Entry to a writing competition set by ELLE publication in 2013 ... called 'My Rebellion ...

It all began when I saw my first copy of a fashion magazine, for me, ELLE. Enid Blyton became less the centre of my universe, and ELLE, my reading bible of choice. While my friends read 'Jackie', I was exploring the world of fashion, my intelligence captured by interesting sophisticated commentaries and advice offered in the sweetly perfumed pages of this fine publication. As a young adult I searched through the pages of ELLE for a recognition in my young self that I was different by seeking a world that specialized in the artistic, through fashion, and commentry, and ELLE confirmed that for me. >
Seeking a world that sought to represent the uniqueness of my youth was important for me as a young adult. My friends did not share my enthusiasm for sophisticated stories about middle class or upper class people. I did not rebel in the sense of changing the style of my hair drastically. Nor did I take to wearing monotone or black. I rebelled in not following such trends, I rebelled in subtlety, in being neat, and looking at fashion through the pages of ELLE as a barometer in understanding the society I lived in from my newly learned perspective. When later in life as an adult I made some important changes to my life I was able to reach into my finely honed intelligence and reserve assisted by what I had chosen to read and appreciate as I grew up.

Fashion in it's many creative arcs as it lights upon is as important in grooming, wearing a nice scent, learning about such things, how to apply make up, if necessary, how to choose an Eu de parfum rather than it's alternative, an eau de toilet, how to enhance a nice bodyshape, too, these were important fundamental creative learning curves to be got through. Lifestyle and fashion are one of life's successful marriages. Fashion can surprise us, and reading ELLE I am still as excited by it's language, the keen observations, the writers with their wonderful perceptive commentaries and features that lead into other creative worlds. I often look for the way a collection is brought together, whether seen en'homage through the pages of ELLE or in a less elaborate ensemble on the street, in the town where I live, when a person looks nice it is an appreciative moment. I have learnt over time that bringing an outfit or a costume together is an artistic endeavour, a keen eye is vital, and through that creative impulse many things are possible. To arrive at a concluding theme style must be balanced in all fronts before we can be chic. It takes patience and knowing one's style and being comfortable, of course, is key. We all look for a little bit of the unusual in ourselves represented by what we read and the clothes we wear to procure that ineffable quality that is our personal style.

When I was growing up, a young teen and then a young adult there were lots of things to do that were momentous. At fourteen, I worked for the things that I loved and felt were important at the time, such as a fine fashion publication, and I'm happy that since then I am still finding room for ELLE alongside other important reading manuals.>
That is my rebellion. Angela De Freitas

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