Lecture Reflection Task (1)

I believe that fashion is a manifestation of the culture we want to live in.

Fashion can be a medium to demonstrate power, for example; Royalty would wear elaborate avant-garde gowns and jewels to assert and communicate their status. Lecture 1 on Power and Fashion had the following question constantly arising, that being, who holds the power in Fashion? It is quite obvious to see that We are surrounded by blame culture in the fashion industry and people should start taking responsibility.

As the lecture went on, I was met with the fact that the apparel industry has helped some become extremely wealthy while virtually enslaving others. Trends in fashion consumption are constantly increasing which obviously leads to workers having to work overtime, an increase in working hours, an increase in labour. This leads us to discussing human rights – the fashion industry in most situations do not consider the well-being and value of life of their workers. Politicians and business owners feel raising wages will only drive companies to produce clothing in an even cheaper way.

Malcolm X says the media controls the minds of the masses.

Forbes says the average American is exposed to around 4000 to 10,000 ads a day alone.

Lecture 1 highlighted that the influence of advertising is quick and cumulative and has been reworked within recesses of the human brain, working on the subconscious thoughts of potential targets. The development of technology in our coming age and the widespread of users than associate their accounts with fashion makes it extremely easy to spread ads out to consumers.

The power of media is evident in all areas.

For example, individuals with a large Instagram following can be seen as an Instagram and Social Influencer. Their platform is an amazing and easy way for brands to push for promotions. Unfortunately, this methodology seeps into the fact that social media fuels consumption but evokes the popularity of feeling inadequate and depressive moods.

I’ve learnt that the consumer has a somewhat substantial power and can use that power correctly. Regrettably, at the moment the majority doesn’t. We can scrutinise and query about the clothes that we buy and should want to buy sustainably. As consumers we deserve to be fully informed and aware of the clothing we buy, how it was made and where it came from. We could potential boycott these fast fashion brands, and disrupt the nature of a brand, we hold the power to reshape the story. What we consume determines the future of the fashion industry.

Extinction Rebellion (2019) have had massive international non-violent movements and demonstrations. They so fashion is nothing on a dead planet. It is very clear that these demonstrations can help evoke the need for change and trigger policy changes. There are both big and small protests that encourage others to be much more thoughtful and attempt gentle protest.

You have a voice and you have a say.

There is Power through Design and Power through Us.