Love Letter to Next In Fashion
Credits: Next In Fashion Instagram @nextinfashion
I’ve been in love before. Fast flames, deep friendships, and long-term relationships. That said, I’ve never been in love quite like this before. You make me feel things and I suspect I’m not the only one. You have many admirers.
Even though I got to you a little late – two weeks after your release which in binge watching terms could easily be a lifetime – but it’s not because I wasn’t interested. No, the timing had to be just right. After devouring you whole and at times with other people, you naughty minx, I can only now articulate why you affected me so deeply. I love you for many ways, but these elements below are the ones that stick out.
Why Working with Others is Important
Tan and Alexa put us all through the ringer by pairing contestants up in new combinations. Matchmaking is never easy but it sure is fun to watch unfold. Some knew each other from before the show and others met while on it. I found watching it play out compelling. Teammates discussing how best to let a garment shine; gentle disagreements; and emotional support and coaching are nearly pornographic to my eyes. It’s an important reminder that we need to find ways to work together and that the end result, often is better than going at it alone.
The Power of Constructive Criticism
Our modern world is more sensitive than ever before. I love that. But I love the ability to give feedback – solid, detailed, solutions focused feedback that critiques the work and behaviour, not the person itself – is something that society must hold on to. Our love cannot thrive if never never grow and talk about our issues. I love the notion that being nice and being kind are different things. Polite and nice is lovely, it is, but I need evolution and improvement to fall deep in love. Honest kindness encourages us to do our very best by getting real.
Highlighting Tastemakers and its Pain Bodies
We had a bit if a tough go in the “Streetweer” episode. Remember when the judges were sharing their thoughts and were split down the middle? The streetwear experts in the room explained the pain body of the colonial class and its descendants deciding what is “good” all while the people who actually live that lifestyle strongly disagreed. It was intense, yes, and someone walked out, but it was only because they cared about the art and what it means to participate fully in it. It’s important for us to remember that taste is not solely defined by one group of people just because they wrote the history books about their own lives. Now is so very much the time to expand our palette and fall in love with more genres.
Why Positive Competition Helps Others Thrive
Though we often hear that your neighbour is not your competition, that is not exactly true. My love, your entire show was a competition. Alas, a friendly one. I want to live in a world where my neighbour can be achieving things and that encourages me to strive to go for whatever it is that I want. Not a copy-cat situation; rather you do you and I’ll do me. As someone steps up their game, you can use that good energy to step up yours. Now I’m not a fan of jealousy – so silly – rather I love when I can do my thing and you encourage me to do so while you’re also doing yours. How cute was it when the designers shared their opinions with others – when invited to do so – so that they could all work through and deliver to the catwalk? V v cute.
Why Minju is Everything
I saved the best for last, hunny. See our love flourished because of one key element: Minju. What she brought to the relationship was divine. She helped Tan see sexy in a new, actually wearable light. She showered our love with detailed, expert construction and enveloped us with layers and layers of carefully mended fabric. Though she shared her struggle, she was open and honest and it was all because she wanted the best. When it comes to our relationship, it wouldn’t be the same without joyful, delightful Minju. And that green that has seared into my heart.
I’m so glad that we found each other. I think our love will last longer than the ten episodes we spent together. We went through too much to be just a crush. No darling, we’re in it for the long haul.
