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Thursday, February 22, 2024
My problem with niches
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Hello, fellow enthusiasts of EVERYTHING!
Today I want to share a personal struggle that might resonate with many of you – the problem with sticking to a niche, especially when your brain operates like a pinball machine, bouncing from one interest to another. As someone with ADHD, my passions are as varied as the colors on an artist's palette.
In a world where specialization is often seen as the key to success, the pressure to pick a niche and stick to it can be overwhelming. "Find your specialty!", "Be an expert!", but what if your mind doesn't work that way? What if your creativity and curiosity cannot be contained within the boundaries of a single niche?
For those of us with ADHD, focus is a B*TCH. Our brains thrive on novelty and stimulation, making it an impossible task to confine ourselves to one path. The notion of a niche feels like a straightjacket, restraining the dynamic energy that comes from exploring multiple disciplines.
Let's take a look at art, sewing, crafting, jewelry making and fashion – disciplines that are about expression and aesthetics. These areas allow for boundless creativity, and yet, they are often considered separate niches. Why not blend them? The skills I develop in one enhance my abilities in another, leading to a unique fusion of styles and ideas. And yes, the styles ALSO vary A LOT. I like to wear LITERALLY a different style everyday. For instance, yesterday I wore Lolita and today I'm wearing tech.
Languages and gymnastics are something I'm also passionate about, and they might seem worlds apart, but at heart, they're both about communication. Languages use words to connect people, while gymnastics uses movement to express emotions and tell stories without saying a word.
Margarita Mamun, my favourite gymnast
Lastly (and I'm probably forgetting something) music, videogames and cartoons are the storytellers of the auditive and visual worlds. Music moves us, evokes emotions, and resonates with the soul. Cartoons bring stories to life, often teaching us lessons in a way both entertaining and deep.
As a "multiniched", I've discovered that my varied interests are not a hindrance but a superpower. They allow me to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields and to approach problems with a multidimensional perspective.
There is an undeniable joy in the pursuit of knowledge and skill across different domains. It keeps the mind sharp and the spirit invigorated. Yes, it's unconventional, and it goes against the grain of the niche narrative, but it's authentic to who I am.
To my niche-resistant fellows, I say this: Embrace your complexity. Your diverse interests are not a problem; they are a testament to your rich inner world. We should not feel pressured to limit ourselves but rather celebrate the vastness of our curiosity. Let's redefine success on our own terms, as a mosaic of passions that makes us who we are.
Let's start a conversation about breaking the niche barrier. Share your experiences and how you manage to blend your interests in the comments below. Here's to living a life colored outside the lines!
A bit of Lolita history
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Lolita fashion emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a subculture that was heavily influenced by Victorian and Rococo fashion. The movement came up as a response to the rigid societal expectations and the pressure to conform. Women used Lolita fashion as a means to express their individuality and to escape from the demands of adulthood and traditional gender roles.
By Angelic Pretty
The rise of Lolita fashion was parallel to the popularity of Visual Kei bands in Japan, which often featured elaborate coordinates and hairstyles, influencing the style with their aesthetic. Harajuku, a district in Tokyo known for its vibrant youth culture and fashion, also played a critical role in the development of Lolita fashion. It became a hub where enthusiasts could share their outfits and ideas, further refining the style.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lolita fashion began to gain mainstream attention both in Japan and internationally. Brands like Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, and Angelic Pretty became well-known for their Lolita clothing lines, and the style was featured in magazines and on television. This period also saw the diversification of Lolita into various substyles, such as Gothic, Sweet, and Classic Lolita, each with its own distinct characteristics.
As the internet became more widespread, Lolita fashion found a global audience. Online communities and forums allowed Lolita enthusiasts from around the world to connect, share tips, and trade clothing. International interest led to the opening of flagship stores outside Japan and the organization of Lolita fashion events globally.
Today, Lolita fashion remains a dynamic subculture with a dedicated following. However, it faces challenges such as the misconception that it is linked to the Vladimir Nabokov novel "Lolita," which it is not. The fashion is about elegance and modesty, rather than the themes presented in the book. The high cost of Lolita garments and the difficulty in obtaining them also present hurdles for those wishing to participate in the fashion.
Despite these challenges, Lolita fashion continues to thrive and evolve as enthusiasts find innovative ways to keep the style alive, such as creating their own garments, organizing events, and supporting indie designers who contribute to the diversity and accessibility of the Lolita aesthetic. Needless to say that, despite "mainstream" brands such as the forementioned having a high cost, anyone can access this fashion by different means, such as thrifting, sewing or mixing and matching.
Lolita fashion is more than just clothing; it is a form of artistic expression and a community that cherishes creativity, respect for its roots, and the joy of dressing up. Whether it continues to evolve or preserves its classic elements, Lolita fashion holds a special place in the history of subcultural movements and fashion innovation.