“chaotic customization”
& multidimensionality.
A blog post on my thoughts on the ways we interact with the objects that we deem powerful enough to express our identity.
During my time in Europe this summer, I observed the various ways that people around the world use customization to express fragments of their identity and preferences to the outside world.
The practice of communicating your layers to the people that perceive you, through little pieces or items that represent what you have lived and where you have been.
This is symbolic representation of a collection of experiences. We are creating a platform to tell the story of our multi dimensionality. Which can look like a bag with a bunch of charms, a coat or blazer with pins and brooches or like tying little gems or charms to shoes.
In my opinion, this concept has been shadowed and communicated to the masses in a consumerist perspective. Fast fashion ro9ietailers, as well as luxury fashion houses, have produced and are selling the idea of “personalizing” your items. These specific pieces catered to customize the general market’s items, take away of the initial intention of personalization.
The “Labubu” epidemic got me thinking, I see people hanging these little figures on their bags that are arguably an artistic design. From a Birkin to a random handbag, people invested in these items with the intention to customize their belongings.
Which I would say is very contradicting. If customization and personalization is to make your belongings stand out, then giving in to the craze of owning the same little figures as millions of other people is just going with the mold.
The time that it takes to process our experiences, process art, fashion, music etc. Is a part of your relationship with the physical commodities that you start collecting over time. These items are truly what should be used to personalize our items.
This way we create authentic (and preferably) chaotic customization, expressing your consciousness and awareness of your physical experiences.
What do you own that represents you and your experiences? Give these a platform to showcase your multidimenstionality.
some examples that (I think) express authentic chaotic customization:
