Blog Post 2 – Creative Practice Reflection

After watching the 3 lectures about the themes Social Responsibility, Diversity, and Sustainability, it has opened my mind to things I’ve never thought about before. At the beginning of the unit I was very confused and lost as to what the aim of it was. At this point in the unit I think I still am but as each day goes by, I’m beginning to understand more. I have not been able to think about how I can change the way approach things to do with these themes,  which I think is the gaol to this project. These lectures have impacted me in way I never imagined which will influence the way I move in this industry going forward.

Before choosing the Styling pathway, I never thought about how these themes could impact the industry the way I have learned they can. Stylists have a job of communicating through garments and props a story. Being young in the industry allows us to see and be a part of the current changed occurring to date. With my BA course being Creative Direction for Fashion, it has made me think differently moving forward. Since watching these lectures, I know moving forward I will be more cautious of the message I’m trying to send as a fashion communicator in this industry.

Social Responsibility – As a Creative Direction student we have a job to communicate messages through imagery. As a young fashion student, it is my responsibility to make sure what I produce always has a purpose and good intentions. After watching this lecture, I think I will have to consciously remember to be responsible as it is easy to get lost in the industry and lose your values to get to where you want to be and be successful.

Sustainability – After watching the brief about this topic I realised I am aware of how important sustainability is but had never given it a second thought. I do shop at charity shops, thrift stores and sites such as Depop but since watching the brief I realised that it is not something I consciously do and have now decided to be more serious about it. I still buy from fast fashion websites which contradicts that I buy second hand also. In future I plan to be kinder to the earth and world as this has a direct effect on the industry and the world we live in today.

Diversity – Being a black woman in the fashion industry, I am used to not being included in everything no matter how big or small. The Diversity lecture has made me aware of including every type of person there is in what I do moving forward, especially as a fashion communicator. Having seen what brands like Savage x Fenty are doing to be inclusive I can see that there is no excuse anymore to make anyone feel unrepresented. I plan to be more sensitive to others moving forward in my work.