Welcome to the Modern Renaissance

More than ever before, being a woman in today’s world presents an overwhelming amount of choice. Thanks to the plight of our feminist sisters we have the freedom to be whatever type of person we want  - doctor, dancer or cupcake maker – take your pick.

While the female emancipation has opened doors our great grandmothers may never have imagined, I wonder how they’d feel about the results their efforts realised? While we lose the wonderful skills honed and handed down by ladies before us, girls and young women now aspire to be WAG's and glamour models when they ‘grow up’…

I should clarify…I don’t mean to criticize any women who consider themselves as either of the above…indeed there are many WAG's and glamour models that I admire. Victoria Beckham for example (and in many ways the Queen WAG) is one of my favorite celebrity icons. Glamorous, hardworking, painfully fashionable and devoted to her family – what’s not to love!?

It’s the culture I hate... 

Parading about in Hervé Leger dresses and Louboutins until we meet and marry a rich footballer? In many ways we’ve moved backwards to the days when women were exhibited and married off as quickly and advantageously as possible. Come on girls…I know we deserve better!

It’s not that I think that we should stop wearing fake tan and don a pair of crocs (possibly the most ugly foot wear on the planet) in place of our high heels. Rather, we should be encouraging our daughters and each other to be the best people we can be for our own sake…

Both times have inspiration potential. Renaissance women were required to be as ‘accomplished’ as they were beautiful. Many spoke a variety of languages, were expert at craftwork, proficient musicians and incredibly well read. An attractive woman required so much more than a pretty face. While I can’t profess to having anything like this level of talent – that’s what I want to be…

But what of the moment? Like many girls, I’m also a little obsessed with looking my best! In fact, my glitter Louboutin platforms are among my most prized possessions! The second I got them home I immediately wanted to wear them, which led to one of my many fashion faux pas. Such was my enthusiasm that I ended up teetering about in them down my local pub. As if the ludicrous combination of village pub and loubs were not enough, the decision also resulted in further embarrassment! Wearing them, I’m about 6 3”, and as I wobbled through the entrance I promptly wacked my head into a low beam above the door. Needless to say I looked ridiculous!

So why the rambling….?

While I cherish the liberation that modern times have delivered, I also treasure the talents that women before me held dear.  I often get ‘it’ wrong, but when I ‘grow up’ aspire to be Renaissance Chic.