Before learning about the different factors that have to be considered including subject positions, subjectivity, agency, etc when talking about fashion and how these factors are all intertwined and connected to shape our identities, I thought that fashion was simply just a trend. In terms of the definition of fashion, I wrote down that fashion is a timeless trend, a style that always leaves then comes back. Also, I wrote that fashion includes wearable garments and bodily adornments that are presented on the body as a way to show who you truly are or where you belong. However, I realized that there was so much more to consider and know about when it came to fashion. The definition has not shifted at all for me; however, I believe that a lot more knowledge has been added onto something that started as something very little. When I think about the definition of fashion now, I think of it as more of a visual narrative that manifests personal stories and documentation of history as it leaves behind blueprints. Fashion is heavily linked with dress and style. To understand the fashion of a specific period, studying the overall mood and the events that took place during that time will help you understand fashion at a deeper level. For example, I believe that there is going to be a shift in fashion after this global epidemic ends. Whether we shift our focus to virtual platforms or find other ways to adapt to the situation and the resources that we have, there is going to be a shift in the way we manufacture and interact with fashion. I learned that intersectionality becomes very complicated when dress, style, and fashion comes into play. Susan Kaiser stated in her book Fashion and Cultural Studies, “Fashion is about producing clothes and appearances, working through ideas, negotiating subject positions, and navigating through power relations” (Kaiser 2012, 16). She highlights how all these qualities are critical when talking about fashion and subject positions, power, value, etc are going to be always going to be linked with fashion.
I believe that the researching stage in my design work is going to be heavily impacted after knowing more in-depth about fashion and taking consideration of all the factors such as subject positions, intersectionality, power, value, etc. I believe that it broadened my worldview in terms of thinking about and considering the small branches that would help me create garments that are more authentic and true to myself. I believe that many times mainstream media influences us to be a certain way and present work that meets what the customers want to see; however, looking back at my subject positions and analyzing my background and how I came to be, I believe that I will able to focus on creating something that I like and something that is next fashion. I believe that when it comes to designing I will have a better understanding of how I want to pursue the direction of fashion and thinking more about the future of fashion. In terms of how confident my attitude will shift towards fashion, on the contrary, I believe that I will be more cautious and will invest more time researching and understanding the information I am focusing on for design concepts. One important commentary that Susan Kaiser shared was that “[Fashion] involves mixing, borrowing, belonging, and changing. But it is also about matching, creating, differentiating, and continuing. It is a complex process that entangles multiple perspectives and approaches.” (Kaiser 2012, 16-7). I agree that mixing and borrowing many times occur in this realm of fashion; however, authenticity and racial plagiarism are topics we must consider when it comes to borrowing ideas of others. Borrowing existing ideas and manipulating them can bring you innovative outcomes; however, when that is all you are doing and is not giving any original input, then you will always be stagnant and will not be able to create something further than what you are producing now.
Bibliography
Kaiser, Susan B. Fashion, and Cultural Studies. London: Berg Publisher, 2012.
