If you explore the pages of a dictionary and seek the essence of an ‘individualist,’ you’ll find it elaborately interlaced around the notion of a soul advocating for the freedom of personal action, a spirit ascending beyond the ecosystem of collective norms or state impositions, a being who finds solace in the strength of self-reliance. In my own odyssey, charting a course towards a domain of transcendence, my path was illuminated by a discovery most profound, yet not widely traversed – the Enneagram.
It was through the enigmatic journey of Rasnath Das, an individual whose life mosaic is as rich and varied as the hues of dusk – a Cornell MBA, who gracefully danced along the traditional paths of strategy consulting and investment banking, the very epitomes of an illustrious MBA journey. Yet, in a twist as unexpected as a sudden summer storm, he diverged onto a path less trodden, embracing the serene and introspective life of a monk. In his story, a narrative of bold defiance and soulful searching, I found my introduction to the Enneagram.
This tool, mystical in its nature, became a light in the dark, guiding me through the labyrinth of self-discovery, shedding light on the corners of my being I had yet to explore. While my aim isn’t to extol the tool, I want to highlight that it gave me the right questions that invited me to go deeper into the heart of who I am.
Knock knock, who might I be?– In this introspective dance, I waltz with nuances of sentiment, now a tender upset, now a quiver of anxiety. My heart sings in the rain, finds a rhythm in a passing glimpse. The patchwork of my inner self is knitted with ever-changing feelings, each which thread a silent narrator of my innermost self.
Knock knock, who might I be?– A crusade of the heart, a pilgrimage through the halls of memory and the enchanting alleys of fantasy. In these reveries, where past and future find each other, I find myself a voyager between what was and what could be.
Knock, knock who might I be?– I am an artist at heart. Really, a seeker of taste. Every emotion, every memory, every dream is a brushstroke on the canvas of my existence, I can’t disasemble this from my work. Here, in the depths of my being, I discover I am a ‘Four’ – not just a number, but a symphony of creative fervor.
Knock, knock who might I be?– A Four, perhaps. Yet, understanding the precarious nature of fixation, I refuse to be confined by its definition. Instead, I choose to see it as a kaleidoscope, offering an endless spectrum of the dimensions of my character- A map, not dictating my destination, but revealing the multitude of paths available to me.
With that in mind, I am thrilled to unveil my ‘Four-Inspired’ collection, aptly named ‘The Individualist.’ Where do I start? My aim was to capture the profound emotional depth characteristic of Fours. To achieve this, I selected a color palette that resonates with their intense inner world – deep blues and rich burgundies, complemented by the subtle melancholy of dusky pinks and muted purples.
But it’s not just about color. I wanted to evoke emotions through texture as well. Have you ever longed for the comforting embrace of a mother’s hug, or the reassuring pat from a father? This collection seeks to embody that sense of coziness and comfort. I’ve incorporated velvet to add depth and warmth, while sheer mesh elements bring a touch of vulnerability.
And to truly reflect the non-conformist spirit of a Four, I’ve introduced unique jewelry accents to the pieces. Additionally, the collection features flowing silhouettes that move gracefully with the wearer, symbolizing the fluidity of emotions and the profound depth that typifies the Individualist personality. In essence, each piece of this collection is a definace against the mundane. Hope you find it comforting.
This jumpsuit draped in a sumptuous shade of burgundy and adorned with lavish embroidery is an homage to the deepness of a ‘Four’. It radiates an air of reflection and a touch of the bygone, its classic silhouette and elaborate detailing suggest a storied past. This piece mirrors the rich, inner life and historical resonance ingrained in the identity of a ‘Four’.
For these sheer pieces, the delicate mauve palette speaks of a soul in twilight, a soft transition from the introspective shadows to the first light of self-expression.
The lacework and embroidery on the dresses echo the patterns of the heart. The drapery flows as if caught in a gentle breeze, reminiscent of a dance between two lovers, revealing and yet concealing the strength of vulnerability beneath.
These pieces are sonnets of silk and thread, ballads of the innermost desires and silent yearnings of the soul. I wanted with them to make bold declaration of independence, yet they carry the elegance of a spirit that deeply feels and lives with passionate intensity and freedom. Weightless.
For the third block of this collection the whispers of fabric echo a pursuitof a cozy refuge akin to the tranquility of mountain peaks and the purity of alpine air.
The silver-grey tones reflect the crispness of a clear sky, the embellishments are mirrors of the patterns of nature. These pieces are crafted for those who, at their highest levels, embody extraordinary wisdom and discernment, akin to the timeless wisdom of the mountains themselves.
The garments, somehow, speak to the dissatisfaction with reality, becoming a canvas for high-minded idealism- a silent protest against the ordinary, a fashion-forward crusade for a better world.
Finally, this was the garment that took me the most time to desgin. The main fabric, a rich chocolate brown leather, pleated to perfection, exudes a timeless sophistication and depth—much like the Four’s own complex inner world and yearning for authenticity.
Accents of regal purple at the collar and cuffs add a bold yet introspective touch, suggesting a creative and introspective spirit. The purple is often associated with royalty and spirituality and I wanted for it to resonate with a Four’s quest for identity and significance.
The ornate embroidery, meticulously threaded along the collar and cuffs, features a palette of earthy browns and subtle golds, interspersed with delicate touches of azure blue gemstones. These gemstones catch the light and add an element of the extraordinary, much like the flashes of inspiration that Fours bring to the world.
A wide, leather belt, richly hued in a mahogany brown, cinches the coat, providing both structure and a reflection of a Four’s search for a balanced and harmonious life. It’s a functional detail that also speaks to a Four’s desire to shape and define their own narrative.
Ta-ta for now, fellow navigators of the emotional seas! Keep your compass set to ‘whimsy’.
Bye, bye,
Alethia.
Alethia Arreola 