Dear Editor,
Following the article `Carpe Diem? Maybe not…’ which appeared in the online edition of your paper on 1st November, 2014 I feel compelled to respond to the piece by Ms Ashma John.
To be clear, this response is not from me in the context of being the designer’s daughter (which I proudly am). It isn’t an attempt to ‘defend my mother’ as this is not now, nor will it ever be needed in respect to her ‘vision’. In fact, putting fashion firmly aside, this comment comes entirely from my heart, as an author and writer… with respect, to this blogger/reviewer who is a fellow writer.
The majority of the reviewer’s comments about the show are based on incorrectly translated Latin… and this is where I’d like to share my objection.
Basing an entire review on a ‘misunderstanding’ when it comes to a meaning of a title is sad – and to be honest, a little bit lazy. Ms John just needed to research the true meaning of “Carpe Diem” to recognise that it means “Seize the Day” – not new life or new beginnings as stated at the beginning of the review– therefore basing an entire critique on a misunderstanding (or even an ‘interpretation of something that has a clear meaning) is a shame (“Donna’s show was entitled Carpe Diem and though it means new life and beginnings, I somehow felt as if I gone back in time…”). Again, I speak as a writer.
As someone who appreciates fashion, I could talk about the fact that ‘going public’ for any designer or brand does not mean that they are trying to connect with any and everybody… but it actually means that they are creating greater access for those that actually resonate with their work. I could mention that it is incredible to see a designer, any designer throughout the world who embraces a real mix of ages, sizes and races and how much I appreciate that ‘difference’. I could talk about that awesome ‘youthful’ sunset piece I’ve seen in the images. I could even talk about the fact that if you are after run of the mill/blend-into-the-crowd-pieces then this won’t necessarily be the designer for you as she’s all about statement pieces and standing out as your best self. Furthermore, as someone who travels with this designer at times, I won’t even emphasise the point that people of all ages, from youthful in age to youthful in essence have stopped her in airports all over the world to admire her outfits – because as suggested at the beginning of this comment, my letter here isn’t about getting into a fashion discussion. A critique is a critique and that is important part of the territory for anyone of any industry who opens themselves to a new, wider and ‘public’ audience. Opinions like Ms John’s are an important part of this process – so it’s excellent that she took the time to go to the show in the first place.
However, I go back to my first and most important point… i.e. incorrect translations of specific terms are not okay in journalism– and incorrect translations which form the entire basis for a critique really are unfortunate. My point today? Carpe Diem… please use this piece as a reminder that any of us in the privileged position to be writers of any kind need to seize the day in a positive way, taking our responsibilities seriously. I implore writers and editors to encourage quality – which has to start with the very basic element of research. Understanding and respecting the meaning of the words you are using is a necessity not a luxury – and will never go out of style when it comes to your ability to really make a valid and compelling point.
Yours faithfully,
Gina Visram
