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mezzano's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
When I read the description for The Power of Style and learned that Christian Allaire created the book because he never saw himself appropriately represented in the fashion industry, I was excited to learn more about Allaire's story and Ojibwe roots. What I got while reading The Power of Style wasn't just one perspective, but an intersectional call for inclusivity. Allaire and other indigenous fashion creators are represented, but so are members of the Black, the LGBTQIA+, and Asian communities. It was so refreshing to see a fashion book focused on a truly diverse cast of creators and models. Cultural hairstyles, religious garments, and diverse bodies are truly celebrated in this book. While fashion universally has the ability to inspire, this book did not come with any guilt with how someone should look or present themselves. It was so uplifting to see models, actors, and creators being vulnerable with the reader in order to uplift the entire fashion community.
On a much smaller note, it was really cool to see how innovation affects the fashion industry. I was really interested in the story of a scientist who went from their chemistry training to shoe designing in order to break down gender roles. I also had a lot of fun learning about the origins of cosplay and what cosplay has become now as inclusivity and creativity is becoming more and more accepted in the craft. I have never been a cosplayer or even a great consumer of fashion, but this short fashion book was refreshing and a great informative read. I've learned that fashion is so much more than consumerism, but can be an honest celebration of diversity, acceptance, and pride.
On a much smaller note, it was really cool to see how innovation affects the fashion industry. I was really interested in the story of a scientist who went from their chemistry training to shoe designing in order to break down gender roles. I also had a lot of fun learning about the origins of cosplay and what cosplay has become now as inclusivity and creativity is becoming more and more accepted in the craft. I have never been a cosplayer or even a great consumer of fashion, but this short fashion book was refreshing and a great informative read. I've learned that fashion is so much more than consumerism, but can be an honest celebration of diversity, acceptance, and pride.
Content Warnings
Minor: Genocide, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
Small mentions of how past events made it hard for some individuals to be prideful, but never gone into details. (eg. indigenous peoples wearing long braids due to past history of genocide; learning to embrace heels after experiencing homophobia as a Black gay man; etc.)
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