OPINION | Naked woman before the mirror of the world

Editor’s note: Wendy Guerra is a Cuban-French writer and contributor to CNN en Español. His articles have appeared in media around the world, such as El País, The New York Times, the Miami Herald, El Mundo and La Vanguardia. Among his most outstanding literary works are “Underwear” (2007), “I was never the first lady” (2008), “Posing naked in Havana” (2010) and “Todos se van” (2014). His work has been published in 23 languages. The comments expressed in this column belong exclusively to the author. See more at cnne.com/opinion

(CNN Spanish) – Emigrating implies jumping into the void with the essentials, starting a new life light with luggage, integrating yourself, reaching the best of you in front of the scrutiny of the mirror.

Traditions, memories, the deepest emotional details are supplemented with new war trophies. Where do we leave our family photos, grandmother’s necklaces, brooches and old documents that remind us of who we are?

To supply this pain, we look for new shields, symbols that can describe and protect us from now on.

In our imaginary, we carry the empty suitcase of that eternal journey that only ends with acceptance and integration. In front of the mirror, I try to look like the usual Wendy, but with a new style that allows me to flow in my new context.

When you have had nothing, you need to have everything, and once you have achieved it, in what time will you be able to wear so many clothes, so many versions of yourself.

We accumulate and nothing we have can ease the pain of what was lost.

Compulsive shopping creates a domino effect that begins by affecting us, and ends up piercing the environment.

Reading about the impact of fashion on the environment, I find alarming data. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the world of clothing uses 93 billion cubic meters of water per year. Five million human beings affected by the drought would live with that. Annually, half a million tons of microfiber end up floating in the sea, which is equivalent to three million barrels of oil. The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than all international maritime flights and shipments put together, and that is clearly seen in the symptoms of global warming.

Miami is saturated with stores that sell vintage jewelry, some more expensive than others, second-hand designer pieces or simply magnificent dresses, well cut, used or not, some even with their labels, shoes that no one has walked and ties. and new outfits. Red White & Blue, Goodwill, The Fashionista Consignment Boutique and all the outlets that sell clothes in the city are better options.

Let’s count the times we repeat dresses and shoes, let’s ask ourselves if this costume today will serve us for tomorrow. I love fashion and every day, naked in front of the mirror, harassed by my clothes, I argue with myself about the true price of all this, I look for the balance, the exact measure between desire, possession and need.

And I wonder: “Is it an act of narcissism and selfishness to buy everything to use almost nothing?”