Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 3

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /48
The collection by Mina, designed for Omaha Fashion Week, Fall 2020.
Vulnerability Is.
By Erika Hansen
I’m not sure there is anything we can do to rid
ourselves of vulnerability. It just…is.
The great thing about vulnerability, though, is EVERYONE
feels it. In that sense, we should think of it as an emotion
that unifies us, not separates.
But realizing that every person in the room also has
insecurities is a game-changer.
When you find yourself in a vulnerable position, my
advice is to talk to those around you. When I do that, I
find companionship, solidarity, and understanding. It’s
But that doesn’t make us feel any better, does it?
When we feel vulnerable, we feel completely alone and
isolated.
Lately, I’ve found myself in this position frequently.
I’ve been pushing myself to try new things, meet new
people, and take advantage of opportunities that come
my way. But all of it comes with an oversized helping of
vulnerability.
The fashion industry is one of the most vulnerable
industries imaginable. For designers, putting their very
personal creations out to the public for criticism and
critique is a vulnerable process. And for models, just
showing up is a vulnerable process.
If you want to feel completely and totally self-conscious,
walk in a runway show at age 46. When the rest of the
girls and guys are in their late-teens or early-20s, trust
me, you become VERY AWARE of every flaw you have,
real or imagined.
Selfies with a few of the beautiful girls backstage.