BN Hot Topic: First Ever Kids Fashion Week, A ‘Little’ Too Much?

Clogs, lumberjacks, platforms, leggings with sequined designs, bicycle shorts, these where some of the more popular clothing trends when I was growing up. I remember filling in ‘slum’ books and answering the question “what is your favourite ‘baffs’” with jeans, body top and clogs. After all, that was what it meant to be popular, knowing what was in and what was out.

Those where simpler times. Although I was aware of designer apparels, I didn’t necessarily know their names or their price ranges. I’d just look at the obviously expensive attire worn by my older cousins and wish that one day, I too, would look as expensive as they did. Today, things are a little different. Over the summer holidays, places like Silverbird Galleria and Shoprite were teaming with teenagers. Yes, they were mostly teenagers, although you’d need a trained eye to spot them. Young 13 year old girls with Brazilian hair, Blackberry phones, Prada glasses and Channel bags. I almost gave one a mini lesson the other day as she attempted to brush her 22 inch weave into my popcorn, whileI waited behind her at the cinema. She didn’t even bother to apologize, but why should she? Clearly we had become mates because her weave was longer than mine.

Personally, I really think kids these days are growing up way to fast and some parents are missing the mark when it comes to indulging kids and allowing them to dabble in, what are clearly adult apparel. So you can imagine my utter surprise, when I stumbled on the latest fashion news regarding the first ever kids fashion week. Apparently British-based online children’s boutique Alex and Alexa is launching the first ever children’s fashion week. Five days of show casing the latest children’s designs. Now, off course I am aware that many designers have children’s lines and that parents are well within their rights to buy whatever they choose for their kids.

My argument however is a simple one. Where does it end? Christian Louboutin baby shoes complete with red soles and 5 inch heels? Or fights in the play ground about whose LV bag pack is fake? I don’t know about you all but I miss my childhood. Some times, I crave the irreverence and innocence of the days when I couldn’t tell the difference between Christian Dior or Primark bought underwear.  I miss the days, when my mum would wake me up, give me a bath, feed me breakfast and drop me off at the school gate with a hug and a kiss and some snacks for lunch. I couldn’t care less what designer was what or who was wearing what and that was part of the innocence that made my childhood what it was- free and childlike.

However, I see us slowly dipping into a world where 13 year olds look like they are 23, and miss out on the freedom that come from being young. But maybe I am over reacting. Maybe there is nothing wrong with teenagers in 22 inch weaves and designer bags. Maybe these are the times we are living in and I should shut-up and leave in it or wait until I have my own kids and raise them as I see fit, instead of casting premature judgment on others and their parenting styles.

What do you all think? Are events like “kids fashion week” a little too much? Do you notice the sometimes exorbitant designer apparel worn by some kids? Do you think it’s appropriate? Are you a parent and feel powerless or do you see absolutely nothing wrong with this? What are your views?

Let’s debate!

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