Lecture 3 – Emerging Technologies in Fashion
A clear message that resonated within this lecture was that technology is a driving force that has the potential to transform the fashion industry. As a fashion journalism student, I am constantly looking for a new and emerging advancements in fashion. However, as Nick Almond explained within his lecture, the theory of Bounded Rationality by Gigerenzer suggests that our ideas surrounding the future are constrained within our given limits of reason. In other words, it is difficult to conceptualise the future of technology. Yet, everyday work is being done to re-imagine this industry, but what are the ethical implications to the boundless limits of technology?
Blockchain
During the lecture I learnt about blockchain. In its simplest form, blockchain is the storage of data that cannot be deleted. In terms of fashion, it has the potential to strengthen relationships between brand and consumer. For example, blockchain can identify the supply chain behind a product, offering transparency for consumers. Not only this, but this closed system will begin to combat the counterfeit goods industry, as it will be easy for consumers to identify a missing link in the supply chain.
Digital Garments
New developments in the digital fashion industry are being made every day, such as digital garments, digital fashion shows and even digital influencers. The digital industry could imaginably help fashion become sustainable. Our generation is distrusting in claims of sustainability, and often refuse to buy from fast-fashion labels. However, with the use of blockchain, consumer trust could be rebuilt, and purchasing digital garments could act as a rebellion to the fast-fashion industry.
Implications of Technology
Reflecting on the theme of Social Responsibility in Better Lives, it is important to question the implications of future technologies, and the effect this will have on society. Today, the pace of digital media can feel overwhelming. With our social life on the digital sphere, our clothing may be next. Not only this, but our role models, too.
Digital influencers are problematic in the sense that they have been curated by a group of people who believe to have conceptualised the ‘perfect’ human. Yet, they are not real. Brands that use digital influencers to promote their products are removing the opportunity for young creatives to kickstart their careers. And, with the influx of fashion technologies, what will this do for opportunities of employment?
The lecture influenced my thinking about technology in society. It is vital to consider how a society ran by technology will impact the world, and what this world will look like. On one hand, it could further disconnect us from our sense of selves and reality, and ironically, identity is at fashion’s core. On the other hand, digital fashion may be a step towards a more sustainable future and could rebuild trust between brand and consumer.