I am a huge fashion fan. It's a really cool way to express

“I am a huge fashion fan. It's a really cool way to express yourself.” These words spoken by Kiernan Shipka capture a timeless truth: that fashion is not merely about clothing, but about identity, expression, and the story we tell to the world. Since the dawn of civilization, the way humans dress has been an extension of who they are, a language that transcends words. To express oneself through fashion is to make a statement, not just about style, but about values, culture, and personality. It is a powerful tool for connecting with others, a mirror reflecting the inner world onto the outer world, revealing parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden.

In ancient civilizations, clothing held profound significance. The Romans, for example, used togas to denote status, the color and decoration of which indicated social rank. The Greek philosophers would often speak of the sophisticated connection between the outer appearance and inner virtue. Socrates, though a humble man, emphasized the importance of self-awareness in all aspects of life—self-presentation included. Similarly, the Egyptians viewed beauty and attire as an expression of both physical and spiritual alignment. Pharaohs and priests adorned themselves in elaborate garments, symbolizing their connection to the divine, while everyday Egyptians wore simple linen, reflecting their place within the societal order. In these societies, clothing was far more than fashion; it was a language, a mode of expressing one's place in the cosmos, and one’s aspirations.

Kiernan Shipka’s acknowledgment of fashion as a means of self-expression echoes the belief that what we wear is an extension of who we are. Just as the ancient Greeks wore flowing robes to represent their ideal of balance and harmony, today’s fashion serves as a canvas for individual expression. Whether through the boldness of modern streetwear, the elegance of couture, or the simplicity of casual attire, each garment tells a story about identity. Fashion is an opportunity to reflect who we are or even who we aspire to be. It speaks not just to the world but to ourselves—a mirror, as Coco Chanel once said, that reveals both the truth and the ideal of our self-image.

Consider the life of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, whose love for extravagant fashion became both a symbol of her reign and the excesses that led to its downfall. In her lavish gowns, adorned with intricate lace and towering wigs, Marie Antoinette’s fashion was not just a personal expression but a statement of royalty and affluence. However, as her fashion became more extravagant, it also came to symbolize the disconnect between the ruling class and the suffering common people. Her clothes, once a symbol of power, eventually became an emblem of opulence and excess—a reflection of a monarchy out of touch with the needs of the masses. Through her style, she told a story of grandeur, but also of decay and fate. Fashion, as Shipka suggests, can be a powerful tool for expression, but it also carries a responsibility to reflect one’s true essence, and not merely to hide behind illusion.

Fashion, like all forms of self-expression, is not only about appearance but about intent. The great artists and musicians of history have long used their wardrobes as a way to communicate without words. David Bowie, for example, used fashion as part of his artistic persona, with each outfit reflecting a different aspect of his identity. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, was dressed in vibrant, androgynous clothing that blurred the lines between masculinity and femininity, creating a statement that resonated with the cultural shifts of the time. Similarly, Kiernan Shipka, known for her role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, has used fashion to create an identity that reflects both youthful rebellion and sophistication. Through her carefully chosen outfits, she blends modern sensibilities with timeless elegance, offering the world a view into her own personal narrative.

The lesson we take from Kiernan Shipka’s words is clear: fashion is a powerful means of self-expression. It is a language that speaks volumes about who we are, what we value, and how we wish to be perceived. Just as the great thinkers and leaders of the past used their attire to communicate their essence to the world, we too can use fashion to express our identity, our purpose, and our vision for the future. Whether we are seeking to make a statement or simply reflect our innermost self, the clothes we choose are a manifestation of our creative power.

In our own lives, let us embrace fashion as a form of art and expression, recognizing that our attire can be both a reflection of our inner self and a tool to communicate with the world around us. Let us be mindful of the messages we send through our clothing, ensuring that they align with the truths we hold dear. Fashion is not just about following trends, but about creating a personal language that speaks to the world, as Kiernan Shipka so aptly suggests. By using fashion as a lens through which to explore and express our identity, we can discover a deeper connection to both ourselves and the world we wish to shape.