..at least the final version. Shame it never happened..I would have been interested in his answers.
Gifi Fields on Trends, Masks and Mysticism
Gifi Fields, 60, London Fashion Mogul and former member of the Andy Warhol circle, became famous by inventing the Ra-Ra (cheerleading) skirt in the late 70's. Brother of Randolph Fields (founder of late Virgin Atlantic Airways), and his twin brother Robbie Fields (founder of Californian Punk Rock Label Posh Boy Records), he is a self-made entrepreneur and supplier to some of the UK’s biggest store groups. In his job as founder, chairman and chief executive of London Fashion company Coppernob, he decides what women are going to wear- and when and how they are going to wear it. An expert on everything fashionable and image, I went to see him in his London office to discuss some current trends, mysticism (one of his lesser known areas of expertise) and masks (my area of expertise) with him.
A: Gifi, you have seen the fashion business grow with the years. How would you say has the trade changed in the past couple of decades ever since you entered the business? And what would you say is most different now than it was back in the 70’s?
GF: ...
A: What importance do you attribute to the current trend regarding organic fashion? Do you think it will eventually replace conventionally produced and dyed clothes, or, rather, remain a niche market?
GF: ...
A: Do you yourself plan an organic collection- or a collection with some organic elements- for Coppernob in the near future? Why, or why not?
GF: ...
A: Now on to an entirely different kind of trend. In your day job you are a fashion entrepreneur. On a more private notice, you do have a deeper interest in mysticism and the like. I tend to notice a trend in business these days that gravitates towards the spiritual side of things – especially here in Britain. Rachel Elnaugh (former BBC TV Dragon’s Den mistress and renown serial entrepreneur), for example, uses visualizing techniques and Feng Shui knowledge in her workshops (she has even written a book called “Business Magic” on the subject).
Now Fashion- your main business- is being seen as being superficial by some people, while mysticism is probably quite the opposite of that. Do you think that fashion and mysticism share some common characteristics- and how do they fit into the Gifi Fields package (and how do they converge in your life)?
GF: ...
A: From a scientific research point of view- especially in (Jungian) Psychoanalysis and Anthropology- the dress might suit practical (clothing), representative (e.g. dressing up for a party, or for work), or ritualistic needs (e.g. on stage for art purposes or religious rituals).
Would you say your fashion serves primarily the clothing, the representative or even a slightly ritualistic function (or a bit of all these)?
GF: ...
A: A good ritual would not be complete without a mask- or its more common version: make-up. A mask might serve to represent, enhance, or contradict an image. I use masks in my own art.
Do you- in an analogue sense- occasionally mask yourself as well? And how and when would you consider it socially appropriate- or, even necessary- to wear a mask?
G: ...
A: Do you think the representative use of clothes (in a sense of seasonal style dictation) will have the same importance in 20 years from now?
G: ...
A: Thank you, Mr. Fields, for this most pleasant interview. Have a nice day and Take Care!
...
Taken out: Modern day pop and rock music, from David Bowie to Marilyn Manson or Lady Gaga, seems to excessively make use of expressive fashion- including all imaginable kinds of outrageous costumes and masquerade. Music theory has it that these performers- by ways of their unconventional looks and behaviour- provide a theatrical, even cathartic, outlet for the public: by allowing the spectator to express emotions and aspects of the self that might not be socially appropriate at other times.
--> So, in a way..if done consciously, and not subconsciously- or in a disorganized way, as is the case, mostly- masks, "fake" images, CAN indeed serve to enlighten or change people. BUT..THEN..these fragments of self ARE indeed real, as real as it gets. As for Jung, he said that images represent archetypes (like the Anima)- BUT they can never BE it. BEING is the SOUL. Images might get close to the inside, and one can always try to be as real, or as focussed as possible.
I dont believe in mess- I believe in order. I dont also think that messing things up will enable people to be free..I believe in a more sustainable, slower peu a peu process. Drugs, as Don Juan says, are the LAST RESORT in breaking up people consciousness. I believe there are more efficient, holistic, and less harmful ways along the path. And this is my specific contribution through my art. Educating consciously, and alonjg a clearly defined, organized path.
...
