A Fashionable Heaven

Forever 21: a teenager's sensation, a trend exemplification, a simply heavenly destination. A majestic establishment surrounded by white glossy walls embedded with miniscule, shiny stones; the floors, made of crystallized- like material, in which peculiarly, serves as almost a mirror, although quite blurry; the ceilings, rather ordinary, serve as a breathe of fresh air, as a reminder that we are not in heaven, much less a designer retail store in New York. The incredibility of such a contemporary place brings much exhilaration and jubilation to a person with any modernized sense of dramatic fashion; it is a venue consisting of inspirational materialistic ideas as well as a sentimental stamp imprinting a distinctive image of stylistic wear. Forever 21 has set the bar for the clothing industry very high- from the exquisitely flawless accessories, to the extremely fashionable clothes, their entire wardrobe collection is breathtakingly magnificent.

Accessories, although just a side-dish to the main course, add spark and flavor to an outfit. Held on a little cylinder post protruding from an eggshell- colored statuesque platform, earrings, necklaces, headbands, rings, and bracelets patiently hang, waiting for the acknowledgment of their existence. Sunglasses and rings, however, are simply displayed on an ordinary circular turn-table, accessible for one to grab and try on. Directly above, is a delicately designed chandelier, consisting of little diamond shaped glass figures; the chandelier, itself, is an accessory in which brings light and livelihood to the accessory section. Many dazzling colors and uniquely bound feathers and braids and wondrous figures made of both plastic and metal give this retail store a distinctive look. As I walk through this particular section of the massive warehouse, I find myself jittery over all of the cunning, yet manageably priced items for sale. But as I continue my journey of observing, perceiving, embracing- I cannot brace myself; I must take my intense note-taking and thinking and apply it to the most daunting section of all: the clothing department.

I am surrounded by countless stacks of cleanly laid shirts, racks beyond racks of jackets and jeans, and shelf upon shelf of sweaters and pullovers. My first instinct is to shuffle around, trying on shirts with flamboyant colors and riveting patterns. Odd materials that are intricately embroidered into the thin piece of cloth help define a fashion statement: stylistically different. Sheer inspiration. Dramatic impression. Unique materials-Sequins and beads, various cloths and yarns, striking fabrics and see through materials- are continuously dispersed throughout the store's merchandise. But as I pull back on what I feel are my instincts, I notice that this is a very materialistic place; there are thousands and thousands of clothing items, each carefully situated until perfection. With such a wide variety of clothing samples, it is challenging to zoom in and pinpoint one particular style of Forever 21. With an overwhelming amount of clothing items, many women are expected to get inspiration from the women that wear the clothes best: the manikins.

An army of manikins stand tall in the center of the store, on a rather large, very modern-looking white box. The box, although just a box, serves as a superiority factor, leading customers to believe that the manikins can be role models; however, most experienced shoppers know that everything looks better on them. Lacking facial features is not a benefactor for the emotion of these tall and gangly statues, but as I look closer, I am able to redeem their hope: their emotion lies particularly in their actions. Yes, they might be made of a high end plastic delivered from China, but their uniquely posed bodies sprawl in a way that consumes a costumer, such as myself. Whether blonde or brunette, noir or rouge, a wig helps define a manikin's character. Accordingly outfitted to perfection by the store manager, manikins help determine the mood and the composition of the materialistic items in the store. Their plush white faces act as a modern source of hope for the store's business; the chic illustration defines what the store has to offer.

Accessories are an extra touch of sparkle that help bring the outfit together; accessories mask one's feelings, while clothes help define them; however, clothes and accessories mask a manikin’s feelings; as well as hide their emotions. Forever 21 has imagined the unimaginable, created the un-creatable, and designed the un-designable. Their detailed products, their frugal prices, and their modern sense of fashion make them one of the top brand stores today.