09 Apr The Psychology of Fashion
Hey folks, Kelsey here. I run the social media at Mona Williams.
Ever since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with over-the-top fashion. The first time I laid my eyes on a McQueen runway show I about died and went to fashion heaven. Fashion has always been my form of art and expression. Not one with a keen ability for painting or drawing, I turned to fashion as my personal form of creativity. In my former life, I was a therapist and counselor. With my background in psychology, I have deep understanding and appreciation for how we communicate through style and how style influences the way we interpret the world. Ever felt better about yourself after slipping into gorgeous undergarments despite wearing pj’s? That’s the psychology of fashion, people.
What attracted me to Mona Williams, particularly Patric, was the deep appreciation and respect he has for designers who are creative visionaries. He encourages unconventional and irreverent fashion choices (I mean on a regular basis you can find him in a jeweled sweater) and his store exudes individuality. He truly understands and connects with the artistic declaration of fashion and makes no apologies for what he so fondly refers to as the “ugly pretty” aesthetic.
Stepping into Mona Williams is a validation of what I’ve known since I was 13- that I wanted to be anything but normal. The one-of-a-kind pieces inspire me to develop my own sense of style and push me to think beyond my fashion comfort zone. With the help of Mona Williams, I’ve developed a slight obsession with kimonos that really should be the subject of a psychological study, but I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for those with a unique take on style. I love seeing how clients incorporate their finds into their existing wardrobe, and how Patric assists people in expressing their own sense of style.
If I’ve taken anything away from my 10 years in psychology, it is that life is far too short to not express yourself. Fashion is one way to share with the world who you are and what you stand for (apparently I stand firmly for kimonos) and cultivating your personal sense of style is a way to stay true to yourself. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Patric, it’s to take risks not only in fashion but in life. Get outside your comfort zone, challenge the norm, wear oversized floral print, and most importantly- have fun with it.
Oh- and say hi to me on social media (@monawilliamsmn)- Patric doesn’t let me out of the back room much so I need some friends.