Blog 1: Lectures Reflection
Over the course of two weeks, I got to chance to virtually attend many lectures, each delving into the major themes of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility. With each lecture, I was led to thinking new ideas and concepts linking to fashion and art, and projects people have done to help others or to help others be more aware. In particular, it was the topics linking to diversity and sustainability that gained my attention the most.
It is evident that in the recent years, these two topics have been made predominant in the world, with many brands ensuring the promotion of diversity and many putting more focus and attention to sustainable materials and production.
When thinking about diversity, my mind automatically goes to race and size, but the lectures have reminded me that there is much more to it that that; it’s the inclusion of age, of those who are disabled, and those who aren’t heteronormative. As Shahidha Bari said in the lecture: “fashion is a visible medium”. It reminds me of the importance of representation and how this can empower people by seeing their likeliness being shown. It brings more confidence to individuals and leads to more self assurance. By showing more inclusivity, it will inspire others to do so, ultimately creating a chain and reaching out and touching more people’s lives. And within an individual, the more confidence they have can lead to a better well-being and way of living.
In one of the lectures of diversity, Sinead Burke was mentioned and how she considers the disabled in fashion, how to alter designs and to make them more accessible. It’s something most people forget, however unintentionally, that the standard way of clothing is not easy to use or is as suitable for those with a form of physical disability. Designers who consider this into their clothing can really make a drastic difference to someone’s life. With clothes being a part of everyday life, having something that is altered from the norm to fit to their situation, makes that part of their lives more manageable.
Fashion is very powerful and as something that is highly visual, it is of utmost importance that diversity and inclusivity is shown when promoting it. As well as creating a positive impact on those who feel represented, it also shows others what the world is made of and shows the beauty of the diverse world. In the modern day, diversity is being promoted now more than ever, but there is still so much that can be done to continue to inspire and to make better lives.