051: The Emotional Value of Material Things

Some of my most treasured pieces

Quick housekeeping:

I did a longer form version of my “The Art of Choosing the Right Coat” post that you can find on YouTube here. Enjoy!

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As a society, we have become fixated on acquiring the next thing, leaving little room for truly treasured pieces in our wardrobes. The pursuit of consumer trends has taken precedence over owning items that reflect the nuances of our personalities. Consumption has become empty, replacing the opportunity to curate pieces that speak to who we are.

There is a quiet joy in acquiring items that mirror our interests and quirks—things that define us and serve as conversation starters. But today, personal style feels increasingly lost, reflecting a deeper issue: many people no longer know who they are or what they truly like. This stems from a lack of intentional ownership. Instead of being thoughtful about our possessions, we collect for the sake of collecting. Collecting has become more important than owning.

This realisation led me to take stock of my wardrobe and reflect on what is most special or iconic to me. What do I truly cherish? What pieces will I keep forever because they align with my personality, humour, experiences, or taste? After deep consideration, I identified four items that most authentically represent me—my most exciting possessions in the small collection of my life.

Vivienne Westwood Dress

I managed to score this incredible Vivienne Westwood dress in 2022, just two days after spending four days in hospital with a spleen infection. The universe knew I needed a win, and when I spotted this dress hanging on a rack at a sample sale, I could hardly believe my luck. As soon as I loosely figured out the silhouette, I didn’t even bother checking the size—I was simply focused on making it mine. And as with all good things, the stars aligned; it fit me like a glove.

Beyond being a forever piece in my personal archive, the story of how I found it after such a low point in my life makes it all the more sentimental. It’s a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. And for the lucky among us, that light might just be Vivienne Westwood-shaped.

Edward Enninful's first cover of British Vogue - Hardback

When I heard that Edward Enninful would be the next Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, it felt monumental. Having watched documentaries like The September Issue in which he appeared, and spending late nights researching his career while studying Biomedical Science and dreaming of a creative world, this news filled me with immense joy. He was set to bring a more nuanced and diverse voice to the publication, and he hit the ground running with his first cover featuring Adwoa Aboah. The imagery was instantly captivating, with its bright colours symbolising the vibrant future of British Vogue under Enninful’s leadership.

When I heard about the opportunity to own a signed hardback copy of his first issue, I didn’t hesitate. I booked a ticket from Manchester to London, where I was studying at the time, and stood in line for two hours for the chance to own this piece of history. That day, I met some of the most interesting people, and I even tracked down a Getty image to prove I was there.

This was a sentimental purchase not just for its historical significance, but because I vividly remember the £75 price tag feeling steep as a student. Still, I knew it would be priceless to own a piece of memorabilia that marked such an exciting and hopeful time in the industry. In the end, I was right.

Jil Sander Coat

I featured this coat in my newsletter on The Art of Choosing the Right Coat, and it remains one of the most special pieces I own. The craftsmanship alone, with its oversized funnel collar and balloon sleeves, makes it a conversation starter wherever I go. A true showstopper, it perfectly embodies my love for classic and minimal pieces with its all-black design, while the standout silhouette and intricate details add an edgy, fashion-forward twist.

A Christmas and early birthday gift from my family last year, it has already accompanied me on many travels and experiences. It was one of the first pieces in my wardrobe that felt completely aligned with who I am, and it constantly reminds me of my family’s love, thoughtfulness, and their willingness to indulge my more flamboyant desires, which I don’t take for granted.

Kim Kardashian Selfish Book

In 2015, Kim Kardashian released Selfish, a book filled with never-before-seen selfies, cementing her status as the selfie queen of the early 2010s. At her signings, fans queued for hours, wrapping around city blocks, mirroring the hype once reserved for iPhone launches.

I purchased this book because of the sheer magnitude of its pop culture significance. Kardashian had turned the violation of her privacy into a legacy, not just for herself but for her entire family. The fact that she could sell a book filled entirely with images taken on a mobile phone felt like a defining moment of the 2010s—one that symbolised the rise of internet stardom and the shifting landscape of celebrity in the digital age.

To conclude, it’s clear that the items we choose to own are not merely possessions; they are markers of moments, memories, and milestones in our lives. Whether it’s a Vivienne Westwood dress that represents a triumph over adversity, a signed copy of British Vogue that captures a pivotal moment in fashion history, a Jil Sander coat that symbolises personal growth and family love, or Kim Kardashian’s Selfish, which embodies the evolution of celebrity culture, these objects are more than just material goods. They are the physical representations of who we are, who we were, and who we are becoming. By being intentional in our choices, we can cultivate a wardrobe and a life that reflects our true selves, one treasured piece at a time.

I hope you have a wonderful week!