Blog post 2
When working in the fashion industry, especially as a pr it will be crucial to actively apply the better lives themes to my practice. The three themes examined during the lectures diversity, social responsibility and sustainability go far beyond fashion and if we all do our share to make whatever industry we work in and our day to day life a little more adapt to these subjects we will reach a turning point. I think being personally part of a minority and having always been identified as part of a minority my whole life I cannot ignore the importance of diversity and representation. It is essential for such an influential industry like the fashion industry to be genuinely diverse and inclusive. Whatever projects or jobs I will be involved in I will always try to celebrate minorities and shed light on marginalised communities or individuals because creativity and self-expression always find their way through anything. I believe that being faithful to ethic standpoints and encouraging brands and people to do that will strengthen transparency. I will always keep in mind how felt growing up with minor representation in the media and also in my day to day life. It is fundamental for a kid especially to feel represented. Seeing someone that looks like you in a position that you admire and knowing that with work and dedication you CAN get there is something that a lot of people take for granted, but I can say from personal experience is not.
‘Woke consumers’ are already embracing a more socially responsible behaviour and making more informed choices, therefore demanding more transparency. The goal ultimately would be for every aspect of the industry to be more socially and environmentally responsible and conscious. Learning about how much the fashion industry is accountable for the environmental crisis that we’re currently experiencing made me personally feel a stronger sense of responsibility, to try to do more than what I am doing already. We all have a voice and power within our practices, especially working in a very influential environment like fashion pr and communications there is so much potential to make things better. Throughout my fashion activism group project experience I had the opportunity to work on a campaign for Traid, which gave me a chance to put the theory in practice by creating a campaign that supports recycling and upcycling.
Another ambition of mine would be to educate people on inclusivity and diversity, and to initiate a dialogue, educating people on what REALLY matters, making priorities clear when it comes to my practice. Especially during these times, we are reconsidering or questioning things, morals and choices a lot more, people are constantly ready to point fingers. Implementing dialogue and openness would prevent many accidents and misunderstanding.
I want to carry on being as introspective as I have been in the last month for the rest of my career, and I am sure I will make the right choices. Questioning the ethical and social impact of every decision within any context is what everybody should probably do, so we could all have better lives.