Power and Sustainability in Fashion
Anna Fitzpatrick’s presentation on sustainability and culture immensely unveiled issues that are sometimes hidden by the industry. The same is said for Julia Crew when it comes to power where clothing has been as a tool to employ dominance among royalty, military, fashion, business and media. Conglomerates like HM have been able to gain large profits by mass producing garments in countries that have a low minimum wage. In response to this controversial matter, Karl-John Persson said that it is more complicated than it seems. If they stop producing in these countries then many people who rely on their employment will be left with no source of income. With that being said it is these corporations that have created these problems in the first place; it is their responsibility to fix it. It is suggested that they can increase their wages and living standards. Fitzpatrick also emphasised the power in the consumer, suggesting that we boycott these brands. However, if we do boycott these brands then won’t the factories be forced to shut down and leave people without jobs as Persson argued?
Even if one does not agree with affordable ‘fast’ fashion not all of us are afforded with the opportunity to buy from sustainable clothing. Fitzpatrick thinks differently. We should reconsider how we view low cost clothing and even if we do purchase these items to view them as long term items in our wardrobes. Additionally thrifted clothing can be considered a more environmentally friendly option too.
All of these viewpoints are valid. They have certainly changed how I view the industry and how things are more interconnected than ever. How can we be more progressive in our approach moving forward?
Anna Fitzpatrick’s presentation on sustainability and culture immensely unveiled issues that are sometimes hidden by the industry. The same is said for Julia Crew when it comes to power where clothing has been as a tool to employ dominance among royalty, military, fashion, business and media.
Conglomerates like HM have been able to gain large profits by mass producing garments in countries that have a low minimum wage. In response to this controversial matter, Karl-John Persson said that it is more complicated than it seems. If they stop producing in these countries then many people who rely on their employment will be left with no source of income. With that being said it is these corporations that have created these problems in the first place; it is their responsibility to fix it. It is suggested that they can increase their wages and living standards. Fitzpatrick also emphasised the power in the consumer, suggesting that we boycott these brands. However, if we do boycott these brands then won’t the factories be forced to shut down and leave people without jobs as Persson argued?
Even if one does not agree with affordable ‘fast’ fashion not all of us are afforded with the opportunity to buy from sustainable clothing. Fitzpatrick thinks differently. We should reconsider how we view low cost clothing and even if we do purchase these items to view them as long term items in our wardrobes.
Power equality should be reviewed too, “the apparel industry has helped some people become extremely wealth while virtually enslaving others.” It takes a CEO four days from one of the top five fashion brands to earn what a Bangladeshi factory employee makes in their lifetime. Their minimum wages is not enough to suffice a decent standard of living forcing them to live in a cycle of poverty.
Clearly all of these viewpoints are valid. They have certainly changed how I view the industry and how things are more interconnected than ever. How can we be more progressive in our approach moving forward?