You ever notice how the people who seem too perfect feel… kinda boring?
Like, yeah, someone can have the perfect outfit, the perfect hair, the perfect everything—but if there’s no personality, no edge, no realness, it’s forgettable. Meanwhile, someone else could walk in with a slightly wrinkled shirt, scuffed-up boots, and a totally effortless energy, and somehow they steal the room.
That’s called the Pratfall Effect—a psychological concept that explains why people (and things) actually become more likable when they’re imperfect.
Flaws Make Things More Interesting
In a famous experiment, researchers found that people rated someone as more attractive and charismatic when they made a small mistake—spilling coffee, tripping slightly—compared to when they were completely polished.
Why? Because imperfection is relatable. It makes someone feel human, real, and effortless.
Now apply that to fashion.
- That vintage ring with tiny scratches? It’s got a story.
- That leather jacket with worn-in edges? It looks lived-in, not like it just came off a factory rack.
- That pair of handmade earrings where no two are exactly alike? That’s artistry, not mass production.
And that’s what so many brands nowadays are missing.
Why Most Fashion Feels Soulless
Many brands today are obsessed with perfection—factory-made, pristine, identical. There’s no character, no individuality, no “this piece has lived a life.”
But think about the pieces in your wardrobe that mean the most to you. They’re probably not the ones that look untouched. They’re the ones that have history—that one ring you wear every day, those jeans that are perfectly broken in, that bag with the tiny scratch that reminds you of a night out.
That’s what gives style depth.
TENKU: Style with Soul
At TENKU, I don’t want to make pieces that look like they came off an assembly line. I want to create pieces that feel alive.
- Jewelry that isn’t just shiny and new, but feels like it could’ve been passed down for generations.
- Clothing that doesn’t just sit on your body, but moves, softens, and becomes uniquely yours over time.
- Designs that embrace the beauty of imperfection—because nothing real is ever too perfect.
Imperfection is Personal
The next time you feel like something isn’t “perfect” enough—your outfit, your jewelry, even yourself—just remember: flaws make things more interesting.
A scuffed-up sneaker has more story than a brand-new one.
A handmade ring has more soul than a factory-made copy.
And a person who’s a little messy, a little undone, a little real—they always leave a bigger impact.
Perfect is boring. Real is better.
