We will all be famous one day...
As I say goodbye to my first year of blogging on Style Bubble, I say hello to a another. As I was getting ready to go home for Christmas, I caught an email from a reader who had sent me a link to a curiously named page. Wait for it and yes I nearly did snort the coffee I was drinking at the time out of my nostrils: - 'The Susie Bubble Appreciation Thread (and other Style Diary fashionistas)', a forum thread of about seven pages on Vogue Australia Forums. Actually, if you read through it, it's really more of a discussion/criticism of my style and other Style Diary members. It isn't that the criticism itself bothered me that much (I did post a reply on the thread but only in defence of some not so nice comments about the blog!) but I was just completely weirded out that the thread existed in the first place and that these people were typing stuff about my style in a similar fashion to how we talk about celeb style; 'Her style is so overrated.' 'She looks like she tries too hard.' - all things I say about celebs.
It seems like Andy Warhol's premonition of everyone becoming famous for 15 minutes is fast becoming true (though IQONS takes this quote and gets something positive from it by featuring people worthy of 15 minutes of fame on their page - check out their roster of people, myself included!). Mainstream press have dubbed 2006 the year that MySpace and YouTube exploded and how this has impinged on the fashion world is quite clear. People all over the world now have the means to be inspired by anyone - the normal folks. The past three years have thrown up My Style Diary, Flickr groups like Wardrobe Remix (set up by the lovely Tricia), fashionable MySpace profiles that have gained cult followings, What Are You Wearing Today? threads on all sorts of fashion forums (I'm quite attached to the one at TFS), a burgeoning number of streetstyle blogs that are religiously checked out by a plethora of people (Carine Roitfeld is a fan of The Satorialist!) and of course an ever increasing number of fashion blogs like the one you are reading now.
Where we have previously stared at people with admirable style on the streets and made mental fashion inspiration notes to oneself or have thought 'What the crap is she/he wearing?' when faced with a not so admirably attired person, if that he or she is somewhere out there on the net be it a via a Style Diary or a party photo site like DDD or the Cobrasnake, that person in effect becomes public domain. Let's rewind. I am just a normal Miss Nobody. I have a 9-5 job that can suck at times and I go to work by cramming myself onto the tube. I wash my toilets on Sundays. I don't think of myself as one of those who strangers would bother discussing about. But there it is. I write this blog, I have a Style Diary and ergo, somewhat in the online public eye.
To illustrate with a super prime example, I'm sure most of you are by now familiar with Cory Kennedy a girl that has thrown up questions about what constitutes fame but also, whether it matters or not since her style has gained her enough of a following that it doesn't really matter what she does. Strangely, a few of you have requested I state my opinion of her so I'll take this opportunity to do so. To be honest, it's not really much of a strong opinion. I have read her blog and seen her pictures and from that I gather that she gets up to all sorts of indie/hipster shenanigans, has quite a few connections in the LA 'scene', quite good taste in music and a way of wearing vintage designer labels with a cool recklessness. I do admire the attitude of her style but not so much her style itself. It is somewhat of a phenomenon how she has gained such a large fanbase online and therefore people who are thus influenced by her. I don't mean to compare myself to Miss Kennedy as she IS and there is no getting away from it, a bona fide style icon (I don't tend to use that word often but for better or for worse, she is one) but I do wonder whether she gets similarly weirded out by the way people on the net discuss her. Does she think the same thing as I do which is 'But...but...I'm a NOBODY!' (or maybe she does think she is a SOMEBODY.....hmmm...?)
This isn't some sort of uber self-conscious analysis but merely observations extended from a curious link. I do have to question this democratisation of style. On one hand, it's a huge YAY from me, power to the people, style is everywhere and all of that jazz. I would be the first to say my inspiration comes from streetstyle, the stuff that real people are wearing - exactly what the Chanel quote in the Style Bubble banner says. On the other hand, as a result, it seems everything is deemed public property. The trouble is where do you draw the line. You could argue that by having a blog/style diary/photolog, you're exposing yourself on the net and if that invites critics, you have no right to complain? But you could also argue, those said tools are ways of communicating with friends, cataloguing outfits, not a means of self-publicisation. I'm certainly not comfortable with people saying things about what I wear online, positive or not. This is not the same as commenting on the blog, or people commenting on outfits in forums I personally participate in. I'm talking about the wider, bigger, unknown, the stuff I never knew existed.
If 2006 has taught me anything, it's acceptance and as trite as that sounds, there is a difference between nasty jibing and saying one's style is not your cup of tea. So in 2007, I vow to be a bit of a goody two shoes with less of the poking fun of style with regards to people I don't know.
Which leaves a final pondering. After all my talk about the democratisation of global style, what does 2007 hold in store for us? More models from MySpace being featured in magazines like in the current issue of Dazed & Confused?
Style Diary fashionistas becoming real life stylists? (probably has happened already...)
Scores of new online 'IT' girls like La Femme has spotted Am Lul here on her fotolog?
Well, what's left to say except 'Bring on 2007!'
some people use blogs to self-publisize, which is kind of sick, but you can really tell who's in it for the fame and who's in it for the fun of fashion etc...
Posted by: Katie | 31 December 2006 at 05:21
I think people jib at any interesting individual whether you are famous or not.Everyone trash talks. It's fun until the novelty wears down. Then it's on to the next thing. *shrug*
Interesting people catch attention from other people. They can't help but talk about those certain things about certain individuals. Susie, you are a very interesting person who has many interesting to say whether people like it or not. Keep it up and do your thang!
Posted by: stcolapop | 31 December 2006 at 06:17
I'm still kind of confused about Cory Kennedy. I mean, yeah, I've heard of her, but what exactly is she famous for? Is she just one of those people who are famous for being famous?
Posted by: Katie | 31 December 2006 at 06:42
susie, honestly. just because some narrow minded freak makes a mean comment...
i mean really you have an interesting point of view and really a great outlook. There's no reason to censor yourself for the sake of being polite.
WE LOVE YOU LIKE YOU ARE
Posted by: | 31 December 2006 at 06:49
That's so weird that people spend their time analysing someone they don't even know. Kind of like people who leave hate comments it just makes me think they must have no life at all...they must have an awful lot of spare time and not much imagination!
Posted by: Claire | 31 December 2006 at 09:14
Wow...I was quite floored when I read the thread. Anyone who accused you of self-Googling/self-promotion obviously hasn't read your blog in detail. Sadly, gossip happens everywhere and anonymity leads people to think that they have the right to hurl nasty words around "just for kicks" because they can't get caught. Sorry you were hurt by the comments.
FWIW, I appreciate your intelligent discussion of style even if I don't like some of your outfits. It's the idea and the willingness to experiment that counts. After all, this blog is as much about your personal style as it is about fashion in general. How would trends develop if no one was willing to try new things?
Posted by: SRR | 31 December 2006 at 09:14
omg, today wanted to open a blog (i get up very early and get boring!) and was about to talk about this new (coming back) trend of the anonymous-streetstyle blogs and forums etc. and you did it. so guess no need i open a blog...
don't pay attention to what people say... eventhough criticsms can be good sometimes to hear.
Posted by: berlinrocks | 31 December 2006 at 09:46
don't let them take the fun out of it bubs.
you do what you do. I don't know how you blog with passion, have a 9-5 and a life on the side. it is impressive.
besides, aussie vogue forum!? not very... influencial, is it? i didn't know it existed until you posted the link. save your links for those who deserve the attention.
Posted by: dimes | 31 December 2006 at 09:51
Everyone is different. Some ppl like the stuff you post on and some doesn't . well, i really enjoy reading your blog so i don't think u should bother what others says about you. just be you.
you should be happy cause ppl actually bother to read your blog and i guess ppl admire u cause u dare to be different.
Happy new year btw and Hope you have more intersting stuff to post on in 2007 ^^
xoxo
Posted by: linda | 31 December 2006 at 10:58
Thanks guys for the support. I really wasn't upset by the comments. My style is an acquired taste - like marmite...ho ho...
but it just sparked off my thoughts that I had been having about where the internet will take people. How things spiral and how people like Cory Kennedy come about. Katie, I'm not quite sure either how she is famous. It really started for an appreciation for her style on thecobrasnake site I think....
Posted by: susie_bubble | 31 December 2006 at 11:03
When you have success there are always people who are against and think they know you better then you know yourself. But they'd put lots of their time in that forum.
Please keep on doing what you've always did:
give your vision of fashion!
Thank you and have a great party tonight!
Posted by: Amber Smidt | 31 December 2006 at 11:05
This is what I love about your blog- always a well thought-out explanation and support of your own ideas, even if I don't agree with them. People can talk but what does it matter, as long as you are happy with your writing?
All the best for 2007!
Posted by: hoyan | 31 December 2006 at 13:41
susie keep up what you're doing!! I found your blog by accident a while ago and I've been back everyday. I like your observations of the fashion world, I'm a visual addict and because you update your blog every day it curbs my hunger for pictures. Plus you always highlight me to things I've missed in magazines, like I'd have got the latest issue of iD, POP or Dazed but you've gone to the lengths of finding websites etc to relate to certain articles that I may have just flicked over in the mag. I really appreciate that.
Posted by: sammi | 31 December 2006 at 13:44
Style is really subjective, it is merely a preference. Things that are being liked are also meant to be hated. You can not lest the hate from others whilst people posted here loves you. Let the hate go and worship the love to make life pleasant. People has the faculty to hate, but it is uncouth to put them down. People humilate others to gain self superior.
I like to check out your blog, because you talk about fashion without celebrities, your whims are staggering peculiar, you are not pretentious, and you are chinese (me too)!
For year 2007, I expect more critisms on fashion shows and designers, instead of your hauls. Never forget your banner, that is what makes this blog "sacred".
I like to socialize with nobody over somebody, because once we reached the coffin, we are all the same.
Posted by: twilight | 31 December 2006 at 18:02
dearest Susie: do not let anybody bother your freshness and talented vision for FASHION!
We love you: That's all!
Bonne Annee 2007!!!
Posted by: Nathalie Doucet | 31 December 2006 at 19:10
susie,
i enjoy everything you write about on your blog. it is YOUR blog so don't let other people tell you what you should or shouldn't blog about. this blog and everything good that came(s) out of it is all you, and lots of people love it, so embrace it :)
p.s. i love seeing your new hauls and all your fun outfits!
Posted by: sherry | 31 December 2006 at 19:30
Your style has intelligence, don’t let idiotic kids fool you.
Posted by: Luna Buzz | 01 January 2007 at 00:29
Hey Susie - dont sweat abt it. I must confess, i had at one time beeing an avid memo of the vogue Australia forum (when i was at uni and had the luxury of time). My impression of the forum it that it really wasnt very vogue but rather densely populated with 16 year old rich girls who liked to talk about talk abt lables and 'parties' and to criticise others. I never understand why people feel the need to be mean - especially to put thing in the written form.
my 2 cents is that your blog is fabulous... i love secretly checking it out at work. please keep it up! and,.. i guess u are a bit of an online celeb - but have fun and dont let it get to u.
lastly - happy 2007!
Posted by: Rose | 01 January 2007 at 01:30
Hey Susie - dont sweat abt it. I must confess, i had at one time been an avid member of the vogue Australia forum (when i was at uni and had the luxury of time). My impression of the forum it that it really wasnt very vogue but rather densely populated with 16 year old rich girls who liked to talk about the same old lables and 'parties' and to criticise others. I never understood why people feel the need to be mean - especially to put thing in the written form.
my 2 cents is that your blog is fabulous... i love secretly checking it out at work. please keep it up! and,.. i guess u are a bit of an online celeb - but have fun and dont let it get to u.
lastly - happy 2007!
Posted by: PUddle jumper | 01 January 2007 at 01:32
Yay for civility.
That's really my take on it given the fact that so many of us are now in the public domain (& yes, I agree it's strange to think of it that way.) I may not have the same opinion on style as every fashion blogger out there but I would never write nasty comments or set up a forum to disagree with their viewpoint; it should be like anything else that doesn't suit you, you turn off the tv, don't see the movie, or don't buy the magazine. It's that simple.
Besides which, vive la difference. If everyone had the same style/opinions/taste, how boring would that be.
Posted by: ambika | 01 January 2007 at 17:14
It's really kind of a tough call, whether or not bloggers will be able to pull through in the long term. The idea of blogging on the side of a 9-5 is nice and all, but it can be difficult. Mostly it's weird how easily you become totally search-able by anyone who is curious about you. More than once I've had to double-think before I post. Just to be careful. I am a fashion photographer in Czech Republic myself, (sorta a Czech Fashion Photographer, although I'm not czech) and I always find myself watching what I say, just in case potential clients decide to Google me beforehand. Google fame is one thing, but in places like Prague where the Czech Fashion scene is pretty insulated, sometimes it's better to just keep style/opinion/taste offline. :-)
anyway, I love the blog!
Dennison Bertram, Czech Fashion Photographer
Posted by: Dennison Bertram | 01 January 2007 at 20:47
Thanks for subsequent 'Don't let them get you down' comments! I really am not bothered by criticism at all.... this is more of an internet social commentary post! Bennison, you raise a very good point. I suppose in my case, I don't have to censor myself because I don't have anyone in the fashion industry to answer to. But yes, what we say as bloggers do have consequences.
Posted by: susie_bubble | 01 January 2007 at 20:56
what a load of tripe on that forum. most of the posts where obviously by ppl who celebrate mediocre fashion style.
Posted by: d | 01 January 2007 at 23:09
I read the thread that you posted and I was frankly appalled at some of the comments (eg. writing your style off as "honky"). I also didn't understand the 'advertising' argument - what are you expected to write a FASHION blog about but FASHION?!
I just feel that many people are always bound to be afraid of what is different. On the other hand, many others (like myself) celebrate difference and individuality, and it is that originality that keeps me addicted to your blog.
Keep up the good work, susie!
x
Posted by: WITHNAIL | 01 January 2007 at 23:13
don't mind them susie. your fashion sense is unique. i love how you put your clothes together. i guess some people are just too narrow minded and not understand that there is fashion more than the "in" trend. fashion is suppose to be fun you know?!? why take it so seriously?
Posted by: | 02 January 2007 at 04:45
i. just. well... the downsides of being on the public eye, because, whether you like it or not, you're sort of a public person now, with all the comments and articles about you and Of Course you're a-m-a-z-i-n-g blog! however, don't let hate comments bring you down!
Posted by: Ms. Oscar the Grouch | 02 January 2007 at 08:14
I read it somewhere that in the future everyone will be famous to 15 people (a play on Andy Warhol's statement). I think this is a perfect definition of the blogesphere... I think it was one of the Apple designers who said it.
Posted by: HazelnutStudio | 02 January 2007 at 17:44
aww, it nice your getting noticed!
Posted by: punky | 02 January 2007 at 20:23
just wanted to say that you are an inspiration!
and having a forum thread about yourself, no matter are the comments good or bad, is a good thing. means you made a difference...oh, it's hard to express yourself when english isn't your primary language...nevermind, a girl from croatia wants you to keep on blogging in 2007., and have many nice things (and new clothes) happen to you as well!
sretna nova 2007. godina!!!
Posted by: ana | 03 January 2007 at 16:03
Hey susie--I love your blog--I know this was a post to ignite a discussion of internet culture and fame but I think we all feel like someone hurt our friend's feelings so we wanna jump in there and make you feel better. Isn't that as wierd or wierder than the criticisms? It's a wild world baby!
Posted by: megu-chan | 03 January 2007 at 20:08
I have similar views as Rose. I used to lurk on the Vogue.AU forums quite a bit and my conclusion is that a lot of the ladies on there ridicule anyone who wants to be 'unique'. Australian fashion averages out to be extremely bland and not the least bit adventurous. There are definitely some rare 'diamonds in the rough' but since I've relocated to the other side of the pond. I'm being challenged and inspired on a daily basis and I absolutely love it.
Thanks for a great blog Miss Bubble. I may not agree with everything you've written but it's definitely inspirational ;)
x
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streetstyle, show yourself, to be yourself
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