A world in which everything is fashionable is impossible to imagine, because it implies that there would be nothing to provide a contrast. The reason that when you place any two things side by side, one becomes chic and the other does not is that it's in the nature of desire to choose, and to choose absolutely. That's the mythological lesson of the great choice among the beauties: They are all beautiful-they are goddesses-and yet a man must choose. And what was the chooser's name? Paris. C'est normal.
In a world where everything is seen as fashionable, the concept of fashion itself loses its meaning. Without contrasts or alternatives, there would be no basis for comparison, which is essential for desire and choice. This highlights the nature of human preference, as individuals often feel compelled to select one option over another, leading to the emergence of trends and styles.
Gopnik's reference to the myth of Paris, who had to...
