Better Lives – Blog 2
The main themes of Better Lives could not be more relevant to the climate of today’s fashion industry. Social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and diversity are all topics that must be addressed if we expect fashion as we know it to survive in the future. I appreciate how several of the lectures I watched both concisely informed and encouraged us to take action in ways pertaining to the previously mentioned pillars. This call to action is echoed outside of Better Lives, and is spreading rapidly throughout the entire industry. We at LCF are privileged to have the resources needed to educate ourselves about these issues, and to be surrounded by staff that are passionate about incorporating them into our curriculum. Since attending LCF for foundation last year, I have made many changes to the way I live and work, and the choices I make within my practice. Making positive change begins with taking the initiative to study the problems we are facing, as well as considering the ways in which we will personally take part in that change.
The topic of sustainability is one in particular that really captures my attention. I have learned so much about the importance of continuously supporting vintage and secondhand businesses, as well as smaller designers operating on a made-to-order basis or with recycled materials; all to minimize the overwhelming amount of pollution caused by fashion. However, a surplus of waste is only a fraction of the issues at hand. Unethical working environments are almost standard for the industry’s mainstream retailers, and projects like the Made for Change ethical manufacturing initiative mentioned in Claire Swift’s lecture are the type of creative solutions necessary in combatting some of the damage. Moving forward with my own project within my Better Lives portrait photography class, I am determined to carefully consider the clothing I promote in my outcome. I also aim to possibly collaborate with a local, ethically conscious brand.
Diversity is another hurdle that the fashion world is struggling to overcome. Unfortunately, many fashion brands fail to properly consider cultural diversity in their work. Whether it be in the design itself or in ad campaigns, we still see misrepresentation time after time. In Cher Potter’s lecture on perspectives in design, she discussed a positive example of how brands can dig deeper to correctly pay tribute to non-Eurocentric cultures. This example was of The Sartists, an African collective of artists using their own creative ideas to propose streetwear collaborations on social media that reflect the identity of their fading culture (Potter 2020). The collective’s creativity led to collaborations with top brands such as Adidas and Stussy, exemplifying how social media can be used as a tool to learn about and discover new cultures straight from the source. Having access to global input and ideas from a diverse group is a valuable resource that needs to be capitalized on. In my work thus far in the Better Lives portrait photography class, I have been able to work with classmates from a variety of backgrounds, both in and out of the classroom. This collaboration has reinforced the idea that exposure to varied cultures and backgrounds can lead to some of the most informed and creative outcomes.
Potter, Cher. (2020) “Perspectives” [Lecture]. Better Lives, London College of Fashion, 14 February.