Blog post 3
Considering that Emily Bode is a sustainable brand which uses elements of nature in its designs, the initial idea for our final project was to film in a place surrounded by nature, for instance, Hyde Park in London. However, the extraordinary circumstances we are all now living in forced my group and myself to come up with a new concept for the final project.
In order to complete the digital moving image, we wanted to make sure the diversity in the group was shown in the video. Therefore, it was a collective idea to include different landscape of places where we live, to then match the looks which reminded us of the brand (Emily Bode) with the respective landscapes. Additionally, there are examples of embroidered and patchwork on Bode, to transfer the same concept into the moving image we used a patchwork blanket. The idea of vintage (sustainability) and nostalgia was also present in my group’s moving image.
The main aim of the project was to create awareness to a sustainable brand other Fashion activism student might have not been familiar with.
Link for the final digital moving image:
I am completely different person after attending the Better Lives lectures. Across the duration of the Better Lives unit I was able to learn about thematic issues I had never given much thought to. These issues are sustainability, diversity and social responsibility. Frankly, all the lectures were essential to sensitize and enlighten me about serious problems in the fashion industry. They also enabled me to see fashion through worrying eyes; to start considering my consumer power, to understand the importance of a brand’s ethos and positioning and to care more about having more different races and ethnicities well-represented in campaigns and catwalk shows. In like manner, I understood that in order to make a significant change I must start by altering my lifestyle choices. I was clueless as to how easy and life-changing it is- it made me feel better about myself.
Is my desire to share with other people, including people outside the fashion industry, all the learning I absorbed over these past weeks. Nevertheless, I think it is more of a duty to do so. To raise awareness of social issues, which we can all help to minimize, in this way contributing to an eco-friendlier environment.
In terms of project development, the challenge was greater. As and exemplification, although the global pandemic prevented us from working together, face to face, my group and I persevered and decide to work with the tools we had at the time. This is an example of an obstacle we encountered in our project and as a group we came up with a solution. This situation helped me comprehend that there is always a solution if you put your mind into it.
Moreover, it was fascinating to work with students who come from different corners of the world and are specialising in different areas of fashion. By using personal skills and knowledge we were able to help each other and enrich our final digital moving film. Also, I am grateful for the video editing skills I gained. I hope I get the opportunity to work with them again in the near future, if not them, an equal diverse and hard-working group.