Ah, GLAMOUR. It’s that thing we’re all chasing, whether it’s through the latest designer bag, a pair of shoes that could make Cinderella jealous, or slathering ourselves in enough highlighter to be seen from space. But “why” are we so drawn to things that shimmer, sparkle, and scream luxury? Are we just magpies in designer shoes, or is there something deeper at play? Let’s dive into the psychology of glam and of course, we’ll sprinkle in some British wit, American pizzazz, Italian flair, and Naija “wahala” for good measure.
1. Shiny Things = Success (British Dryness + Naija Wahala)
Let’s Start with the basics: We all love shiny things. It’s like we’re biologically programmed to say, “Ooh, shiny! Must have!” Call it evolution, call it madness, but humans have always associated sparkle with success. From the royal family’s sparkling jewels in the UK (don’t even get me started on the crown jewels, darling), to the shiny new car your uncle is parading in the village during Christmas (chai! Na who get this motor o?), shininess equals status.
Now, think about it, why else would you spend half your salary on a sequined dress that’s so reflective it doubles as a traffic hazard? Simple: If it glitters, people automatically think you’re doing something right. Forget hard work; it’s all about that sparkle. You could be as broke as the UK economy post-Brexit (too soon?), but in that glittering outfit, you’re practically royalty!
2. Luxury Means “You’ve Made It” (American Hype + Naija Bragging Rights)
Now let’s talk about the allure of luxury. For Americans, luxury is the ultimate sign of “I’ve made it!” It’s why every reality show has that one scene where someone’s showing off their enormous walk-in closet full of overpriced shoes. “This is my collection of Jimmy Choos, and yes, I bought them all after securing that big deal.” Cue dramatic zoom-in on a pair of shoes that cost more than a semester of college tuition.
In Naija, luxury isn’t just a sign that you’ve made it, it’s proof that you’re the “baddest” in town. After all, what’s the point of buying a N500,000 watch if you’re not going to wear it to a wedding and raise your hand “just so” when the photographer’s around? It’s not about timekeeping; it’s about making sure that when they talk about you in the village, they say, “Ah, see as he dey shine. Money is talking o!”
3. Glam Equals Attention (Italian Drama + American Confidence)
For Italians, glamour is in the blood. If you’ve ever wandered around Milan, you know that “la dolce vita” is all about looking fabulous at all times. Forget casual; Italians are born knowing how to drape a silk scarf just right and pick out sunglasses that scream, “I’m important and I know it.” The drama is real, but so is the glam.
But here’s the kicker: We’re all drawn to glam because it grabs attention. When you walk into a room dressed to the nines, heads turn. You’re not just in the room; you own the room. Americans will call it confidence, Italians will call it “la vita bella”, and in Naija, we simply say, “Omo, you don blow!” Glamour, at its core, makes you feel like the main character and who doesn’t want that?
4. Shiny Things Trick Your Brain (British Logic + Naija Hustle)
Now, let’s get scientific for a second (bear with me here). Our brains are wired to associate shiny things with water, food, and life. That’s right our love for glitter is basically just our ancient ancestors looking for a drink of water. But leave it to 21st-century capitalism to turn that survival instinct into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Now, instead of streams, we’re chasing shiny handbags and gleaming watches.
But here’s where the hustle comes in: we know this! We know that shimmering things trick our brains into thinking they’re valuable. And yet, we’ll still sell our right kidney for the newest iPhone because it has a shinier finish. In Britain, you’d hear a dry comment like, “Well, I suppose that’s the price of keeping up appearances, isn’t it?” In Naija, your uncle will tell you, “My guy, if you no get money, na you sabi. Better hustle harder!”
5. The Power of Perception (American Flash + British Reserve)
Glamour, my friends, is 90% perception. You don’t need the real diamond earrings if the cubic zirconia ones look just as good from a distance (and who’s really getting that close, anyway?). Americans have perfected this art. The land of “fake it till you make it” thrives on creating illusions of success. You could be surviving on ramen noodles, but if your outfit is fire and your Instagram photos look like they were taken in the Hamptons, you’re good to go.
Meanwhile, in Britain, they’ll tell you to keep it understated, but there’s an art to quiet glam. You know, a designer coat that looks plain until someone gets close enough to spot the label. It’s like saying, “I’m better than you, but let’s not make a fuss about it, shall we?”
And in Nigeria? Oh, honey, perception is everything. You’ve got to walk the walk, talk the talk, and make sure people know you’re somebody. There’s no point in buying a designer bag if nobody knows it’s designer. Flash it, flaunt it, and make sure to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that you’re living large. “Shine your shine, abeg!”
6. The Emotional Boost (Italian Flair + Naija Vibes)
Let’s not forget the feel-good factor. Wearing something glamorous gives you an instant emotional boost. Italians understand this perfectly. They don’t just wear clothes; they live in them. Every outfit is a love letter to life itself whether it’s a perfectly tailored suit or a dress that hugs in all the right places. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. “Bellissima!”
In Naija, we say, “I no fit come and kill myself.” Why suffer when you can dress up, slay, and let the world know that no matter what, you’re still the boss? That’s the beauty of glam it lifts your spirits, boosts your confidence, and makes you feel like the world is your runway.
So, why are we drawn to all things shiny and luxurious? It’s simple: glam makes us feel good, look good, and tell the world that we’re doing just fine even if we’re not. Whether you’re flaunting your sparkle in Lagos, strutting down the streets of Milan, sipping coffee in a chic London café, or showing off in NYC, glamour is universal. It’s about perception, confidence, and that deep-rooted human desire to shine.
Go ahead rock that sparkly dress, wear those ridiculous heels, and flash that designer bag. Because at the end of the day, life’s too short to be anything less than glamorous!.