The Closet Theory

Olympia Landeau

The idea wasn’t mine. It belonged to my friend Dara, who wouldn’t stop asking, “Why aren’t you doing something in fashion? You love it so much.”

I said I would think about it. I liked the sound of it. However, each time I tried to put that thought into action, a tide of uncertainty took possession of me, bringing my potential social media career to an immediate stop. Why would I do that? Who needs another rich girl online posting about her outfits? Who the hell cares about a bag rotation?

I, on the other hand, had stopped caring for myself altogether during pregnancy. The weight of watching myself disappear was far heavier than the weight of the baby I actually carried. Finding a reason not to do it felt reassuring, and yet I kept circling back to it. Fashion never stopped inspiring me, but if you were to judge by my pregnancy photos alone, you’d think otherwise.

I am a mother of two, and before that, I was a party girl—a party of one, if you will. Fashion was an extension of who I was, a way to leave a lasting impression in a world of fleeting, vapid parties. More than that, it became a means of turning meaningless nights into moments of purpose. I didn’t remember much, but I always remembered what I wore.

This brings me to today. And why now?

Now that my life is full of love, full of purpose, why not fill it with fashion?

It took me a while, but I finally understood.

Because I can, but most importantly, because I get to do it for myself.

Because it lights me up in a way I can’t explain.

It gives me a sense of joy that is mine and only mine—minus the awful hangover.

Well, isn’t that what fashion’s all about?

So, to answer my friend Dara…

Le Closet Theory—or therapy, if I may say—is for anyone whose life has changed, who may have lost a part of themselves, but who keeps coming back to fashion to reconnect, feel good, and have fun. Life is full of ups and downs, yet a good outfit always remains, and I get to share that with you today.

Bisous,

Olympia