Fashion can be about escapism but I have always been interested in the aspirational side of it - wanting to present the self you hope eventually to become.

Rick Owens’ quote, "Fashion can be about escapism but I have always been interested in the aspirational side of it - wanting to present the self you hope eventually to become," reflects his view on the deeper purpose of fashion. Owens acknowledges that fashion can serve as a form of escape, allowing individuals to temporarily detach from reality or express a fantasy. However, he focuses on the aspirational side of fashion, where clothing is not just about fantasy or fantasy-based identity, but about presenting an image of who one hopes to become in the future.

Owens suggests that fashion is a tool for self-expression, one that allows individuals to project an idealized version of themselves. This concept ties into the psychology of clothing—how people use fashion to express identity, shape how they are perceived, and even transform their future selves. By choosing what to wear, individuals can align themselves with their goals or values, sending a message not only about who they are, but who they wish to be.

In his career, Rick Owens has often been associated with creating bold, avant-garde designs that challenge traditional ideas of beauty and style. His own work reflects this aspirational aspect of fashion, as he frequently creates pieces that combine art, culture, and personal expression. For Owens, fashion is not just about external appearance; it’s a reflection of personal evolution and the desire to embody a future self.

Ultimately, Owens’ quote encourages a more thoughtful approach to fashion, where clothing becomes a tool for self-improvement and a representation of one’s inner ambitions. Fashion, in this view, is not merely about following trends or escaping from the world but about using style as a means to evolve into the person one aspires to be.