Blog 1 – Better Lives: sustainability, diversity and social responsibility
In our modern times, sustainability, diversity and social responsibility has become somewhat of a trend amongst curators and consumers alike. Thus, it has been interesting to see the ways in which one of the leading fashion universities (UAL) has come to address such a global discussion. The Better Lives unit has enabled all members of LCF to consider the ways in which we can each contribute towards bettering the controversial fashion industry, regardless of our differing courses.
In particular, Julia Crew’s analysis on power struggles were educational in helping to understand the complexities of trying to control economic imbalances within fashion. As one of the wealthiest consumer industries there is, it seems obscene for there to be such great inequality; a pressing universal issue, with 8 men owning the same wealth of 3.6 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity. (Oxfam, 2017) Especially within garment production, Crew explained how politicians argue rising wages will drive companies to produce clothes wherever it’s cheaper, how economists call it a “race to the bottom” whereby companies rush to countries with the lowest prices regardless of the impact, and how manufacturers predict higher wages will damage the domestic industry’s ability to compete in the global market and workers could lose their jobs as a result. Unfortunately, it appears “business people often become so enmeshed in the practice of business that they lose the ability to discern and react to possible ethical dilemmas.” (Boylan, 2014)
Moreover, I found Teleica Kirkland’s perspectives on representation to be enlightening by making her audience question the cause and effect of diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. Using Marc Jacobs’ controversial dreadlocks used for his SS16 runway show as an example, Kirkland refers to subject appropriation; “the Canada Council… recognises as a form of appropriation ‘the depiction of… cultures other than one’s own.’” (Young, 2008) The Marc Jacobs show clearly exemplified the effect and difference types of representation: cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, alongside which, in our strive to develop a more diverse industry, is preferred.
In doing so, the Better Lives unit has ultimately show how we, as the next generation of fashion creatives, can and should intend on changing the industry for the better, whilst ensuring we are well versed on the complexities of doing so. I found the series of lectures to be enlightening and inspiring by encouraging students to think about the power and impact they have regarding sustainability, diversity and social responsibility.
Bibliography:
Boylan, M. (2014) Business Ethics (pg. 46) Wiley-Blackwell, West Sussex. Available at: EBSCO Host (Accessed on: February 17 2020)
Oxfam (2017) Just 8 men own same wealth as half the world. Available at: https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/just-8-men-own-same-wealth-half-world (Accessed on: February 17 2020)
Young, J.O. (2008) Cultural Appropriation and the Arts (pg. 7) John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, Hoboken. Available at: ProQuest Ebook Central (Accessed on: February 17 2020)