“What will you do if you’re attacked by a dog?”

I struggled to not laugh when I heard the question. While it was spoken with sincere concern, there simply are no stray dogs in our neighborhood. Ever.

“Well, it’s late though, and if someone were to give you a rough time …”

I had to cut her off before I broke out into ear-splitting laughter. “Are you forgetting to whom your talking?” I questioned. “When have you ever known anyone to give me a rough time?”

For those who may not know me well nor ever encountered me in public, I’m really not that ferocious a presence. I’m average height (in my opinion), and have a bit of a paunch.  Yet, for reasons I’m not quite able to explain, I can walk through the most sketchy of neighborhoods and have people cross the street to avoid me! Some people have said I have an intimidating scowl but, personally, I don’t see it.

Nonetheless, I found it amusing that , given the relatigvely quiet neighborhood, my friend thought we should fear  for our lives while walking home from a movie. Am I that naive? No, I just don’t believe the streets are all that mean.

I’ve rarely had any trouble anywhere I’ve been, including New York, Los Angeles and the South side of Chicago (the baddest part of town). I’ve found that one’s attitude, confident, sure, without being arrogant, goes a long way in keeping one safe. Predators, after all, would rather prey on those who appear weak.

Having a good scowl doesn’t hurt, either.

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The same concept might be applied to fashion. There seems to be some who feel that street fashion needs to be dark, grungy, and difficult. Some even express a hesitancy to wear or design street clothes for fear of gang associations or having their designs hijacked as gang symbols. Others are just plain scared to peek outside their well-defined brand boxes.

Attitude, confidence and glamor are just as appropriate in street fashion as haute couture. Bright colors and a bold individual style that stands out from the ordinary set one apart not as a target, but as a leader in fashion. Shy demurring is for brands and styles living on a glory from faded yesterdays. Street fashion must be brave and inspiring if it is to survive.

Life is constantly presenting us with choices. We didn’t have to walk home from the movies the other night. We could have called a cab or waited for a friend to give us a ride, but that would be giving in to laziness, or worse, fear. Instead, we took off on our own, strong and determined, and enjoyed the journey. So, too, must street fashion. Stop taking the easy rides and go for bold individuality. The journey one creates will be one worth remembering.

Oh, and avoid being attacked by dogs.

Fashion styling by DaNisha Greene. Hair by Sarah Moralez. Make-up by Danelle Osborn for Adorn Spa.