Red Carpet in schools

Brand Matters

Have you noticed on the Red Carpet, take for instance a prestigious event like the Oscars or The Grammy’s or some big celebrity event there’s a host from some famous television show who interviews the stars as they strut the red carpet. While interviewing them he/she will ask; “Wow, love the dress, who designed for you”
Then comes the obvious answer “Dolce Gabana, or in South Africa its either Stone Cherry or David Kau. Never will you hear a celeb say “I bought this dress at a flea market or from Mr. Price” No it always has to be either custom-made just for the celebrity or expensive.

It is so funny how expensive these outfits are and how ugly they are. I mean, I could buy a dress from a discount store that still would not get me on the Worst Dressed List. Then there is the fact that if you do not spend thousands on a dress, there is something wrong with you. The pricier items you have, the better? Hopefully in these tough economic times, budget shoppers like myself will start a new trend. People never pay attention to wise spenders or the beautiful dresses that are not strut on the runway, no they pay attention to the ones who flaunt their clothes, no matter how ugly they are. It is so wrong that the most popular celebs all buy from big name brands.

The Celebrity trend of this Brand matters thing has made a big influence on everybody. Including teenagers. You see I go to a private school, where we wear school uniforms on a daily basis. Therefore, you would think that because we wear uniforms, we all look the same and there is no “ best dressed” competition in terms of fashion since we are all restricted to look the same. WRONG! Items ranging from cellphones, school bags, IPods’, Makeup (girls) and…Cars. Yes, Cars. If your daddy owns the latest Audi or wait Ferrari, you just scored your ticket to being the most popular guy/girl in school. Congratulations. I guess that’s what makes high school fun. We seem to always be competing for best dressed just like on the Red Carpet.

I am not saying it is wrong to like big fashion labels, its just some people are so obsessed with it that they get depressed over it or max out credit cards just to impress their friends. Some people feel worthless. There was a time when I used to want so bad to be the best dressed at my school to impress everybody. I guess, I still do take a little bit of time trying to look my best, but it is all for one very special person…me.

© Imani Dlamini 2009