To Be in Style

The lights are on me, I try my best to smile, I know I’m shining in this moment

Cool. Chic. I’m bathed in compliments and smiles I feel myself stretch and I become pliant, soft, snug with constant love until suddenly

My arms are tucked in and my stomach folded, heading towards a darkness that I’ve never been in and I wait and wait

But oh, how long has it been? Why am I still here? Wasn’t I the most beautiful?

When I’ve finally accepted that I’ve been forgotten, I’m pulled out into the world again, but one where factories clone me until thousands of new versions of me line up the stores and I question: Do I shine brighter with them or am I drowned out by their novelty

This time around it starts making sense and I’m hit with a rush of Jealousy of my timeless friends: Miss Little Black Dress, Miss Seductive Black Pumps, Miss Classic Blazer, and even Miss Cute Jeans. We used to travel together. Hit the rooftop bars of New York, fly to different cities, run to classes, relax at coffee shops. But as I’m deemed old and boring again, I am sent back so I wait in the shadows again until someone decides I’m cool enough to wear again

by Michelle Wu