Blog 2: The influence of the Better Lives themes
Social media has completely changed the fashion environment, it has put pressure on the industry influencing the way we view a garment; questioning how it was made and whether this will negatively affect the planet. Any type of ‘scandal’ is now shown all over social media, mistakes such as insensitive designs surrounding race, body types or gender. Social media creates a conversation, informing everyone on these issues that are catapulted into mainstream news. This highlights how much social media has made these themes so important, allowing anyone to be immersed into the horrifying truths of the fashion industry.
Already I am changing the way I work due to the raw transparency of the fashion landscape via the internet. Although, through these lectures it has encouraged me to be more conscious of the Better Lives themes when decision making. The theme of diversity is a concern I continue to deliberate on with my family and friends; exploring whether this new push for a diverse range of models is genuine. Could it just be a trend? I believe through consistency we can prolong this responsibility to help normalize and include all body types. These themes are becoming more apparent, being continuously bombarded with the severe issues of the industry makes it difficult to ignore, thus I will utilize these themes within my practice. This will positively enhance the meaning of my projects, specifically within PR, researching the right people and influencers to communicate a message, exploring the correct way to fabricate a story. This can be created through real people, visuals that exhibit the reality of fast fashion to evoke feelings of empathy yet also motivation within the consumer, altering the way they shop and understanding the negative impacts of fast fashion on the planet. Plus, I am still learning about sustainability and how to decrease these environmental issues (which needs to be solved through global solutions). Although I find it a very sensitive, in-depth topic, rifled with trafficking workers, climate change and landfill waste, research is so important, also education to acknowledge how you can better your habits within the fashion industry, decreasing your carbon footprint.
Diet Prada, the popular fashion hub that explores all your favourite designers, celebrities and influencers mistakes no matter how small or big. The flaws all link back to the Better lives themes of diversity, social responsibility and sustainability and how much they play into the industry. Whether a brand is making small changes to reduce the global impact of fast fashion they will continuously be mocked for not being 100% sustainable. Instagram has made it so difficult to be appreciative of the small changes brands are making. Thus, why I find it such a difficult topic to delve into however through further primary and secondary research I aim to convert my small changes into big ones which you will notice in my work in the future. In reference to my current project, creating a short film I will ensure the visuals showcase the truth, genuine stories that can raise awareness to real issues within the industry.