Seeking Approval #02: Fashion Events & Mental Health

How we experience fashion and work events, and what that says about where we are with our mental health, self-esteem and confidence.

Made for play. Snapped from the recent Maison Miru Earth Day Earring Exchange, hosted at Do Not Feed Alligators. Full look description below.

Back in 2022, I was at my first runway show hideously overdressed and wedged between fashion hopefuls who donned neon wigs and fishnet tights. My colleague and I killed the minutes waiting outside by scanning attendee outfits, chatting with curious tourists and texting the event PR about when we would get in.

It only took about 15 minutes in the frigid, February, fashion-week air to decide fleeing to Le Rivage for bread and absinthe would be a better use of our time. The night turned out pretty cute, but I came home feeling a little embarrassed for myself.

Not only had I worn a bunch of clothing I’d bought with my parents for my first fashion week, I’d taken photos before the show and posted about it on Instagram. I even vlogged that night. I had made such a big deal of it and we didn’t even go inside! Cringe! Instead of feeling like an 'It' girl I just felt naive.

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Last week, New York brand Maison Miru hosted an Earth Day celebration in West Village where we had the opportunity to exchange our tarnished jewelry for a pair of earrings.

As the world exploded with color, it felt like the perfect time to celebrate the Earth.

The outfit I wore to the event, here:

I wore my Kapital coat, a polo gifted to me by my late grandpa, JW Anderson x Uniqlo skirt (similar one here) and Tod’s loafers.

A few precious moments from Maison Miru’s Earth Day Earring Exchange:

Meeting Maison Miru founder Trisha Okubo. Stickers to customize our bags, T-shirts, etc. The jewelry exchange spot. A member of the team shares how to style their pieces, including their new North Star Nap Earrings that feature flat backs.

After I returned uptown and got some much needed R&R, I had an event tote to customize…

A casual view of my customized event tote from the earring exchange. I grabbed one of each sticker because, well, I simply had to! I also had my middle name Vappaille, embroidered.

The size of this bag is great for those busy spring/summer days that involve a lot of lugging around books, hats, water, etc.

I added the red star, their main logo, to the other side:

A picture from my Instagram story. This gave the other side of the bag a nice little pop!

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The next day I headed out the door for an aimless walk around the neighborhood with my new bag. My brother recently moved out but not far, so I gave him a call and we ended up spending Saturday eating Peacefood Cafe and watching season two of 'Physical 100.'

Here’s what I wore. This navy crew neck sweater is quickly becoming a go-to top for me this spring, and I’ve been reaching for these pants a bit too often lately:

I took my bag on a walk in a Uniqlo jacket, top and socks. You already know, but REI Co-op pants and Mary-Jane flats at top. At bottom, in Oofos house shoes while enjoying some morning coffee. These sandals have unmatched cushion-y support.

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When I reflect on that first fashion event I went to in 2022, all I can think is how I can’t even remember the name of the brand we were supposed to see. I remember my uncomfortable outfit, my colleague, the PR person texting us to push our way through the crowd to get inside…

What about, ahem, the brand? Their designs?!

At last week’s event there were no crowds and no stiff boots. We upcycled our tarnished jewelry, sipped coffee and talked about fashion, travel and culture. A member of the team snapped photos and I got to know founder and designer Trisha Okubo. All was right.

I guess my point is, it can take time to find the events, brands, work environments, etc. that we truly feel aligned with. Two-and-a-half years into this world and I am just beginning to find where I belong. :)

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With that, thank you so much for being here! The rest of the week was rather unfashionable, if I’m being completely honest. I have been spending the week in Brooklyn with my sister while she recovers from a procedure, so I’m spending a lot of time in pajamas dusted in cat fur. Next week, I’m back in Manhattan! Until then, find a fun event where you truly fit in.

Yours Truly,

Kyoko

I am not compensated for the features listed in All-Year Season. My sincerest thank you to Maison Miru for supporting the creation of this post.