Fashion Consciousness

The other day while I was in town I noticed a shoe shop, which used to be at Oxford Circus, was now closed. The shop has been there for so long, to me, it was synonymous to Oxford Circus. I've even used that shop as a landmark when I've arranged to meet up with friends. I couldn't believe it wasn't there anymore. I wondered where they'd moved to.

Yesterday on the bus in the west end, a woman sat next to me. The first thing I noticed was she had the same shoe shop's carrier bag with her. I told her I'd noticed the shoe shop had closed at Oxford Circus. She said she had noticed it too but the one she had been to was in Chelsea. I thought it was amazing how she had sat next to me though. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, then I heard a voice speaking.

"It's hot today, isn't it?"

For a moment I was bewildered and wasn't sure where I was. Then I remembered I was on a bus in the west end and that the voice was coming from the passenger beside me.

"I didn't realise it was this hot until I came outside," I said.

"Looks like we're having an Indian Summer. It's about time we had a proper summer."

"Yes, might as well enjoy it as long as it lasts."

It's amazing the British preoccupation with the weather. It's a great way to break the ice. Don't know what to talk about? Just chat about the weather and you've got a mate for life.

"Do you live around here?" I asked.

"No, I live in Sloane Square. There are lots of fashionable shops around there, aren't there?"

"Yes, they do."

"What about you, where do you live?"

"In North London."

"Near the countryside?"

"No, not that far out."

"I like living in London there are lots of nice parks to go to like this one." At the time the bus was driving via Hyde Park. "They always have lots of nice events there, don't they?"

"Yes, I went to see the Tour de France recently, which started off in Hyde Park. It was a lot of fun," I said.

"Really? Well, I don't cycle myself."

"I also love Richmond Park, I said. "I spent some time there last summer."

"I love Richmond Park too."

"The closet park near where I live is Hampstead Heath, which I also love. I go there frequently."

"I have a friend who lives near there. I don't like going to the Heath on my own though because it has all those dark spots. You never know who's hiding in the corners."

"Now that's interesting because it's the dark places that appeal to me. I love that I can find places to hide in or explore."

"Don't you get scared?"

"No."

"I guess some people are like that, they have no fear."

"It's not that, it's just that I trust in people's good nature. Besides, I'm too busy loving the park to think of being scared."

"Well, you have to be careful you know."

"Hum, do you live alone?" I said.

"Yes, but my son visits from time to time."

"And you feel quite safe?"

"Yes, the area is quite safe," she said. "When you have a routine like a job it makes you feel secure."

"I guess so." I said. I was wondering what that had to do with anything.

"I've been off sick and registered disabled so I can't work."

"Oh I see. But you do go out, don't you?" I said. "Don't you have other things you can focus on?"

"Yes, I do. I love going to art galleries. I design my own clothes. I love fashion. I read fashion magazines and go to the V&A Museum to keep up to date with what's in fashion."

I noticed my friend's face had lit up while she was discussing her love of fashion.

"My mother was a tailor, you know," she continued. "My son is also into fashion. Everyone in my family is into fashion. There's nothing better than getting dressed up. It makes you feel so good inside."

"It's good to have something you're passionate about," I said. "And I'm sure the clothes would rather be with people who love them."

"I've just come from Camden," she said pointing to her plastic bags.

"Oh yeah? Did you pick up some good bargains?"

"Yes. Things are so cheap compared to the shops in Sloane Square."

"I go there sometimes. I sometimes buy my jeans from there."

"I'm not the type to wear the same kinds of clothes. I don't like dressing too young or too old, it's important to get it right. I like wearing different colours. Sometimes I end up looking like a clown," she giggled.

At the moment my friend was wearing a purple jacket. I couldn't tell how old she was though she'd indicated that she had a grown up son. I guess she was probably in her forties.

"Yeah, I like Camden but I wouldn't go there on a Sunday though."

"Why?"

"Because it's chock-a-block. But it's good if you're looking for a good bargain."

I noticed her nail vanish and lifted one finger to have a closer look.

"Wow, that's unusual!" I said.

"Do you like it?"

"It's interesting."

"It's luminous green. I like these kinds of colours. My son sometimes paints my nails for me."

"It looks good."

I also admired her rings.

By then we were approaching the last stop.

"It's been nice talking to you," she said.

"Me too. Keep enjoying your love of fashion."

I waved goodbye to my friend and we headed off in opposite directions.

On my journey home I thought about how fashion conscious my friend was. Fashion is how she loves being herself, it is her joy and makes her feel alive. When you are busy being yourself in whatever form it takes, fear is the last thing on your mind.

Thank you, dear friend, for a lovely journey.

Enocia

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