Has man exceeded the power given to create? Gluttony and lust for material objects had lead to overconsumption leaving a world full of accessible goods behind, human production processes and man made products has invaded the natural world; having an catastrophic impact on the environment as well as causing ethical strains within communities. This essay aims to explore the contribution fashion design has to perpetrating dark times as well as highlighting the critical environmental and ethical crisis that has emerged from the consequences of human action. With the exploration of new product innovation and alternative natural renewable resources, this essay also endeavors to highlight the pressing need for a more enhanced sustainable future. Design plays a crucial role in product creation as it is the first process where new ideas form before they develop into a physical object. "... God as having made nature but also having made man in his own likeness, giving him the capacity... to imagine and make things beyond nature" (R Williams, 1997:82). By having the imagination and power to create, humans have produced an abundance of material objects to meet the constant demands of consumers. In todays society, value retailers are now encouraging fast fashion by constantly releasing new designs at low prices, High street brands such as Primark, Zara and H&M are just a few examples that are contributing to the mass production of clothes. The size of the fashion industry has
Fashion is not something new. It has been changing like how the world is changing. It is defined as a popular style or a practice that is projected in what we wear, our footwear, accessories, body, make-up, and even in other inanimate objects like the furniture. Fashion is more than what it seems, it promotes creativity, freedom of expression and can make you feel beautiful. However, people see the positive effects of fashion they tend to neglect the negative outcomes of it. We propose that, fashion today causes more
This papers purpose is to teach fashion heavy consumers on the real price of fast fashion and how buying it affects the environment. This type of audience can be anyone who partakes in the buying of well-known cheap retail stores that have a large audience of being fast and obtainable. These consumers should have the information on how fast fashion effects are environment so it could possibly alter their buying habits to be eco-friendlier but buying either less or more sustainable clothing instead of the cheap alternatives. This audience should care about this purpose because this will affect the world now and for future generations as their environment is being mistreated because of these fast
“The impact of CAD software is linked to 3D printing technology” (source 3). Technology also advanced and carried on with the manufacturing of clothing. Without technology references, there wouldn’t be any machines. Living in the late 20th century and early 21st century has given today’s fashion designer a more free variety to explore, express and create because of this feature. Though some people have argued that large production of clothing causes loss of personality. Technology in the development in clothing creation has brought a positive incline to economic issues. Women are now spending more leisure time rather than staying home and making clothes. Ready-made products led to a study conducted by the U.S department of agriculture in 1937 examining for women’s body measurements. “Not all modern companies follow the same size chart but nearly all have standardized which types of measurement determine their sizes” (source 1). This makes it easier for the consumer to buy a ready-made product when in need of an emergency date dress or outfit. It makes it convenient for both the producer and the
Fashion is a clear reflection of the social, economic, political and cultural period. More and more people are becoming concerned with their style and more importantly, how it affects their wallet. This mindset has paved the way for the fast fashion industry to flourish. Fast fashion is “clothing [being produced] at increasingly low prices, prices so low that many consumers consider this clothing to be disposable… the clothing equivalent of fast food.” (Claudio) Consumers are so caught up on the fact that they are getting a bargain, that they totally disregard the uncomfortable reality surrounding the dark side of mass-consumer fashion. The fast fashion industry has created a culture of mindless consumerism.
Fashion is everything to society and the media. The fashion industry has transformed into a necessity in the life of people. Everyone wants to look good, feel fabulous and feel as if we belong with everyone else. The envy and desire to wear certain things and look a certain way all come, from wearing the latest fashion handbags, accessories, dresses, shoes, and the list goes on. But, when is considering fashion into an individual’s life going too far to the extreme? Many do not consider the whereabouts of fashion materials and how the environment is affected by the mere existence of certain garments. Some may believe these objects grow on trees. But that is clearly not the case. Even though it would be nice. The fashion industry as a
Clothing has played an integral role in defining social status and providing functionality. Fashion trends change faster than ever, and prices for clothing have never been so cheap. As a result clothing production has become environmentally detrimental. This phenomenon, called fast fashion, has inadvertently created a counter movement called slow fashion. Slow fashion aims to cut down on clothing waste by creating consumer awareness, increasing the lifespan of clothing, and choosing ethical stores. While slow fashion, in theory, is an ideal method to curb clothing disposal, it is not without its flaws.
In this revealing and thoughtful look at clothing and consumerism, author Elizabeth Cline sets out to reform how we look at fashion and how we shop for clothing. She approached this topic with a series of anecdotes and statistics to back up her findings. I became curious about sustainability in fashion through reading this book.
Rachael Cassar’s clothes are very unique and eco-friendly. Her clothes are all made out of 90% recycled materials. She transforms them into something edgy, spectacular and creative. She is one of the most forward thinking designers of all time. Rachael says that in order for eco-fashion to ‘succeed’, designers need to replace cheaply made fashion with equally appealing sustainable items. This is good to the environment. Sustainable clothes are important because it reviews what we use to manufacture them in the first place (eg. soak them in chemicals). Eco-fashion is much better for the environment, people and animals. Rachael Cassar’s work on eco-fashion is truly exceptional.
Cornish looks at the interaction between apparel and global history, cultural significance, sustainability and social change. It integrates sociology to help students learn about designing for real people and real issues instead of a empty desire to create a false sense of “newness” to wow an audience on the
It’s become easier than ever to turn a blind eye in order to enjoy a cheaply made, materialistic pleasure. However, keeping an extra dollar in your pocket may be costing someone their life. Unethical fashion, an umbrella term to describe ethical design, production, retail, and purchasing, is a growing problem in today’s society. With the increasing demand for cheap and affordable clothing, the background of fair trade and sweatshops is often overlooked, as well as the disregard for the waste that goes back into the environment. Consumers benefit from lower prices but at the cost of unsafe conditions, poor wages, and environmental damages. In order to address this problem and inform the masses on the source of their products, brands should accept responsibility for educating consumers, and non-governmental organizations and government legislation should add fashion sustainability to their agenda. Although the problem may be oceans away, it is a fundamental issue that we still need to address.
As child I collected boxes. Not just to look at or because I thoroughly enjoyed boxes. No, I had plans for these boxes. I had an entire notebook filled with barbie house designs and slides and boats and pretty much any accessory for my dolls. Then, when I got older I grew out of my boxes and into clothes. Both literally and figuratively. I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer. So, I had notebook for all the pieces that would be in my collection. It mostly included fancy ball gowns that had one sleeve. I even learned how to sew clothing for my dolls. But, high school came and I had to start thinking about what I actually wanted to do for the rest of my life. And fashion design was not it! Then one day in history class we were learning
Fashion tends to work in cycles, much like the technology industry: every designated cycle, a new innovation on a previous product or new reinvention is revealed to overshadow past generations. In fashion, rather than being met with a new smartphone every year, one is met with new collections twice a year: one for the fall and winter, and another for the spring and summer (i.e.- FW and SS). However, this cyclical behavior tends to reinforce a wasteful attitude towards products and textiles within fashion. For instance in 2010, despite the fact that almost all textiles are recyclable, Americans disposed of 13.1 million tons of textiles, and 11 million of those tons found their way into landfills (690).
Fashion designers create differentiated products that allow people to create an image through fashion and express their personal style and look through the clothes and accessories they wear.
This piece entitled Why You Should Know Where Your Clothes Come From is one published by a niche sustainable fashion and lifestyle online magazine called Who What Where. It sets out to do just what the title promised by trying to educate readers about the importance of knowing the process by which their clothing is made and distributed. In order to achieve this task the author, Jessica Schiffer, interviewed Maxine Bédat, the co-founder of Zady, an increasingly popular sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand. Together they assessed the current state of fast fashion, the large and frantically growing market for clothing and accessory items, as well as the popular mega chains that fuel this system. The article as a whole sets out to inform more than persuade and is divided into pockets of information given by Bédat based on the interview questions the author asks. Essentially, this piece seeks to convince through providing information. The target audience for this piece is broad; it is us, the consumers who buy these clothing, and unknowingly, or unwillingly supports this system that is described as having devastating effects both socially and environmentally.
Generations ahead of us only had a tiny wardrobe, where clothes were not washed every day. In our generation, fast fashion is in. It’s ok to have multiple shirts or shoes of the same color. It’s actually ok to throw away unwanted apparel. Apparel companies are beginning to focus on sustainable fashion, also known as eco fashion. Apparel, fashion, and textiles is the most polluting industry in the world. Every stage, that a garment goes through, uses up and threatens our resources.