Do you know Anton Ego? The lanky 19 feet tall food critic from the movie Ratatouille?

This is what he said at the end of the movie after tasting Remy's (the mouse's) cooking: 

"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the *new*. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations."

I never knew what he meant until recently. I do understand the literal meaning of this passage, but being able to connect with the emotion and motive behind this revelation, is something new to me.

For the past four months, I've been actively debating topics around fashion, asking people tough questions, being asked tough questions, and criticizing designers’ collections (most recently, the Olivier Rousteing Jean Paul Gaultier couture show). It feels essential that I am voicing my opinions, and at times it certainly feels like the industry NEEDS to hear my thoughts. 

And just like Anton said, an average piece of junk is probably worth more than our criticism.

However, a critic's work isn't purely complaining or complimenting. It is our job to keep up with the industry and study the art of fashion—a LOT of researching and reading. Knowledge is what sustains our judgment and is what makes people want to hear our opinions. Not some baseless, thoughtless criticisms that are doing no one good.

In a way, it is also the critic's job to entertain the crowd. Give valuable information about why you say certain things, capitalize on moments where you can get a reaction out of your audience, and further back it up with knowledge. That's how you make a name for yourself.

A lazy critic who sprays pointless negativity toward everyone is ignorant and dismissible. Professional critics can push designers to the next level and play a vital role in the creative mesocosm.

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