Dictation Manipulation: Product Past

Fashion Dictation is nothing new, this is something that has been going on for centuries...it stems from the pressure that men and women place on each other, it's that keeping up with the Jones's, does she look better than me thing.

Nelly Rodi has been telling people what to wear since the 1950's with her 'Style Books' (Paris)

Everyone requires validation... If I wear that well cut, expensive suit I'll be better at my job... I wear that slinky dress, I'll get that guy... but it's gone to far. It used to be that fancy clothing was for special occasions, that people had their 'good' clothes held back, but now we're at a stage where you step out your front door thinking your on the catwalk, and if you don't... well God forbid the consequences... someone important might see you, and tell everyone (especially if you're a high profile identity - the tabloids, the rag-mags... you'll forever be in the 'what not to wear' section.) Women are so pressurised these days to look good, why haven't you got the latest 'it' bag? Where are your 'on trend' shoes? Is that dress last seasons?!

'Fashion magazine editors have been telling women what the trends are for decades and they’re very good at it.'

- ‘Illustator’ (commenting on BBC article)

But the sad thing is, it isn't the sort of information that people dip in and out of when they've got some big event coming up, the Christmas party, your friends wedding... people live their lives struggling to keep up with the rush of incredibly fast fashions just to validate themselves to other women. We all need to RELAX a little bit!

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The Color Association of the United States, with their committee panel of just EIGHT PEOPLE have been dictating colour trends since 1915!

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Often refered to as the 'Bible of the Fashion Industry' The Tobe Report has been in business since 1927, publishing their opinions on clothing and accessories trends 38 times a year - Thats over 3000 reports from the same resource!

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And obviously they are not the only ones! This dictation is not only confined to high end fashion, historically, men and women have continually adhered to dress codes of their society, status, profession and religion. I found this set of rules for the Christian Girl quite disturbing -

With points including:

'How does a women discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? ... Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually?'

'In choosing what I wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?'

'Am I wearing a spaghetti strap, halter or sheer blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet.'

Ok, ok... so I know what your thinking - this is a pretty old set of rules, times have changed, we've moved on, moved forward. We'll it might interest you to know that this document was produced by the Sovereign Grace Ministries in 2002!

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As well as all this, we've also got the blatant trend prediction websites that have been running for a number of years... (and are still going strong!)

WGSN