Better Lives: Blog Post 1
During the Better Lives lecture series, I was able to attend multiple lectures that allowed my way of thinking to expand, by exploring the recurring themes of diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility, it began to influence my way of thinking in new ways. I had the privilege to attend a mind-opening lecture about power. The enthusiastic and energetic lecturer spoke about the power within fashion and how it has visually communicated power for centuries. A clear example of this being royalty clothing, including gowns and jewelry. The discussion continued towards power within the worlds of military, business, media, and music. The lecturer made some surprising connections between each of these sectors and how they symbolize power.
Fashion undoubtedly influences areas that we possibly don’t cross our minds much. Clothing holds a specific power in military dress. Allowing for the creation and design of protective gear that has the power to shield soldiers from injuries during the unthinkable times of combat. Military uniforms also allow for the representation of political symbols, intending to communicate hierarchy and leadership.
A certain platform that holds an astonishing amount of power, perhaps one of the most vigorous, is today’s media. Consumers are exposed to “4,000 to 10,000 ads each day. Humans ignore most of them and select which advertisements they actually engage with.” Fashion brands connect with their consumers through social media platforms, allowing them to grow their influence in the consumer world. Platforms like Instagram also allow for the advertisement of clothing, thus, granting the consumer the opportunity to purchase any brand’s clothing instantly. This gives a direct turn to the power of the consumer. We as consumers are the sole people that drive trends and the success or demise of any given brand. When we speak, brands listen.
This lecture made me realize that as consumers we have the power to change the direction of the brands we love, demand more sustainable clothing, and request an increase in advertisement and in-brand diversity. It is also important to realize that clothing in itself holds an incredible amount of power. Any particular garment has the power to spark conversations between complete strangers, acquaintances, or friends alike.
Consumers and brands, together, are trying to introduce new sustainable ways of creating, designing, and manufacturing clothing. This appeals to the every-changing world that we are living in today. A world that demands equality, and diversity. A world that wants to save our planet from complete ruin, paving the way for future generations to do the same. The powerful consumer can undeniably change the course of fashion and shift it towards a new direction. The power that fashion holds is certainly reaching new heights and we have the ability to change its route into something sustainable and empowering. Of course, this all comes down to economic power. The production of sustainable clothing produced by any fashion brand requires greater economic wealth. It all boils down to our demand, and if brands want to give the consumer what they demand.