"As the riots struck the UK, I - as with many of the affected city's inhabitants – was struck with a shame for this country that I hadn't felt before. Clearly this was an attack by a minority of the population, but for the first time, as the masked madness rioted on my doorstep, I was afraid of my neighbourhood and the thought of what the future – be it tomorrow or next year – held for our country. As the world's front pages were ablaze with stories of the riots and destructive fires, naturally my thoughts turned – as many did – to protection and security and its many guises.
Unable to go home, thankfully I was able to take shelter with my Power Gays and was treated to a slap up meal, a glass of wine and most importantly a hug from my good friend. My home area had gone from safe haven to scary warzone, but a pair of generously open arms made this alternative abode feel like my new safe refuge – even if just for the night. The age old cliché struck me that facade wasn't important; it was the warmth of what lay inside.
The hooded sweaters and masks that hid the rioter's identities, made me wonder what we all wear day to day to disguise our less-than-loved distinctions. Costumes that one wears such as the first date look, the job interview look, the 'I’m keen to find a man in this bar' look or indeed a 'riot' look all give people an air of confidence but when all is said and done, it is the costumes that make the statement 'your mum will love me', 'yes, I am perfect for this position', 'you'll have a good night with me' or '...be afraid of me' - they aren’t necessarily looks (or statements) that you can maintain in the long term.
The sad story of Amy Winehouse was a prime example of the will to divert attention from what lies beneath. Her ever growing beehive seemed to be an effort to distract the world from the growing inner demons that were to become her legacy. She became a caricature of herself while her insides crumbled beneath her tattooed skin. Lady Gaga – love or loathe – has these deflections in spades. The paps can only capture the smokescreen upon which we base our opinions - who the hell can see past all those theatrical threads? Maybe that's the idea. No one can berate your personal characteristics if you shroud it head to foot in oversized monochrome herringbone - right?
Thankfully clothes can allow us to voice what we may not have the words to say. A great solution in the short term but your personality will no doubt glint through eventually and the insecurities (or in some cases, prison sentences) will inevitably need to be faced. In-tune partners can see beyond the suits of armour we put on, for those of us that haven’t found this harmony, we can wear the arms of good family and friends and of course we have Company’s fashion pages to find the perfect clothes to help provide us with the right words when we lose our voices."
