Vanity in today’s world.

What Is Vanity For You?

Nobility have had their portraits done for as long as there has been a hierarchical society. Well dressed by their stylists and tended to by their makeup artists, in an effort to be remembered as their best selves.

Is that Vanity? Is it self-hate to want to tweak your appearance? If I like to wear makeup am I against the people who don’t wear makeup? Why does it need to be one or the other? Can I not enjoy both?

I recently found out about a project by Paolo Genovese for Vanity Fair titled “What is Vanity for you?” (#meandmyvanity)

The dictionary defines Vanity as “an excessive pride in, or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.” The actors in the teaser film define it as entertainment, acceptance, a need to be admired, pride, a selfie, loving yourself, a need to be desired or to tell a story.

So what is Vanity for me?

Vanity is a pride in ones self, a need to share what you love and experience with the world. A desire to be remembered for what you have accomplished even after you are gone. A way of documenting your story so other can share in your experiences and joy. I think the old world connotation that vanity is negative (pride as a sin) is slowly shifting into the positive and I think that is great. You shouldn’t be afraid to show off what your are proud of, you should shout it from the mountain tops without regrets.