYING THINGS👿👿👿

[@johndonovan6086]

Shirt is post 2014 :) I think 2018ish?

[@getrealnow73]

do you have any interest in researching doing intensive pieces on Calire McArdle or Charles James just to name a couple ?

[@BlissFoster]

Yup! I take a lot of interest in the old masters 😌

[@kingcarter9410]

Coolest guy on the worldwideweb

[@ilanrudisuhli2548]

12:52 more of that, please.

[@noahg9385]

but didn’t rei kawakubo release “unfinished” clothes at a similar time and/ or before

[@ivanfiorilla6851]

We definitely need more videos of you drinking water and being disgusted by it....

[@GebbzSteelo]

i like drinking a lot of water.

[@kozy2704]

always try to explain to ppl fashion isn’t about how much money u spend.