BLOG POST 1- Lecture 3: Nick Almond, Emerging Technologies , Lecture 4: Laura Salisbury, Inclusion, Lecture 8: Lorraine Gamman, Empathy, Lecture 11: Teleica Kirkland, Representation

 The comprehensive information about artificial intelligence was an eye-opener. The potential attainable by these technologies can overpower most human abilities completely. The degree of ability of the discussed in the lecture, about the present and emerging technologies impacting the fashion industry was very radical. Concepts such as the capability of tracking the supply chain of clothes and making an intelligent decision of adapting smarter textiles that go beyond just fashion, as discussed in Laura bury’s lecture on inclusion, promote a much healthier approach of modification and sustainability of materials. As I was watching the lecture on inclusion, I realize the immeasurable advantages of the utility of smart mirrors. This was of distinct interest to me as I firmly foresee how it will benefit the permanent, temporary, and situationally disabled in terms of minimum or no necessity to engage in physically trying every piece of garment. Technologies like these can support visualization for them. Artificial intelligence, in several ways, can be instrumental for them, such as assisted styling. With the evolution of ‘Generative designs,’ I believe they can be of great advantage in potentially generating and forecasting more ways to create sustainable, ecocentric, and creative designs.   

I believe that there needs to be more empathy and awareness within society to support and fund innovative practices to cater to a broader range of designs and choices for the physically challenged and who struggle with mobility. This emotion again strongly needs to stem from teaching and implementing a better mindset, and this is what Lorraine Gamman’s lecture on empathy focused on, with examples of programs such as Roots of empathy, Go to Jail, The parents circle-families Forum (PCFF), and simple yet effective solutions like substituting detention with meditation among children to encourage and build a more empathetic habitat. Such experiences are necessary to inculcate in a child’s upbringing to establish a more sensitive nature and empathetic response. This largely co-relates to aiming to create better awareness and sensitivity among individuals within society in the long run. There is a necessity to have a much more conscious awareness and sensitivity among the designer community to respect various ethnicities and cultures regarding cultural appropriation, as their ‘embracing’ has crossed lines.    

I think that it is time that a much more intelligent approach to the production and design of the materials used in the fashion industry is initiated. There were beautiful examples discussed, such as Pauline van Dongen- solar shirt and other adaptive clothing. Being a fashion photographer, I am always aiming to produce images that communicate a particular story to my audience, and I believe it is extremely crucial to maintain a high degree of sensitivity and consciousness while creating. The fashion industry has an immense influence on not just the youth, but the direction of culture and values it reflects on society. Being the new wave of artists within the fashion industry, we possess the ability to become a driving force of positive change from within and create a much more efficient framework of values, inclusion, cultural appreciation, and responsibility towards society and the environment.