My
first strong memory of fashion that I can recall is at chapel. I’m struggling
to pinpoint an exact age, but I couldn’t have been very old – around 5 or 6.
Where
I’m from, (and I believe this is generally the case with Irish Catholics in
general) going to Sunday mass was the best opportunity for mothers and wives to
dress to impress and wear their Sunday best, as there wasn’t really any other opportunity
to do that in a town where nothing ever really happened.
I had
no interest whatsoever in God or Catholicism at that age – I don’t think any 5
year old does to be completely honest. The only thing that made mass remotely
enjoyable was gawking at all the fancy, designer clothes that everyone was
parading around in on their way to get communion.
It’s
the first time I got excited about fashion and style, quickly becoming more and
more intrigued by the different patterns and textures.
While everyone
else’s parents had to keep their children quiet with cars and Barbie dolls, I
was quietly fascinated with fancy dresses.
It was like my own personal fashion
show every Sunday.
