I worked as a hairstylist for many years, placing me in front of a mirror for 8 hours a day, and working with people very closely as they were confronted by their own reflection. I’ve written and thought a lot about this from that pretty extreme perspective. Loved reading the thoughts from a different spot on that spectrum!
Does anyone remember the (insane) TV show "The Swan" from the early 2000s, where they gave a bunch of "regular women" full-body plastic surgery makeovers? After they got the surgery they kept all mirrors / windows hidden for the women for 3 months which I found to be the most interesting part of the whole show!
This makes me think of shiva. Also, in college i tried not looking int the mirror before leaving the apartment to reject the additional labor of performing femininity. I suggested this to my friend and she tried it. When she arrived at the student job we both worked at she went "paige! I had salad in my teeth and didn't know because I didn't look in the mirror!" haha
Sometimes we need to step away from the mirror to gain our confidence back! Loved this thought provoking piece about how fashion is reimagined without looking
What an interesting week. I've never even considered this.
My children absolutely love looking at themselves in the mirror. When I get out the full length mirror they become mirror hogs, doing little dances, poses, making faces etc. They still do it now they're older.
hey ya! A late comment, but I’d recommend you listen to blind guy travels, from radiotopia- he covers the topic in great detail, it’s a fascinating perspective!
what a lovely guest essay! I am often comforted by the sentiment that we were never meant to see ourselves as often and easily as we do.
I worked as a hairstylist for many years, placing me in front of a mirror for 8 hours a day, and working with people very closely as they were confronted by their own reflection. I’ve written and thought a lot about this from that pretty extreme perspective. Loved reading the thoughts from a different spot on that spectrum!
I hadn't yet considered the impact of mirrors in careers such as hairstyling. Thank you for sharing this insight!
Does anyone remember the (insane) TV show "The Swan" from the early 2000s, where they gave a bunch of "regular women" full-body plastic surgery makeovers? After they got the surgery they kept all mirrors / windows hidden for the women for 3 months which I found to be the most interesting part of the whole show!
Yes, "who is making it to the pageant???"! Absolutely bonkers show. Luxeria on YouTube has some great re-watch videos on it.
I had never heard of it before, but I'm intrigued now to look into it!
This makes me think of shiva. Also, in college i tried not looking int the mirror before leaving the apartment to reject the additional labor of performing femininity. I suggested this to my friend and she tried it. When she arrived at the student job we both worked at she went "paige! I had salad in my teeth and didn't know because I didn't look in the mirror!" haha
Sometimes we need to step away from the mirror to gain our confidence back! Loved this thought provoking piece about how fashion is reimagined without looking
Thank you!
Holy Shoes! What a wonderful essay.
What an interesting week. I've never even considered this.
My children absolutely love looking at themselves in the mirror. When I get out the full length mirror they become mirror hogs, doing little dances, poses, making faces etc. They still do it now they're older.
Makes me wonder about blind folks and how they make outfits!
hey ya! A late comment, but I’d recommend you listen to blind guy travels, from radiotopia- he covers the topic in great detail, it’s a fascinating perspective!
YES! It’s a favorite of mine! Matthew was featured in the episode about colors!
Ah I forgot that you had him on for that episode! So glad you’ve been able to cover so much already :) endless info from your catalogue!