COMMENT: Has ‘fast fashion’ killed off the style icon as we know her?

While attending the launch of the Marilyn Monroe: Legend And Legacy exhibition in Newbridge Museum Of Style Icons this week, I was struck by many things: that the star's jewellery hoard was surprisingly lacking in diamonds; just how teeny-tiny her waist was, and how eloquent her typed letters were.

One detail that really stood out, however, was the revelation that a pair of red shoes on display dated all the way back to Norma Jeane's modelling days – long before she became Marilyn Monroe, and was catapulted into stardom and the glamorous trappings of Hollywood.

It seems that even with the world's top designers clambering to dress her, Marilyn wouldn't be parted with a pair of years-old shoes. She kept EVERYTHING. Indeed, one of the exhibition curators joked that if Marilyn went out and bought a pint of milk, she would hold on to the receipt.

It's certainly in contrast to my own approach. In fact, right now, there is not a single garment in my wardrobe that is less than three years old.

So here we are, flocking to these admittedly GORGEOUS exhibitions to marvel at the treasured collections of icons, gazing in awe at how well kept each piece was. But if we appreciate the legacy of fashion handed down by our most beloved stars, how come our modern-day approach to style is so different?

The answer: our unwavering addiction to 'fast fashion'.

This addiction is what has spawned so many lookalike celebrity fashion lines, caused garments to sell out minutes after being spotted on bloggers, and led to that very item ending up on your Depop account weeks later.

To put it into perspective: last week, following the Brexit result, the British pound began to plummet in value. What was our response? We were so desperate to bag an item at knockdown price that we took to ASOS and brought the company to its knees. The site was down for an ENTIRE DAY – unheard of in an age where digital reigns.

There's something to be said for the fact that, 54 years after her untimely death, Marilyn Monroe remains one of our most legendary icons. But, in a time when fashion is so disposable, you have to wonder just whose garments will be lining the walls of the Museum Of Style Icons in 50 years' time.

We haven't lost our passion for authenticity – the exhibition itself proves this. But perhaps we need to take inspiration from Marilyn, and consider the legacy and stories we're leaving behind with our clothing.

Here's an example: a few weeks back, one of my colleagues walked into the office wearing a butter-yellow prom dress with floral detail. The female-heavy, fashion-loving editorial team was practically on its knees worshipping at its wearer's altar, demanding to know where she made this head-turning purchase.

Sadly for us (though luckily for her), her grandmother had created the item especially for her 21st birthday some time ago. It had been recently taken out of storage for another spin – giving us an entirely new appreciation of the power of one dress in the process.

And so I ask: is it time for a fashion detox? Should we desist in our race to keep up with the Kardashians (or indeed the Amy Childs, and the Michelle Keegans, and the Lauren Goodgers). Should we, as a matter urgency, reconsider the true place of fashion in our lives?

I, for one, am looking forward to taking a long overdue strike from my fast-fashion diet. Instead, I'll be seeking inspiration from a pair of simple red shoes worn by a rather exceptional woman who went on to achieve iconic status.

 

The Newbridge Silverware Museum Of Style Icons is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am – 6pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 11am – 6pm. Entry is free.

The Marilyn Monroe memorabilia exhibition runs until July 25.