Objectives, from the unit checklist:
- change (intervention) that promotes inclusive learning in your practice
- how useful it would be to your practice, for supporting students and or staff
When choosing your intervention consider the following questions:
- What aspects of diversity do you want to consider and why?
- How does it link to your practice?
- How feasible do you think it would be to implement?
Proposal:
Creation of an inclusive resource of Fashion/garment/make references.
I often feel out of my depth when discussing fashion and garment making with students from different cultural backgrounds or those educated outside Europe. (It’s worth noting that non-European schools don’t always approach things differently; many overseas institutions follow European methods of teaching fashion and often employ European tutors.)
I am a white European woman with a traditional European fashion education. My fashion references are limited, Eurocentric and somewhat one-dimensional, and I believe that with more inclusive approaches, students’ experiences could be enriched and learning outcomes improved.
Students often feel compelled to design and construct garments in a particular way. A way they perceive as traditional and the only “proper” or “correct” method, because it is the most widely used in the Western fashion industry and promoted by many fashion schools.
I’m trying to encourage students to question and rethink these traditional, expected ways of making. Instead, I urge them to consider their positionality, to explore garment creation through the lens of their own cultural backgrounds. This could involve reimagining materials, pattern cutting, sizing, body shapes, garment ranges, techniques, and beyond.
The goal is to create an image resource/library (a physical or digital folder), that includes work of designers:
- That are a part of Global Majority
- various genders
- different sexualities
- Different social backgrounds
- Have disability
- That are neurodivergent
Garments, materials and techniques that:
- Represent another culture, for example saree or Ankara fabric
- Represent another religion/faith or belief
- Represent different social background. For example, overlocking stitch is cheap and “low grade” production method due to popularity within the high street brands.
- Support disability and neurodivergent make, for example hand sewing, digital realisation…)
Other thoughts to consider:
- Creating this resource will take time
- The methods of gathering knowledge and references from cultures and backgrounds that I am not familiar with
- Make sure there is fair representation. How will I know and achieve this?
- How do I gain feedback?