Niamh Cubbidge

Once, we had completed our course specific lectures and lessons, we were encouraged to read, analyse and peer review a blog post from the unit, that we thought displayed a distinct understanding and reflection of the better lives themes. After reading several blogs, I chose to peer review Ella Jones third blog post, which outlined the outcomes of her better lives styling project. 

Within the blog, Ella starts by reviewing how well her group worked as a team, and also highlights her initial reservations of the task. Efficiently, she evaluated how by working within a smaller and more concise group, opposed to the larger group she was originally assigned, effectively allowed for a more refined and conceptual outcome. Conclusively, she examines the group’s styling outcome extensively, highlighting their strategies and influences. Firstly, she starts by explaining how the outcomes were created on the basis of wanting to take a more conceptual and non-literal approach to sportwear, and, how capturing “sporty movement” through the models’ posture helped to convey the brief. In addition to this, Ella goes on to illustrate what her own personal inspirations were for the masterclass and how she combined them into the group task. Clearly, Ella expressed how she was most captivated by the theme of social responsibility, and how she was inspired by the reading of “Solidarity Shawls: Strategic dress by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” which also mirrored the better lives themes. Moreover, Ella goes on to highlight how these influences encouraged a focus on portraying non-violent action. As well as this, she explains how as a group, they incorporated these influences by redefining the ‘white shawl’, by using reflective materials to obscure the face, to therefore, signify a sporty aesthetic and contemporary feel. Additionally, she illuminates how this shawl also exhibits a gender fluid narrative as the model’s identity is withdrawn, which therefore reflects diversity and social responsibility as the styling is representative of all identities. Lastly, she evaluates the project on how successful her group were in meeting the brief and in exploring social responsibility, as well as, what improvements they could collectively make to achieve an even more successful outcome. 

To conclude, I think Ella’s reflection on her masterclass and better lives project clearly integrates the themes of better lives, most specifically social responsibility and diversity, due to her consideration of the themes when producing her project outcomes. Overall, I really enjoyed Ella’s blog and styling outcomes as her photographed ideas were inventive, powerful and inclusive of the better lives concept. 

References:

Ella Jones Blog: https://1920betterlivessmc.myblog.arts.ac.uk/2020/05/06/can-conquer-all-styling-masterclass-deconstructing-sportswear/#respond

The better lives course has been highly beneficial to my studies and future creative practice, as I have gained a broader understanding of the main themes of sustainability, social responsibility and diversity, as well as learnt how important they are to our fashion industry.  

The seminars have been highly enlightening as I have discovered historical subcultures, such as punk, glam rock, mod and sport casuals, which I had never acknowledged before; therefore, these classes have demonstrated diversity and social reasonability by giving an insight into different cultures. Within our group masterclass, we reconstructed and deconstructed sportswear to communicate our fashion language, our choice being the glam rock subculture. Specifically, our focus was to reinvent body shapes and silhouettes, therefore outlining the themes of diversity, as one size does not fit all. As, our previous lectures gave intel on how to implement sustainability into a styling practice through repurposing, reconstructing and customization, we chose to use solely pre-owned and recyclable materials found within our homes, to generate our looks. When creating these styles, we chose to use a reflective gold jacket, an iridescent harness, a belt as a choker, black sweatpants and Nike running shoes. Importantly, we chose to obscure the face using repurposed chrome foil from a previous shoot, this inexpensive technique effectively created an avant-garde silhouette, through a sustainable method. Also, by withdrawing the identity of the model, this represents gender fluidity as no specific gender is associated with the look, therefore highlighting the theme of diversity. Overall, the styling represents sportswear due to the inclusion of reflective materials, practical and flexible garments and conventional sportwear pieces; as well as this, the avant-garde silhouette, harness, refashioned jacket and strong poses all connote a glam rock aesthetic.

Due, to the current covid-19 pandemic, our second group styling masterclass was reorganised to be conducted individually at home, the objective being to create a sportwear look that highlighted the better lives themes. My response being, a flat lay look designed for your daily one-hour exercise during quarantine. The visual displays a pre-owned oversized white shirt, a nylon sports bra, customized nylon leggings, sports trainers, Nike tube socks, a cap and a surgical mask and an antibacterial hand sanitiser. Due, to the inclusion of classic sportwear pieces and heavy use of branded garments, the look expresses a sports casual aesthetic. My reasoning, for the unusual additions, are because a mask and hand washing are essential precautions, we must take to ensure our safety when leaving the home during the pandemic, moreover these elements connote social responsibility. Also, as all the items were repurposed from what I found within my household, this represents sustainability as no unnecessary waste was created. 

To conclude, the better lives unit has majorly changed the way I conduct my work, as I have developed an understanding on how we can easily repurpose garments and source materials sustainably, without raising issues with consumption and unnecessary waste for landfill. On the point of, I am now aware of how important it is that, as creatives, we consider sustainability, social responsibility and diversity in-depth within our work, as they are crucial elements to evolving the fashion industry to be a better inclusive platform which also supports the environment. 

References:

Figure 1. Cubbidge, N & Jones, E (2020) Look one from our group masterclass [Photograph]

Figure 2. Cubbidge, N & Jones, E (2020) Look two from our group masterclass [Photograph]

Figure 3. Cubbidge N (2020)Flat lay of a sportswear look during lockdown [Photograph]

The better lives course has been highly beneficial to my studies and future creative practice, as I have gained a broader understanding of the main themes of sustainability, social responsibility and diversity, as well as learnt how important they are to our fashion industry.  

The seminars have been highly enlightening as I have discovered historical subcultures, such as punk, glam rock, mod and sport casuals, which I had never acknowledged before; therefore, these classes have demonstrated diversity and social reasonability by giving an insight into different cultures. Within our group masterclass, we reconstructed and deconstructed sportswear to communicate our fashion language, our choice being the glam rock subculture. Specifically, our focus was to reinvent body shapes and silhouettes, therefore outlining the themes of diversity, as one size does not fit all. As, our previous lectures gave intel on how to implement sustainability into a styling practice through repurposing, reconstructing and customization, we chose to use solely pre-owned and recyclable materials found within our homes, to generate our looks. When creating these styles, we chose to use a reflective gold jacket, an iridescent harness, a belt as a choker, black sweatpants and Nike running shoes. Importantly, we chose to obscure the face using repurposed chrome foil from a previous shoot, this inexpensive technique effectively created an avant-garde silhouette, through a sustainable method. Also, by withdrawing the identity of the model, this represents gender fluidity as no specific gender is associated with the look, therefore highlighting the theme of diversity. Overall, the styling represents sportswear due to the inclusion of reflective materials, practical and flexible garments and conventional sportwear pieces; as well as this, the avant-garde silhouette, harness, refashioned jacket and strong poses all connote a glam rock aesthetic.

Due, to the current covid-19 pandemic, our second group styling masterclass was reorganised to be conducted individually at home, the objective being to create a sportwear look that highlighted the better lives themes. My response being, a flat lay look designed for your daily one-hour exercise during quarantine. The visual displays a pre-owned oversized white shirt, a nylon sports bra, customized nylon leggings, sports trainers, Nike tube socks, a cap and a surgical mask and an antibacterial hand sanitiser. Due, to the inclusion of classic sportwear pieces and heavy use of branded garments, the look expresses a sports casual aesthetic. My reasoning, for the unusual additions, are because a mask and hand washing are essential precautions, we must take to ensure our safety when leaving the home during the pandemic, moreover these elements connote social responsibility. Also, as all the items were repurposed from what I found within my household, this represents sustainability as no unnecessary waste was created. 

To conclude, the better lives unit has majorly changed the way I conduct my work, as I have developed an understanding on how we can easily repurpose garments and source materials sustainably, without raising issues with consumption and unnecessary waste for landfill. On the point of, I am now aware of how important it is that, as creatives, we consider sustainability, social responsibility and diversity in-depth within our work, as they are crucial elements to evolving the fashion industry to be a better inclusive platform which also supports the environment. 

References:

Figure 1. Cubbidge, N & Jones, E (2020) Look one from our group masterclass [Photograph]

Figure 2. Cubbidge, N & Jones, E (2020) Look two from our group masterclass [Photograph]

Figure 3. Cubbidge N (2020) Flat lay of a sportswear look during lockdown [Photograph] 

Throughout the duration of the Better Lives project, it is clear from our multiple lectures and seminars how the three main themes of social responsibility, diversity and sustainability, are all closely related. As well as this, the better lives unit has highlighted how crucial and important the consideration of these themes is to the development of the fashion industry. Overall, the theme I have been most interested and involved in, throughout this process, is sustainability. Due, to the recent climate crisis within Australia and the current situation of the covid-19 pandemic, it is evident how we, as emerging creatives, must prioritise evolving the industry to be as sustainable as possible within our future work. As a creative direction student, I decided to choose the fashion sportswear styling project for the better lives unit; this is because I wanted to gain further knowledge and an understanding on how stylist’s function professionally and how sustainability is incorporated into this specialism.

Before, attending the fashion styling seminars and lectures, I had always considered styling to be an area of fashion which is rather wasteful, due to the constant need for new garments. However, the lectures demonstrated multiple ways in which stylists in industry are sustainably sourcing materials. For example, the lectures indicated how stylists are repurposing old garments by customising, and, how elements of DIY are being introduced, therefore allowing for stylists to continue to create inventive content, through more sustainable methods. In addition to this, the tutors illustrated how stylists are sourcing vintage materials from charity shops and thrift stores, which efficiently reduces the amount of unnecessary waste to go to landfill. Therefore, it is understood that these simple styling techniques are crucial in targeting the issues of mass consumption and waste within the fashion industry, as they act to positively impact the environment. 

Within the sessions, we have also been researching the history of subcultures and how they relate to the themes of better lives. When, looking into glam rock and punk, it was clear from our seminars and group work that their styling processes enlisted sustainability; as elements of repurposing, customization and DIY were all present. Moreover, these subcultures suggest how inexpensive techniques of styling can be effectively used to generate exaggerated and bold outfits which make statements of diversity. Specifically, when looking into glam rock as a political subculture, it was clear how the styling choices aided statements of diversity though visual commentary on gender, sexuality and androgyny. Furthermore, this highlights how styling can be used as a powerful medium in targeting issues surrounding diversity and inclusivity. 

In conclusion, the better lives unit has allowed me to understand how essential it is to better the environment by evolving the fashion industry to be sustainable. Overall, the unit has inspired me to take forward a sustainable styling approach to my creative work, as it is crucial, we tackle the issues of climate change. Furthermore, I attend to enlist the styling techniques, put forward through my seminars, of repurposing old garments, sourcing from charity shops, and customizing clothing, within my future work.  

From the lecture series, the lecture I found most engaging and informative was the lecture held by Nick Almond on Emerging Technologies. Efficiently, Almond explained how the advancements within technology are now progressing at a much faster rate, as well as, highlighted how these systems are greatly impacting the fashion industry in both positive and negative ways.

One of the elements of this lecture which I found most interesting was on Disruptive Technology, a term I had not yet learnt. Almond, N (2020) explained that “Disruptive technology is a technology that displaces or improves upon another” and how initially it is deemed a low demand product. Nevertheless, soon after, the technology begins to progress immensely at a continuous rate. This results in a huge shift within technology and within society. An example of disruptive technology, which Almond included, was the iPhone and how it was the catalyst to the digital camera becoming obsolete. Moreover, this introduced to me how new emerging technologies can be so powerful and cause drastic changes to the way we live our daily lives. This suggests a demand for more disruptive technology, that considers and focusses on improving issues such as sustainability, diversity and social responsibility within the fashion industry.  

Within the lecture, Nick Almond referenced Block Chains and Bitcoin, both of which are evolving technologies that I had not yet discovered prior to the lecture. Soon, I learnt how extremely advanced Blockchains were and how these emerging technologies are introducing endless benefits to the fashion industry and the working world. Bitcoin allows users to securely store and invest money without the need for a bank; in addition to this, Blockchains can even permit users to print their own money and also introduces a platform where others can collaborate efficiently without requiring management, therefore causing more fair opportunity to a larger demographic. Currently, Blockchains are being invited to the fashion industry as they allow for authenticity checks on garments and also allow for mass-collaboration with fair reward, which therefore supports emerging young creatives like myself and also the themes of diversity, social responsibility and sustainability.  However, from the lecture I also learnt how blockchain technology is problematic. As, Blockchains still remain within their incubator phase, the technology is unfinished and rather glitchy, meaning there is a demand for further development. As well as this, unfortunately blockchain technology is extremely difficult to understand and use, making it only accessible to a very small audience. Moreover, this highlights a lack of diversity so therefore there is a need for amendments to be made so it can be accessed by everyone.

In reflection, I found this lecture highly informative as it has introduced me to new technologies and systems which I was unaware of prior to the session. Additionally, this lecture emphasised how advanced technologies are becoming a reality within the industry and that they have certain limitations. Overall, this session has majorly influenced me to consider these emerging and influential technologies, within my future creative practice, to be able to positively evolve the fashion industry through the use of technology, to become a fairer and better environment targeting the issues of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility.  

Throughout the duration of the Better Lives project, it is clear from our multiple lectures and seminars how the three main themes of social responsibility, diversity and sustainability, are all closely related. As well as this, the better lives unit has highlighted how crucial and important the consideration of these themes is to the development of the fashion industry. Overall, the theme I have been most interested and involved in, throughout this process, is sustainability. Due, to the recent climate crisis within Australia and the current situation of the covid-19 pandemic, it is evident how we, as emerging creatives, must prioritise evolving the industry to be as sustainable as possible within our future work. As a creative direction student, I decided to choose the fashion sportswear styling project for the better lives unit; this is because I wanted to gain further knowledge and an understanding on how stylist’s function professionally and how sustainability is incorporated into this specialism.

Before, attending the fashion styling seminars and lectures, I had always considered styling to be an area of fashion which is rather wasteful, due to the constant need for new garments. However, the lectures demonstrated multiple ways in which stylists in industry are sustainably sourcing materials. For example, the lectures indicated how stylists are repurposing old garments by customising, and, how elements of DIY are being introduced, therefore allowing for stylists to continue to create inventive content, through more sustainable methods. In addition to this, the tutors illustrated how stylists are sourcing vintage materials from charity shops and thrift stores, which efficiently reduces the amount of unnecessary waste to go to landfill. Therefore, it is understood that these simple styling techniques are crucial in targeting the issues of mass consumption and waste within the fashion industry, as they act to positively impact the environment. 

Within the sessions, we have also been researching the history of subcultures and how they relate to the themes of better lives. When, looking into glam rock and punk, it was clear from our seminars and group work that their styling processes enlisted sustainability; as elements of repurposing, customization and DIY were all present. Moreover, these subcultures suggest how inexpensive techniques of styling can be effectively used to generate exaggerated and bold outfits which make statements of diversity. Specifically, when looking into glam rock as a political subculture, it was clear how the styling choices aided statements of diversity though visual commentary on gender, sexuality and androgyny. Furthermore, this highlights how styling can be used as a powerful medium in targeting issues surrounding diversity and inclusivity. 

In conclusion, the better lives unit has allowed me to understand how essential it is to better the environment by evolving the fashion industry to be sustainable. Overall, the unit has inspired me to take forward a sustainable styling approach to my creative work, as it is crucial, we tackle the issues of climate change. Furthermore, I attend to enlist the styling techniques, put forward through my seminars, of repurposing old garments, sourcing from charity shops, and customizing clothing, within my future work.  

From the lecture series, the lecture I found most engaging and informative was the lecture held by Nick Almond on Emerging Technologies. Efficiently, Almond explained how the advancements within technology are now progressing at a much faster rate, as well as, highlighted how these systems are greatly impacting the fashion industry in both positive and negative ways.

One of the elements of this lecture which I found most interesting was on Disruptive Technology, a term I had not yet learnt. Almond, N (2020) explained that “Disruptive technology is a technology that displaces or improves upon another” and how initially it is deemed a low demand product. Nevertheless, soon after, the technology begins to progress immensely at a continuous rate. This results in a huge shift within technology and within society. An example of disruptive technology, which Almond included, was the iPhone and how it was the catalyst to the digital camera becoming obsolete. Moreover, this introduced to me how new emerging technologies can be so powerful and cause drastic changes to the way we live our daily lives. This suggests a demand for more disruptive technology, that considers and focusses on improving issues such as sustainability, diversity and social responsibility within the fashion industry.  

Within the lecture, Nick Almond referenced Block Chains and Bitcoin, both of which are evolving technologies that I had not yet discovered prior to the lecture. Soon, I learnt how extremely advanced Blockchains were and how these emerging technologies are introducing endless benefits to the fashion industry and the working world. Bitcoin allows users to securely store and invest money without the need for a bank; in addition to this, Blockchains can even permit users to print their own money and also introduces a platform where others can collaborate efficiently without requiring management, therefore causing more fair opportunity to a larger demographic. Currently, Blockchains are being invited to the fashion industry as they allow for authenticity checks on garments and also allow for mass-collaboration with fair reward, which therefore supports emerging young creatives like myself and also the themes of diversity, social responsibility and sustainability.  However, from the lecture I also learnt how blockchain technology is problematic. As, Blockchains still remain within their incubator phase, the technology is unfinished and rather glitchy, meaning there is a demand for further development. As well as this, unfortunately blockchain technology is extremely difficult to understand and use, making it only accessible to a very small audience. Moreover, this highlights a lack of diversity so therefore there is a need for amendments to be made so it can be accessed by everyone.

In reflection, I found this lecture highly informative as it has introduced me to new technologies and systems which I was unaware of prior to the session. Additionally, this lecture emphasised how advanced technologies are becoming a reality within the industry and that they have certain limitations. Overall, this session has majorly influenced me to consider these emerging and influential technologies, within my future creative practice, to be able to positively evolve the fashion industry through the use of technology, to become a fairer and better environment targeting the issues of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility.