Followers of Fashion. What Would Jesus Say?

Watching epic films is one of my favourite things to do. No matter how long ago they were made they still grab my attention, popcorn at the ready and cosy blanket are a god send for a well-earned cinematic experience in the comfort of my home. Tucked up on my sofa I watched King of Kings, a biblical story of Jesus. Not the best film ever made but this story always grabs my attention and I notice new things which have me comparing life then to the life we live now.

As I watched this man go from town to town, village to village and tax man to prostitute it struck me how many followers grew and walked with him when all he had to wear was a plain and unfashionable piece of cloth on his strong back. Today, anyone dressed in that fashion would be locked up or looked down upon. The message being heard now by fans, followers and the lost is wear Gucci, Tom Ford and all will be well in their world but are they misleading themselves?

It helps to talk about these things when drawing my own conclusions and a close friend pointed out that musicians and politicians use, as Jesus did, words to bring things to light and convey what you are going or have gone through which is why they have a fan base and loyal constituents. I agree with him, however, there are those which are hailed not for the words they preach but for how they have made a quick buck.

An example of this are the Kardashians. Loved, admired and set on a pedestal by girls all over the world. Real people, with real problems, heartache and issues; we can all relate to the Kardashians but the flip side is that girls also want what they have. As I see it, there are three options to achieve Kardashian status in our world, work harder than you are already, credit cards and if you are patient, work with your partner for these material things. It seems that many of these ‘stars’ have it all but they didn’t get it over night.

The message from Jesus and many other religious figures and gurus is clear, love yourself and others. Perhaps these material things are a substitute until love is found? A momentary feeling that is based more on lust than love but ultimately fashions change and you will continue the search for love in every fashion house as the seasons pass. In my experience, finding what I love to do has made me happier than any garment my money can buy; I love nice things and jackets to keep me warm are my weakness but loving what I do each day keeps out the cold.

“But as an adult working in the fashion industry, I struggle with materialism. And I’m one of the least materialistic people that exist, because material possessions don’t mean much to me. They’re beautiful, I enjoy them, they can enhance your life to a certain degree, but they’re ultimately not important”.

Tom Ford