Fashion finds a voice: literary event sparks a cultural conversation
A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of Fashion writing, fueled by a unique literary series called ‘Fashion Fiction.’ Founded by literary event programmer Mikaela Dery, the initiative is redefining how we approach style, moving it beyond mere commerce and into the realm of genuine intellectual exploration.
From plum sykes to a thriving community
The genesis of ‘Fashion Fiction’ began with a re-reading of Plum Sykes’s Bergdorf Blondes. Sykes’s recollections of her “Fashion Fiction” column sparked Dery’s vision: a series that treated Fashion writing as a serious literary art form. ‘It’s about decoupling fashion from the relentless pressure of sales,’ Dery explains, ‘and following it as an intellectual pursuit.’
Now, just approaching its first anniversary, the series boasts a roster of impressive contributors, including Zoe Dubno, Doreen St. Félix, Rachel Syme, and Katie Roiphe. Partnerships with brands like Warby Parker and Serviette fragrances have further amplified its reach, all while remaining free and operating through a rotating selection of local venues.
A scene of eclectic style
Recent readings have cultivated a devoted following, often selling out within minutes. At a recent event held at Surrender Dorothy, attendees – many sporting vintage finds – mingled amidst a collection of Chanel flats, a Marilyn Monroe miniskirt, and even a Spice World T-shirt paired with a plaid pencil skirt. Jonathan Woollen’s translation of Superstars, complete with a tiara and rhinestones, underscored the series’ eclectic focus – anything related to fashion is fair game.
Voices from the vanguard
The event’s diverse lineup included readings from Amanda Lee Burkett, who explored the aesthetics of basketball and Allen Iverson, and Elisa Gonzalez, sharing insights from her work on celebratory dress. The audience remained captivated, demonstrating a genuine interest in the often-overlooked intersection of style and culture.
Literary influences
Dery herself highlights five key works that have shaped her perspective on aesthetics. Elizabeth Hawes’s Fashion Is Spinach, a sharp critique of American fashion trends, remains particularly relevant. Judith Thurman’s A Left-Handed Woman delves into the role of clothing in personal expression. Henry James’s Daisy Miller captures the societal pressures surrounding style. Yasmin Zaher’s The Coin uses a Birkin bag pyramid scheme to explore the physicality of objects. And Helen Garner’s Yellow Notebook reveals the inherent connection between writing and fashion, offering a glimpse into a woman’s thoughts and observations.
Looking ahead
For more information on upcoming ‘Fashion Fiction’ events, visit their Substack page. The series’ continued success proves that fashion, when approached with critical intelligence and a touch of literary flair, can be far more than just a trend – it can be a powerful lens through which to examine the complexities of human experience.