Dressing for creative inspiration
Packing for a writing retreat and reconnecting with the power of wearing “real” clothes
Dear fashion friends,
I’m writing today from my aunt’s home in a strangely cloudy and cold Phoenix. The last time I visited was only a couple years ago, but it somehow feels like three lifetimes have passed since. Back then I was still struggling to complete my PhD, dreaming about becoming a full-time curator, and did not conceive a life away from the Americas. Now I’m a doctor, happily growing in my academic career, and feeling more and more settled in my London home a whole ocean away.
Being back has reminded me of all the dreams I once had, the plans I tried to make, and the many unexpected turns I’ve boldly taken in my life. I am extremely thankful for each and every one of them. I’m very proud of where I’ve gotten. And, as I’ve mentioned several times before, I’m super excited to be at a place where I can continue to write, teach, and share about the many, diverse (hi)stories of global fashion.
Which brings me to the entire purpose of this trip.
I’m going to Sedona for a women’s writing retreat where I’ll be working on the manuscript of my first book.
This book builds on my PhD research, of which I’ve written about before in this newsletter, have given several talks in English and Spanish, and I’m developing a digital companion as I work through the manuscript. I’ve been working on it since 2016, when I accidentally formulated questions that opened my doctoral journey on a visit to the Hispanic Society with Femke Speelberg, my then supervisor at The Met.
So it’s been almost a decade in the making.
And it feels so special to (almost) finally see the finish line!
Of course I needed an equally special place and moment to bring it to a close—or try to get there as much as I can.
As I started to pack, I also realized that I needed a bit of a special wardrobe to write this book. Instead of a carry-on suitcase full of sportswear (and my new trail running shoes), I was drawn to a different set of clothes:
T-shirts with powerful phrases that inspire me
Trousers with the message/reminder that “magic happens when you see from the heart”
The first sweater I knit as an adult (also part of my PhD studies)
A necklace made of pieces of bracelets that some of the people I love the most in this life gave me for my MA graduation
The earrings my PhD supervisor bought in Seville in the 70s when she was doing her own PhD research and gave me when I graduated
These choices basically culminate my conversion into “power dressing” to write—away from the rather basic athleisure look I adopted to write since I started my PhD back in 2018. The process started as I entered a smooth writing flow last month and felt the need to get dressed even when I’m going to spend all day writing at home.
It has enhanced my creative flow so much!
(And there is research that backs it, though I won’t get into it today. It is at the basis of my style coaching programs, if you’re interested.)
With these dress/packing choices I also hope to remind myself of all the beings and souls who have carried me through the process of writing this book. I hope to embody the powerful stories that I will be writing, which significantly uncover the Indigenous nature of fashion in my homeland in Abya Yala, even after centuries of conversion, forced assimilation, and erasure. And I hope to connect with the most meaningful words and ideas to become the best ally I can be to help Indigenize global fashion.
Actually, scratch the hope. I’m giving all I have to make it happen.
Within the first 24 hours of my arrival, I can already feel it unfolding. (I’ll share the details in my end-of-month recap, I promise.)
I’ve also realized that I didn’t choose this retreat “just” because I like the host, because it was conveniently scheduled during my research term at uni and right before my birthday, or because it gave me an excuse to visit my family. I’m here because my soul knew that this was the perfect place to wrap up this book before delving fully into my next one, which is already starting to brew thanks to the amazing network of scholars and editors I’ve attracted.
But more on that some other day.
In the meantime, I've been thinking about doing my first official vlog around this trip. Would anyone watch it?
If you’d like to know more about this trip, my book, my research, or my style coaching services, please, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you, thank you for reading and joining the conversation.
Until next time,
—L 🩷
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