Lecture Reflection – Blog 1.

During the beginning of the ‘Better Lives’ project, I attended multiple lectures that spoke of a variety of different topics and how they challenge the fashion industry. Out of all of the lectures, it was the very first one that adhered to me more than all of the others – The lecture (run by Julia Crew) regarding ‘Power’. Both during and upon reflection on what we were taught, I think the information shared with us was – and is – extremely important to take on and consider; not just as future designers, but also as consumers. 

The aspect of this lecture that spoke to me was the section regarding ‘Power and You’. As one person, tackling the issues that you care deeply about can be extremely overbearing and discouraging – “Issues can make us feel overwhelmed and powerless”. During the very same lecture that this quote was from, we were also told that “You do have a voice, you have a say – you can do something”. Not only was this encouraging to hear, it was also a source of inspiration. 

This spoke to me for a number of reasons; The main reason being that, like the superheroes I very much adore, I’d like to change the world for the better in whatever way I can. Knowing now that power is ‘individual and collective’, and that ‘we all have to start somewhere’ is very encouraging and inspiring to future causes. Gucci’s ‘balaclava’ scandal, or Ivanka Trump’s company being boycotted due to unfair employee treatment are prime examples that there is power via consumers and our individual and/or collective voices. 

As future designers, I think it is extremely important for us to consider how our work will affect not only those around us, but the environment too. The lecture explained how individuals and companies in the industry are already taking steps to stand up and speak out against global issues; for example, in 2011 Greenpeace started a detox campaign calling out brands for using toxic chemicals that effect water pollution. This, in turn, secured brands committing to their cause. 

This solidifies the very fact that we can, if we speak out and use our voices, change the world for the better, and it is something that I will be increasingly mindful of as both a future designer and consumer. This blog not only made me reflect on the lecture but also the ways that I can, personally, make a difference; and in the future I will be increasingly mindful to try and do just that. 

Quotes used in this blog were spoken by Julia Crew during the lecture.

Information was sourced via the lecture powerpoint.

Blog posted by Red Gardner, 3D Effects for Performance and Fashion.