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Does the Fashion Industry Have an Ageism Problem?
The discussions surrounding diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry are now commonplace. Yet these discussions tend to rarely extended to include the lack of age varied representation, particularly the older generation. Ageing is a process of life, so why is it that this process, through the older generation, less represented than the younger counterparts? With the lack of representation through advertising and targeting clothing brands, there could be a gap in the market. Fashion can be about self-expression and inclusivity. Fashion cannot be fully diversified whilst a demographic of customers are not seeing themselves represented and reflected within the industry. Is fashion catered towards young people? There is a…
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Self Expression and Belonging in the Digital Age
A look at how social media has facilitated new digital fashion communities Community and fashion have become closely linked. For many, fashion, and the clothes we wear are a way of outwardly expressing personalities and interests. From this, subcultures and self-made communities within the fashion industry formed and continue to flourish. What are fashion subcultures? Subcultures in fashion generally refer to groups, or communities, of people who dress a specific way, unique to the subculture. Subcultures can often be easily identified, as the clothes worn by people within the subgroup, often emulate a specific style. There are a multitude of subcultures within fashion. A few well-known examples of these within…
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What Does It Mean To Be Part of a Fashion Community?
Being part of a fashion community means something different to everyone. Age, gender, and passions are only the start for participants. Fashion is a powerful visual tool. For some, fashion is a creative outlet and a form of self-expression. For others, communities are a network for meeting like-minded people. Most recently, social causes have become a prominent link to fashion communities. Right now, they hold more power than just being somebody’s call for inspiration. So, why do we participate in fashion communities? Fashion and Subcultures Fashion has become a vehicle of empowerment and as history tells us, it is a powerful one. For instance, the 1920s became a defining moment…
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Does the Fashion Industry Neglect Disability?
Fashion is a huge industry and is so embedded into our daily lives even if we do not necessarily notice it. Fashion is everywhere on television adverts, billboards, magazines, and many more platforms, and over the years has sparked various questions as to whether the fashion industry is bias to certain stereotypes. Disabled people for many years have been ignored in mainstream fashion and in the year 2020, it should be something celebrated and expressed through fashion and fashion marketing. It is prominent that from mainstream fashion brands websites, and social media pages that their content clearly does not tailor the disabled community, as in many cases there is zero…
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An untapped market
Key issue at hand… Fashion is a universal way for people to express themselves, so there should be no such thing as an untapped market within the media. A key market has been left out for years and it’s time for their voices to be heard. Disabled individuals have a hard time finding clothing that fits to their catered needs. They end up having to purchase ghastly clothing that is not proportionate to their body type. Not only this, but there is a lack of representation in the media. Brands need to take responsibility and begin to cater to the disabled. What is “perfection”? Representation is such an important factor…
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It’s All About Inclusion
Over 1 billion people of the world’s population are diagnosed with some form of disability. Almost 20% of working age adults in the UK are disabled, according to the British Disability Quality Charity Scope. Yet despite this, disabled people have long been ignored and excluded from the fashion industry. The fashion industry might be quick when it comes to trends, but it is slow to represent people of different abilities. Disabilities come in various forms which can demand several specific clothing needs, such as adjustable waists, one hand zips, magnetic closures, and extended openings. For example, buttons can be difficult for those with dexterity issues and regular cut trousers can…
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Self-Expression, Depression & Masculinity: How Fashion Can Help Men Cope & Assert Their Identity.
Suicide is one of the largest killers of men in the world. With 16.9 deaths per 100,000 men in the UK alone, it’s an issue that is highly sensitive, complex, and worryingly common. Mental health awareness continues to grow, and while we cannot determine all the reasons behind male suicide, self-expression and an outdated concept of masculinity are two issues often interrogated. Fashion can help combat these outdated notions and the issue of self-expression within men to enable a higher sense of self-worth and exploration of what masculinity really is. The struggle with masculine tropes There’s common phrases: ‘Grow some balls,’ ‘Who wears the pants?’ ‘Boys don’t cry,’ and ‘Be…
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Scarf Love
When I’m feeling a bit fragile or in a funk, I reach for you. Draped on your hook at the back of the wardrobe, bright and cheerful, there’s something about the feeling of silk in my hand that’s so alluring and comforting – like a phone call with a friend; you never fail to pick me up and make me feel loved, a better version of myself. You make whatever I’m wearing look polished, with a touch of style that wasn’t there before. Wearing you close to my face gives me a confidence boost. You lift my complexion and all I need is a touch of lipstick to get out…
