I Am, I Am

"What I am, I am; and let it be enough."

H&M top // Topshop skirt // H&M mules //

Shore Projects watch

c/o // Topshop necklace

I am not one to publicly voice my political views or opinions on current events. I tend to keep those to myself while hearing the many perspectives out there. It doesn't mean I'm detached from the world nor lack caring, but personally, I don't feel the need to call forth arguments or debates regarding world matters, when everyone is entitled to their own opinions without contrast or comparison. However, for once I feel the need to express my thoughts on a topic that hits very close to home; The

Vogue article slamming bloggers during Milan Fashion Week.

If a highly established publication in the fashion industry can voice its extremely aggressive opinions of bloggers to those outside of the "blogosphere" then I worry what those less exposed to our world might begin to say. This is my first heavily opinionated piece regarding current matters, but I feel too strongly to not say anything and i hope those reading will keep an open mind to it.

The word "blogger" has been so annoyingly watered down ever since the birth of its growing presence in the fashion industry, and social media world. Due to its easily acquirable dynamic, everyone and anyone can become one. It's not something that requires professional experience nor specific schooling, all you need is a vision and a drive to start one, and in the new day and age, we've become more revered for openly projecting so. But unfortunately, because of its accessibility, it has often been wrongly belittled for lacking credibility in the fashion industry. As Vogue has quite frankly put it, “Please stop. Find another business. You are heralding the death of style.”

Well, this is what I have to say to that:

B U L L S H I T

.

Unless you are hibernating from the social media world, then you should know that bloggers have grown to become much more than passionate individuals building websites filled with pictures of themselves. They have become influencers in the game. Self-made brands in a modern world where constructing your own career path is now the norm. We are our own bosses, marketers, PR, strategist, designers, and producers. In fact, the marketing/advertising industry has evolved dynamically due to the direct help of influencers. Can you really blame us that people feel more connected to the fashion industry through the open communications and more repeatable experience from blogging? We're utilizing our resources and technology to its full potential to support our businesses while living the everyday life. We're not just bloggers. We are

creators

. We are

entrepreneurs

. We are

artisans

of our own craft. We build empires from our branded names, and manage business 24/7 (not even an exaggeration). Some of us even balance full-time or part-time jobs on top of that. Others have turned it into their entire career. So, what was that about finding another business? Because what I see is business. We mean business. We are business.

And in the end, since when was pursuing a dream a crime? Don't we live in a modern age where jobs go beyond the corporate world? We're not supposed to be criticized for venturing off towards a different path. Weren't we supposed to encourage individuals to live out their passions and put happiness before careers? I mean, "bloggers" are essentially just that, and I must say we're doing a heck of a good job at it. 

End rant.

Photography by

Ryan Chua