Fashion designers set trends, but there are a few whose designs stood the test of time and transformed the fashion industry to what it is today. Which is why we have Coco Chanel's little black dress and have grown accustomed to designs such as the pea coat and sheer blouses, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent.
But can fashion designers do good?
That's the question that I had on my mind when we had the Fashion Revolution Singapore event on 29 May (PS, do pop over and like the Facebook page!), and I'm sure those who attended the event were asking as well after watching The True Cost.
More photos at this link!
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| Photo: Fashion Revolution Singapore |
During the panel discussion a few key points were raised and need to be addressed.
How do we as designers:
a) design to reduce consumption?
b) design products that have minimal environmental impact?
c) design products that have minimal social impact?
d) increase public awareness of alternative fashion options?
c) design products that have minimal social impact?
d) increase public awareness of alternative fashion options?
I hope to look at how fashion designers can do good over the next few weeks so do join me every Monday for some insights, and I hope that you can share your views too.
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| Post 1 - Design for Minimal Waste (Pre-Consumer) |
I think the easiest and simplest thing designers can do is to be careful about what fabrics they choose, what chemicals and resources are used in the process and to buy local as much as possible to reduce transportation. It's unbelievable how much travel a $6 tshirt does.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you there, Stella!
DeleteI agree with the comment above, the underlying issue is the demand - and that people have gotten into the habit of fast fashion. for a lot of people 'shopping' is seen as a hobby, and something that is done in your spare time, i think it was Wozinack (apple founder) when asked about his vision of the future, he said he didnt know, but he believed people would have more free time and would have to be 'taught' how to use it - so i often think that people just buy stuff rather than make stuff - buy plants instead of growing from seed, buy processed food instead of cooking and telling themselves they have no time...I always feel a bit preachy when I am saying this, but it also drives me mad when people moan about being broke and are constant consumers
ReplyDeleteInteresting Eimear... the thought that people will need to be TAUGHT how to use their free time! I think women will always spend time looking for clothes, to express their personality through their appearance; the mindset that must change is the 'buy new'. Charity shops save textiles from landfill and everyone should buy a proportion of their clothes from them. They're mostly hardly even worn out!
DeleteUnfortunately, that's true. People moan they don't have enough free time to do things, and when they do have free time, they don't know what to do with it!
DeleteI absolutely agree that fashion designers can make a difference! As a designer, you should have an idea of how to construct something and how the materials and fabrics effect the environment and their workers. Although I've worked with costume designers who prefer not to sew (and are not required to sew), the production runs much smoother and more effectively when they know characteristics of fabrics they use and how to construct the garment for a show. The more a designer knows about materials and production, the better off they will be!
ReplyDeletehttp://passportcouture.com
It's interesting you mentioned that costume designers prefer not to sew - I thought it was only in this country!
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