The Most Important Influence on Contemporary Fashion

Fashion is a dynamic creative and cultural expression that changes all the time. Pop culture and technology are only two of the many variables that shape modern fashion today. However, sustainability is the one factor that we prioritise over the others. Significant changes in the design, production, and consumption of clothing have resulted from this effect, which has also transformed the fashion business. We chatted with sustainable design expert Ana Rodriguez to have a deeper understanding of this shift, and she offers insightful commentary on how sustainability has evolved into the main inspiration for modern fashion.

An Examination of the Development of Modern Clothing

Contemporary fashion is distinguished by its rapidity and ongoing change. But in order to appreciate its most significant impact, one must first stand back and look at the history of fashion. Throughout the 20th century, mass manufacturing, globalisation, and celebrity culture were inextricably tied to fashion. The fashion industry was controlled by iconic names like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, and designers were held in high regard. Mass production of clothing resulted in the unsustainable exploitation of workers and resources due to quick fashion cycles.

But when the twenty-first century rolled around, worries about climate change and environmental consciousness started to affect how people thought about fashion. Growing awareness of the fashion industry's negative environmental effects, together with improvements in technology and information availability, made sustainability the ideal habitat to flourish.

Sustainability: The Transforming Force

The biggest effect on contemporary fashion now is clearly sustainable fashion. The term "sustainability" describes how to produce and consume apparel while minimising adverse effects on the environment and human health. This strategy aims to protect the environment, lessen pollution, and advance moral behaviour in the fashion business.

We spoke with Ana Rodriguez, the creator of "Conscious Fashion" in the words of designer Ana Rodriguez, as reported by El Mundo (2023, June 14) an initiative that promotes ethical and sustainable design, to gain a deeper understanding of how sustainability affects modern fashion.

"Sustainability in fashion is not a passing trend," asserts Ana Rodriguez. It is an essential reaction to the moral and environmental problems the sector faces. As consumers become more conscious of the consequences of their fashion decisions, manufacturers are responding to this need. Using eco-friendly materials is just one aspect of sustainable fashion; another is taking into account a garment's whole life cycle, from design to disposal. This entails selecting ethically produced goods, using sustainable resources, and encouraging conscientious consumers."

The impact of sustainability on modern fashion is seen in several significant ways:

• Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and other recycled textiles are among the sustainable materials that businesses are choosing more and more. These materials lessen the industry's carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable resources.
• Ethical Production:  It is commonly known that labour exploitation occurs in the clothing industry. Sustainable fashion prioritises ethical manufacturing, guaranteeing equitable compensation and secure working environments for labourers.
• Conscious Consumption: People are making the decision to make fewer, more deliberate purchases. A preference for quality over quantity is challenging fast fashion by lowering waste and lessening its negative effects on the environment.
• Technological innovation: From producing recycled materials to increasing manufacturing and distribution efficiency, technology is vital to sustainable fashion.

Sustainability has caused a great deal of change in the fashion business by challenging established practises. Companies that were before infamous for their mass manufacturing and indifference to environmental effects have started implementing more environmentally friendly procedures.

Prominent corporations, like Adidas, Zara, and H&M, have declared their intention to lower their carbon emissions and use more moral manufacturing methods. These modifications are unmistakably evidence that sustainability is becoming a major factor in modern fashion.

The emergence of independent firms and designers who have made sustainable fashion their main emphasis is another indication of sustainability's effect. These companies are dedicated to ethical production, sustainable material selections, and open supply chains. They have also discovered an enthusiastic market that respects sustainability and is prepared to spend money on premium, eco-friendly clothing.

Sustainable Fashion's Future

The field of sustainable fashion is always changing, and it appears that its influence will only grow with time. In the years to come, there should be some interesting innovations as sustainability is woven more and more into the foundation of the fashion business. Technological advancements like biotechnology and 3D printing have the power to completely change how clothes are created and made. Furthermore, there is growing consumer awareness of sustainable fashion, which puts pressure on firms to implement more ethical practises.

In brief, sustainability has unquestionably had the biggest impact on modern fashion. The industry has changed as a result of this tendency, which has pushed for the adoption of more moral and responsible behaviours as well as an emphasis on the longevity and quality of clothing. Sustainable fashion is an essential answer to the ethical and environmental issues that the industry is confronting, not merely a fad. By choosing products and behaviours that promote sustainability in fashion, we as customers have the potential to create good change. This trend towards more ethical fashion is encouraging because it portends a day when ethics and beauty will coexist.

Why Sustainable Fashion Is the Solution

In a world where ethical and environmental concerns are given more weight, sustainable fashion appears to be the answer to the major problems facing the sector. This article explains why reducing the harmful effects of the fashion industry on the environment and the global population requires a focus on sustainable fashion.

The Effects of Fashion on the Environment:

We must first recognize the scope of the issues that sustainable fashion seeks to solve before we can fully comprehend why it is the answer. The environmental impact of the apparel industry is astounding. It causes a huge amount of the world's carbon emissions, which is a substantial contribution to climate change. In addition, the sector contributes to pollution, habitat damage, and resource depletion by consuming enormous amounts of energy, chemicals, and water in the process of producing textiles and apparel.

Fast fashion makes these issues worse by encouraging an excessive consumption culture in which clothes are thrown away after only a few wears. These days, it's more important to feel good about how you look than it is to just look nice. That's exactly what sustainable fashion provides by emphasizing environmentally friendly materials.

The Potential of Eco-Friendly Materials

The core of the solution for sustainable fashion is eco-friendly materials. Hemp, organic cotton, and recycled textiles are some of these materials. Their lower environmental effect is what distinguishes them from conventional materials. For example, organic cotton is farmed without synthetic fertilizers or hazardous pesticides, which reduces pollution of the soil and water. Tencel uses less water and energy to produce because it is created from wood pulp that is sourced sustainably. Recycled textiles keep textile waste out of landfills and lessen the need for new materials.

Customers may significantly lessen the environmental effect of the fashion industry by selecting sustainable materials. These materials offer a platform for more moral and environmentally friendly production methods in addition to conserving natural resources.

The Movement for Slow Fashion

The slow fashion movement and sustainable fashion go hand in hand. This way of thinking encourages people to invest in classic, long-lasting objects rather than chasing fads. It also promotes quality over quantity. It encourages customers to think of clothing as an investment rather than a throwaway item. People may lessen waste, lower their carbon footprint, and encourage a more sustainable approach to personal style by embracing the concepts of slow fashion. Rather than obsessing over new clothes every season, people can put together a wardrobe that is timeless and represents their principles.

Equitable Wages and Ethical Manufacturing

As problematic as the environmental issues related to fashion are, the ethical issues are just as troubling. Fast fashion frequently uses cheap labour from developing nations, which results in poor pay and abusive working conditions for garment workers. By way of ethical production, sustainable fashion, on the other hand, guarantees that the people who manufacture our products are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

This ethical approach to production covers all phases, from the final sewing of the garment to the cultivation of raw materials. Being a keystone of the fashion industry's development, it fights for the rights and dignity of workers.

Financial Suitability

The idea that sustainable fashion is more expensive is one that is frequently held. Although it's true that eco-friendly apparel can cost more than its fast-fashion equivalent, the economy is shifting. More accessible and reasonably priced solutions are emerging in response to the growing consumer demand for sustainability.

As a matter of fact, eco-friendly and ethical fashion firms have been earning major financial gains, proving that such methods can be profitable. Customers may help reform the market so that it values people and the environment by supporting these brands.

The Trends of the Future

The fashion sector finds itself at a turning point. It has two options: it can take the sustainable way or keep going down the path of overconsumption, pollution, and exploitation. Many visionaries believe that fashion will have sustainability at its foundation in the future.

Innovation and technology are major contributors to this change. Fashion is moving toward a more ethical and environmentally friendly future thanks to developments in recycling methods, sustainable materials, and supply chain transparency. We should expect a more responsible and optimistic future for the fashion industry as we adopt these advances and customer demand for sustainability rises.

In conclusion

Is sustainable fashion the answer to fashion's problems is no longer a question. Of course it is. Sustainable fashion offers a comprehensive strategy to altering an industry that desperately needs to change its ways by emphasizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and consumer empowerment. It's time for us all to join this revolution, which is more than just a solution. It is within our power as consumers to demand that the fashion industry respect the environment and the people who make our garments.

The Pursuit of Excess: Chasing the dream of more: Uncovering the consequences of excess in fashion

When more isn't always better: Examining fashion overconsumption and overproduction’s impact on the environment

I love shopping! Is something all of us have at least heard once in our lifetime, or even said ourselves. Buying a piece of clothing is a very particular and distinct experience for different people, especially in the latest years, with the growth of e-commerce and the global pandemic. People wanted and needed more. Only one click to acquire a new piece of clothing, two clicks for accessories, and the classic buy one gets one free always gets us. Easy to shop, hard to think about the consequences, this is the mentality that has surrounded the Fashion industry for the last years. While we feed our Fashion appetite, we are also feeding an Environmental crisis.

It is not fair to blame only the consumer, especially when they are being fed an enormous buffet, for a few pennies. Overproduction in Fashion is a grave issue, and it is currently affecting the world every single day. Overproduction happens when Fashion companies produce more than what they can sell: so? What happens to the excess product? Destroyed, trashed, and thrown away is the usual end of the clothing we purchase, currently in Canada there are 500 million kilograms of textiles product being dumped yearly, ending up in our landfills and Nature. Although it is quite easy to get rid of our clothes, the environment is not as lucky, the different products, Chemicals and water quantity used in creating a piece of clothing is highly expensive in resources cost, when it’s thrown away in the garbage the consumer are not only wasting money but also resources, this also usually always result in the clothing being disposed in a landfill, where it will take 200+ years to fully decompose.

Being aware of the consequences is already a first step towards resolving the issues. Fast Fashion is the flagship store of overconsumption, while demand rises, it is easier and more financially profitable to focus on acquiring more products and disposing of the excess inventory after. Fast Fashion constantly keeps up with every trend and does not care about durability and the lifetime of the merch. Product after product released daily, and when the trend is gone?

The apparel needs to be gone too; finding an ethical and Environmental solution would require economic loss for these companies so dumping the excess on the landfill or deserted areas feels like their right solution. As National Geographic reported in an article dated April 10, 2023, right now there is an environmental and social emergency for the planet, explaining how the clothing that gets dispose of, ends up in the Northern Chilean Desert or in other Landfills around the world. This happens when clothing is not sold, these mountains of thrown away clothes are rising every single day, not only causing issues to the surrounding Nature, but also impacting the population that lives in this area. To protect Chilean ground the government passed a law that condemn and makes producers accountable for six diverse types of waste, this unfortunately has helped, but not resolved the main problem, Overproduction is a grave issue, that derived from Overconsumption.

Buying clothing is a necessity, but when that Need becomes a Want significant problem rises. Wanting the latest piece of a trend, owning the most interesting jewellery and having the cutest bag to match; are normal instincts to have, but when is it too much? In between 2000 and 20014 the number of clothes that the average person buys increased by 60%, to keep up with this rising demand, Fast Fashion became the one to ailment it.

We wanted more, they gave us more, but to do so they had to opt for cheaper materials, inadequate quality textiles and excessive production. In recent years, the apparel industry has risen to its peak, thanks to the growing social media trends, e-commerce and especially after the Global pandemic, expressing yourself with clothes was one of the ways diverse people used as a coping mechanism. The quality and durability of the clothes purchased through Fast fashion companies is widely inferior to what was around in the past. Consumer behaviors have shifted towards shopping for new apparel more frequently than ever, and in direct relation to the purchase of poor-quality items, the lasting lifespan of the product will be highly inferior causing the item to be disposed of in about a year period. Excessive amounts of clothing are made to meet the consumers' demands, but there are no precautions or strategies made to assure ethical disposition and production methods, only 15% of clothing is recycled, the other 75% end us in our landfills.

Overconsumption and Overproduction are the two key issues affecting the Fashion industry, and the World as a whole, to make sure that a change is made, the industry needs to be aware of the environmental impacts of textile fossil-based waste (polyester). Opting for a transition to a more circular textile system, promoting the use of more ethically sourced product, enhancing energy efficacy on the supply chain, and dropping the use of fossil-fuel based fibers are all solutions that can be implemented by Fashion companies to reduce the waste and the dangerous emissions. A few companies like: Patagonia, Ecoalf and The North Face are all actively implementing these ethical solutions and are pushing other companies to follow them and contribute to the change. As a person you can do your part to help, recycling your clothes can have a significant impact. Swapping or donating your clothes are successful alternatives. Thrift shops and Donation centers are helping industry and society on the regular basis, opting for these options while browsing for clothing can have a profound impact on the environment.

Lastly taking care of your clothing and assuring a longer lifespan is a small step that we should all take.

Deinfluencing the Fashion World: How TikTok's trend is redefining the industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, TikTok has emerged as a formidable platform for setting trends, influencing consumer behavior, and reshaping various industries. While the influence of TikTok influencers on fashion has been undeniable, a curious phenomenon has been gaining traction lately—the "deinfluencing" trend. This wave of authenticity and individuality is challenging the traditional fashion industry's norms and priorities, and it's leaving a profound impact on the way we view style and self-expression.

The Power of TikTok

TikTok, a video-sharing app launched in 2016, has taken the world by storm, with over a billion active users as of 2022. The platform allows users to create short, engaging videos that can be about anything, from lip-syncing and dancing to educational content and comedic sketches. Its algorithm's genius lies in how it personalizes content for each user, making it a hub for discovering new trends and ideas, including those in the world of fashion. TikTok's impact on the fashion industry became apparent when "TikTok Made Me Buy It" became a viral hashtag, indicating that the platform's users were significantly influencing consumers' shopping choices. Users' authentic reviews and genuine enthusiasm for products and trends were a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by perfectly curated influencer content. However, this trend has evolved into something more profound, leading to the deinfluencing phenomenon.

Deinfluencing: The New Era of Authenticity

The deinfluencing trend on TikTok revolves around deconstructing the conventional standards of beauty, fashion, and personal style. Influencers and content creators are actively challenging the status quo by embracing their imperfections, unique styles, and individuality. Rather than adhering to the unattainable beauty ideals of the past, they celebrate diversity and self-expression. This trend is a response to the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by traditional fashion magazines and influencers. On TikTok, users are ditching airbrushed perfection for raw, unfiltered content that reflects real life. People are showcasing their stretch marks, cellulite, and natural beauty. They are discussing their struggles with body image and mental health, resonating with millions of viewers and creating a powerful sense of community.

Impact on the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry, which has historically relied on unrealistic beauty ideals to sell products, is feeling the impact of this deinfluencing trend. This transformation is most visible in the way brands and designers are reevaluating their marketing and production strategies.

Inclusive Fashion

One of the most significant shifts brought about by the deinfluencing trend is the emphasis on inclusivity. Brands are recognizing the importance of designing clothing lines that cater to a wide range of body types and skin tones. The industry is beginning to embrace diversity and representation, celebrating the beauty in all its forms. This shift is not merely a response to social pressure but a reflection of changing consumer values.

Authenticity and Transparency

Consumers are no longer content with airbrushed and Photoshopped images. The fashion industry is being held to higher standards when it comes to transparency. Authenticity has become a buzzword as consumers demand to know the true origins of their clothing and the ethical practices behind their creation. Deinfluencing has prompted a more critical approach towards sustainability and ethical manufacturing processes.

Independent Fashion Voices

The deinfluencing trend has allowed independent and small-scale designers to shine. On TikTok, individuals with a passion for fashion are gaining a platform to showcase their unique styles and creations. This shift has brought forth a wave of new, innovative fashion perspectives that challenge traditional norms and cater to niche markets.

Dismantling Fast Fashion

Fast fashion has been a staple in the industry for years, driven by the need to keep up with constantly changing trends. However, the deinfluencing movement is challenging the harmful impacts of fast fashion, advocating for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to style. The focus is shifting from disposable clothing to durable, timeless pieces.

Empowerment Through Fashion

The deinfluencing trend isn't just about rejecting conventional standards; it's about empowering individuals to express themselves through fashion. This empowerment is driving a new wave of creativity, with consumers finding joy in exploring personal style rather than adhering to what's deemed fashionable by influencers or traditional media.

Future Implications

The deinfluencing trend on TikTok is causing a paradigm shift in the fashion industry, and its effects will likely continue to reshape the way we approach style and self-expression. Brands are being forced to adapt to the changing landscape by becoming more inclusive, transparent, and ethical. Consumers are also becoming more conscious, making informed choices about their fashion purchases. They are willing to invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that align with their values rather than disposable fashion.

This shift may lead to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry in the future. Furthermore, the fashion world is witnessing a democratization of influence. TikTok provides a platform for independent designers and creators to thrive, breaking the stronghold of big brands and allowing fresh perspectives to flourish.

In conclusion, TikTok's deinfluencing trend is reshaping the fashion industry by promoting authenticity, inclusivity, and individuality. As consumers and creators embrace their unique styles and reject traditional beauty standards, the fashion industry is evolving to cater to these new values. The future of fashion is looking more diverse, sustainable, and reflective of the true essence of self-expression. TikTok's influence is not only changing the way we dress but also the way we think about fashion.

Djing, Partying and The Culture with YesYesY’all’s Nino Brown

Nino Brown takes us through the evolving diversity, drug culture and individuality in Toronto’s Party scene.

Dj Nino Brown (@yesyesninobrown) is a leader in Toronto’s culture. Starting 'YesYesY’all,' Toronto’s 'Biggest, Bashiest, and Sweatiest Queer Hip-Hop/RnB/Dancehall Jam' with Yes Yes Jill, in 2009, she has become an icon in Toronto. We have been friends for a year now. Since she had previously expressed interest in swimming in my apartment complex’s pool, I was able to entice her into what ended up being more of a 3-hour-long conversation than an interview at my humble abode. As someone who has been DJing and partying long enough to experience firsthand multiple eras of Toronto, I entered the conversation curious about the ways in which the evolving social and gender norms, fashion, and drug cultures have affected Toronto’s culture, and how these changes have influenced her views on DJing, partying, and the world.

We started the conversation at her starting point in the scene. I asked Nino about the age at which she started going to parties and if she was scared, as my anxiety was through the roof when I began going out. “I was 15 when I went to my first parties. They were mostly house parties because that’s all I could get into at that age. However, I would have the rare night when one of my cousins would get me into a rave. I was definitely not nervous. Growing up in a restrictive household, my eyes were wide open when I went out. I was excited to see different people and their extremes, and I could find similarities within myself through their differences.” I inquired about the scene at that time. “It was very, very white.” This comment somewhat surprised me. With gentrification being apparent in the city, 

my dad, who at the time was throwing bashments, speaks to me as if Toronto, year by year, is eliminating culture and becoming whiter. Mentioning this to Nino, she reminded me of the sheer size of Toronto and how there can be many different cliques of parties for different diasporas. She specified that she was mainly talking about the queer scene, as that was her area. Nino believes that most party scenes have only become more diverse each year. 

YesYesY’all, now in its fourteenth year, is truly a spectacle. Watching old videos on my phone from the event, there are 560 people dancing hard and getting as sweaty as possible. There are Caribbeans and Jamaicans in full carnival getups, queer extravagance, models in next to nothing, and an MC shouting madness over dancehall, hip-hop, baile funk, and club remixes. I wanted to know everything about the event, from its inception to the present. “It started as simply, 'Let’s throw a party.' 

I didn’t know if anyone would come, but it ended up being busy. Then, each time we threw the event, it seemed like the crowd would double. I think we got a little lucky.” I asked her how, through the years of throwing YesYesY’all and DJing, she thinks the culture has evolved. “There were times when the culture made me lose passion for DJing. I remember when Xanax was really prevalent from around 2014 to 2018; I found it really hard to find enjoyment in going out and throwing events. People weren’t really dancing. You had to play a certain type of music, mainly rap, for people who would just want to be” she motions a dance of zombified bouncing. “When Xanax started to phase out, I started to notice my enjoyment coming back as people began to dance again.”

As I started going out at 16 in 2016, I remember the Xanax craze. Some of my high school friends experienced it as their first addiction. Never being much of a hard drug person myself, I have memories of walking into basements full of zombies and sitting there, bored and uncomfortable. Then, having the same kids claim that their night was ‘crazy’ and ‘a movie’ the next day. We ended up going off-topic from 'YesYesY’all' to talking about drug culture. Over my seven years of partying, I've seen drug culture 

shift from Xanax and lean to weed as it became legalized, and now ketamine is the drug of choice. I asked her how her feelings on drugs were in DJing. “I always tell my peers, you need to be a good DJ while sober. I see so often someone saying, 'Oh, I'm nervous,' or 'Oh, I'm tired, I need a drink,' or 'I need a bump.' It can be a dangerous path and an easy one to fall into.” We started to discuss our experiences in seeing the extremes of it. For me, it was at 21, seeing someone nod off and being unable to get up in the back room of the club Wiggle Room due to fentanyl. For her, it was “this one vivid memory of my friend, who was a grown man, struggling to get up the stairs. I remember thinking, is this fun?”

As the conversation took a dark turn, we steered it back toward her favorite aspects of throwing events and DJing. “I really love curating a room. Seeing people who wouldn't usually interact and have fun together brings me a lot of joy.” I mentioned how a lot of people around her are characters and have crazy fashion. “I am really attracted to extravagant people. Maybe even more so, extravagant dressers. 

It can be interesting to see how someone can dress loudly and yet be timid.” We closed off the conversation by discussing fashion in the scene. “It has only become more individualistic and extreme. I think it's in a really fun place with themed parties like PepRally, where we have clubbers putting a lot of effort into cool, extravagant outfits, just for one night, for the culture.” As Lil Uzi Vert's music played on my TV, we finished by talking about how the fashion scene is so awesome, that stars are able to implant an 11-carat pink diamond into their head. Sadly, we never made it to the pool.

Dressed for Success: The Stylish Journey of a Film Costume Designer

Costumes chosen for the screen are not only clothes worn by the actors, they are also the threads that weave the fabric of the story. Costuming helps to establish themes, personalities, time periods and storylines. Films use costume design to draw into the viewer's nostalgia in films like Barbie (2023), play on historic garments with a new lens as seen in Marie Antoinette (2006), or showcase coveted designer pieces such as in The Devil Wears Prada (2006). With the help of film costume designer and stylist Holly Caverly, we will embark on a journey behind the scenes of the set to shed light on the meticulous and thoughtful work that goes into dressing adored characters.

“If you’re going to do it…you have to want to see the movies get made, have some passion about not just the clothes, but about the final product.” says Canadian film costume designer, Holly Caverly. Holly is working in Ontario, most recently on the Amazon Prime TV show The Lake.

Prior to filming on set, Holly and the team must source and create the looks plus alternative options for the actors for all of the scenes. In order to get the best possible pieces, the buyers and drivers are essential. They drive back and forth to different stores and cities, picking up and dropping off items for set. During this preparation period, a lot of time is also spent in rental houses, typically in Toronto, looking through and pulling possible garments for the film.

Once on set, the day starts off by setting outfit options for each character, making sure there are no issues with the garments and steaming, steaming, steaming! Holly mentions that she would have never guessed that such a large portion of her day would be spent steaming!

After the clothes have been prepared, the outfits get fitted to the actors and any changes are made before they are sent off to set. At this point, the designer would accompany the actors to the set to establish the outfit in the shot and go over the looks with the director, who may or may not have changes to make.

One of the biggest jobs of the designer is to track continuity in the scenes. I think we have all noticed something like this in a movie or TV show before; in one-shot the actress has her shirt tucked in and thein the next shot suddenly it's untucked! Inconsistencies like this can be incredibly distracting and Holly describes it as one of the most difficult and tedious aspects of the job. She comments on how continuity tracking is extremely stressful and it places a lot of pressure on the styling team. Errors in continuity can be very obvious to the viewers and if a mistake needs to be fixed, it can result in a loss of time and money for the production team.

The lead designer can’t do it alone, and it is essential to have a good teamaking them. Finding a synchronous team can be difficult, but necessary. Holly has worked with some wonderful teams that have succeeded as a unit. Good communication and trust between one another are key. “They need to be like half of your brain” mentions Holly.

Even with great preparation and multiple options, sometimes the director has a change of idea or a shift in the direction for the scene and it is up to the designer to adapt quickly. “At the very last possible second someone will ask you for something that seems impossible, and you just have to make it happen somehow,” states Holly. The importance of attention to detail and stamina as qualities to have on set as well as the ability to be good with things changing on a dime.

Holly tells a story from on set where her team “had 20 corset options for a character and at the last minute at like 10 pm the night before shooting at 7 am, the director and showrunner said the corset had to be white. The only colour we didn’t have… so 3 of us had to stay up and sew a white corset from scratch using stuff that we had around the office, like we cut apart a dress to make it!”

She loves the opportunity to make something out of nothing, or source something last minute. It keeps the job interesting for her and it allows Holly to use her great creativity to solve problems. It is a very demanding part of the job, but her favourite.

Film styling plays an indispensable role in the art of cinema by creating characters through clothing. It is a tedious task to breathe such life into a story through costuming. Next time you watch a movie or TV show, I hope you can take a moment to appreciate the costume and styling choices. Behind these looks are people like Holly, who work thoughtfully to immerse you, the viewer into the story being told.

Service pieces for Oh, George! December 2023

The five pieces that have been chosen for publication in December 2023 are:

Lolita Lore

Indulgent Finds

5 Tips for Staying Warm and Stylish

Sipping and Thrifting

Elevate Your Style

Any of the other pieces may be considered for the Feature section, or foe the Last Look page.

Elevate Your Style: Master the Art of Accessorizing

Accessories are everywhere, they are the cherry on top of every outfit. They range from fun earrings and necklaces to traditional cultural wear. Accessories have been around since human civilization.Whether it was for protection or to show royalty and riches, people have made accessories a staple in their day-to-day wear.

Making or breaking an outfit!

Belts, bags and big earrings. These are all contributing factors to elevating your outfits. Having a statement piece in an outfit like a sparkly bag or vintage belt can turn a basic outfit into high fashion instantly. With the rise of the model off duty look, the line between classic and cool can be blurry. Accessorizing an outfit can look like adding chunky jewelry, using ribbon for your shoelaces, attaching bows to a purse, choosing a sleek pair of sunglasses, or a headband instead of pushing your hair behind your ears. Accessories are an essential part of an outfit, it’s not just about the clothes. Expressing yourself through accessories can put a personal touch to every look.

Exploring your accessory haven: where to find them?

Accessorising is easy, knowing where to look for it, now that’s challenging. When picking accessories you want things that not everyone is going to have. Expression through jewelry is a great way to make an outfit more fun but jewelry can be expensive. Your local thrift store is always an extraordinary place to find cheap unique finds. Accessories don't end with jewelry, instruments like bags or hair clips are always a sure way to catch someone's eye. Looking in your

parents closet is a hack that proves itself useful when searching for these. You could have vintage gems hiding just down the hall collecting dust. When in doubt, you can buy whatever’s trending from the hottest designer but that’s never any fun is it? Look for accessories everywhere, make up your own! The best finds are the ones that have a personal touch.

Accessorize like a pro:

With adding a personal touch it’s hard to feel like you’re doing it right, especially when there are so many celebrities that look so effortless doing it. Finding a style that works for you can boost not just your outfit but your confidence. Finding a signature accessory is a perfect way to please yourself with your look. For example, Jane Birkin and her bags or Karl Lagerfeld and his sunglasses. You can portray who and whatever you want with accessories! Stacking different types of jewelry can give a maximalist vibe to an outfit. Finding what colours feel best with your skin tone can also make you look more put together. Try different golds and silvers and choose whatever one brightens you up and makes you feel good! There are so many different ways to find the perfect fit, allow yourself to play around until you do.

Accessorizing is easy when you let yourself experiment, fashion is all about using your outerwear to express who you are and pleasing yourself. So while using these tips as inspiration, accessorize however you want to even if the trends don’t agree.

Inspiring New Attitudes to Life from Fashion: Fashion is more powerful than you can imagine

 Long ago, one of the main reasons people wore clothes was to protect their bodies from harsh environmental conditions, and subsequently, clothing evolved into a symbol of cultural and ethnic identity. And now, with the continuous development and progress of society, fashion no longer just means clothing, it is more of a channel for people's self-expression, and at the same time leads people to look for a new attitude towards life. From inspiring individuality to promoting sustainability, fashion never stops contributing to people and the world.

Fashion embraces all shapes

Fashion has evolved to such an extent that it has helped people discard stereotypical and monolithic notions of beauty, and body shape is no longer the only criterion of beauty. Many fashion designers and brands have recognized that clothing sizes should be more inclusive and that widening the size range not only meets the daily needs of more consumers but also helps them gain confidence in their bodies. Not only that but in numerous fashion shows and advertising campaigns, models of different body types and races have come into the public eye, showing people the diversity of beauty with the unique strength of each of them, these have greatly enhanced people's awareness and inclusion of themselves and others.

Fashion embraces all cultures

Many cultures of different races are facing extinction, and with it, the loss of their traditional handicrafts, and fashion is undoubtedly a powerful channel to help them continue to pass on and promote their traditional characteristics. Fortunately, numerous fashion designers are now trying to pay tribute to the unique traditional crafts of some ethnic groups and incorporate them into modern designs. The fusion of the old and the new not only makes the design interesting but also helps these traditional crafts, which are about to disappear, to return to the public's view and promotes multi-cultural exchanges so that more people can understand and appreciate the cultural heritage and charms of various ethnic groups.

Fashion is promoting sustainable development

Promoting sustainability has become a major goal in fashion, with more and more fashion designers using organic fabrics and recyclable materials, and even developing new technologies to achieve normal production while also reducing their ecological footprint. There are also fashion brands that are making sustainable goods while at the same time taking care of eco-friendly projects to reinforce people's awareness of the environment. A lot of fashion consumers are now being positively influenced by it and are becoming more cautious in their spending decisions, they prioritize the sustainability and durability of goods rather than focusing on trends that are updated from time to time, how is this not a new attitude towards life?

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Lolita Lore: No, it doesn’t have anything to do with the book. An anatomy of one seriously frilly and fun fashion subculture

Maybe it’s happened to you. You’re at High Park to see the cherry blossoms blooming, and you’re intrigued as a gaggle of people in poofy dresses walk past. Despite its intricate appearance and myriad substyles, Lolita Fashion is easy to understand because it always follows the same basic silhouette. We break down a Lolita outfit, or coordinate, into its basic parts to demystify the style.

The Foundation

Lolita’s trademark is its voluminous skirt, achieved by wearing a petticoat of stiff tulle, organza, or organdy underneath the skirt. Silhouettes can vary from A-lines to fuller rectangle skirts, but the principle is the same: skirts in Lolita fashion are very full.

Some Lolitas also wear bloomers under their petticoats. These optional garments look like short Victorian drawers and provide modesty and extra puff.

The Main Event

 A skirt with a bodice or blouse forms the basis of Lolita Fashion. Options include a one piece dress or a jumperskirt or skirt with a blouse. A one piece (OP) is a dress with sleeves, while a jumperskirt (JSK) is a sleeveless dress. Lolita fashion is modest in terms of necklines, skirt lengths and shoulder coverage, so jumperskirts are almost always worn on top of a blouse or under a cardigan. Skirts are another versatile option, as are salopettes, which are skirts with an apron-like bodice but not a full back. Lolita dresses and skirts will have intricate prints or cute detailing, and are generally knee-length or slightly longer.

The Upper Crust

Blouses are another vital part of Lolita Fashion. Lolita blouses are very fanciful compared to their mainstream fashion counterparts, with ruffles, lace trim, puffed sleeves, and big collars. They go underneath jumperskirts or skirts. Lolitas occasionally wear cardigans over a jumperskirt for more casual looks, but they also layer them for warmth over other pieces. Coats and jackets work just like they do in mainstream fashion, but Lolita coats will have a wide skirt to accommodate the petticoat underneath. Lolitas will also wear capes that resemble those from the Victorian era.

Fancy Footwear 

Lolita socks aren’t the standard ones you get in a pack of five at Costco—they range from full tights to over-the knee to ankle socks, and might be printed to match a dress or trimmed with lace. Shoes and boots are often round-toed and might feature straps or bows. They may be flat, moderately heeled, or platformed. Vivienne Westwood’s Rocking Horse Shoe, with its curved wooden platform, serves as the inspiration for many Lolita shoe designs.

Last but not Least

A Lolita coordinate isn’t complete without some sort of hair accessory. These accessories range from the relatively simple head bow to bonnets trimmed with fake flowers and feathers. Often, Lolita Fashion brands will produce matching hair accessories, blouses, socks, skirts and dresses as a series so that they can be worn together.

Extra! Extra!

What Lolita bags might lack in carrying capacity, they make up for in whimsy. Bags often resemble objects like teddy bears, hearts, or books.

Costume jewelry in fun shapes also spices up coordinates, as do wristcuffs, which are elasticated ruffles worn on the wrist.

Parasols keep Lolitas cool on sunny days and dry on rainy ones, which is incredibly important because most Lolita dresses are dry-clean only. Lolita parasols are usually ruffled and have interesting handles.

A cutsew is a garment made of knitted fabric sewn together, like a t-shirt. Lolitas wear cutsew shirts or cardigans in more casual coordinates instead of blouses.

Indulgent Finds: Unveiling the hedonistic pleasures of vintage wear, meaningful jewellery, and local designer treasures

In a world filled with fast fashion and mass-produced goods, there's an allure in seeking out the unique, the vintage, and the meaningful. You can elegantly combine the idea of hedonism, which views the pursuit of pleasure and happiness as life's ultimate aims, into your purchasing habits. Embrace the beauty of life as we delve into the online and in-person worlds of local designers and the rich history of antique clothing and jewellery. For the hedonist with a taste for the extraordinary, shopping for vintage wear, jewellery with a story, and supporting local designers becomes a delightful pursuit of sensory pleasure and self- expression.

Vintage Wear: The Timeless Allure

Envision entering a time warp of a store where antiques and curios from bygone times are displayed. Vintage clothing provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness while actively reliving the past through clothing. From a classic Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress to the raw allure of 1970s denim, the world of vintage fashion is your oyster for one-of-a-kind, high- quality pieces that will last you a lifetime. When it comes to vintage wear, the hedonist seeks more than just clothing; they desire a connection to the past and a story accompanying each piece. The hunt for vintage clothing is an experience in aesthetics and nostalgia, from the local thrift shops full of hidden jewels to the online marketplaces housing curated collections.

Jewellery with Meaning: A Tale Worn on Your Sleeve

Jewellery has always been more than just adornment. It has sentimental value, historical weight, and, for the hedonist, a direct line to the pleasures of living. The world of sentimental jewellery is vast and varied, spanning anything from vintage lockets containing secret messages to one-of-a-kind creations made by local artisans. Local Designers: A Hedonist's Dream Investing in the work of local designers is a statement of appreciation for the cultural value contributed by the designers' creativity and skill. From vibrant markets to boutique stores, indulging in local designs allows the hedonist to savour the creative flavours of their area, celebrating the unique and the exceptional.

Online vs. In-Store: A Dual Delight

The hedonist's dilemma: where to shop? Online platforms provide a convenient global marketplace, while in-store shopping engages the senses in a way that the digital realm cannot. Each has its own set of delights, and a true hedonist may find it hard to choose between them.

In-Store Bliss: A Sensory Delight

Physical stores are a hedonistic heaven for people who enjoy the tactile components of shopping. Awaken your senses by touching exquisite fabrics, gazing at glittering diamonds in dim lighting, and chatting with local designers. Experience the joy of touch as you peruse quaint shops, chat with local artists, and try on antique treasures. These in-store activities are a paradise for those who seek pleasure.

Whether you're caressing the fabric of a vintage coat in a cozy boutique or scrolling through online marketplaces in the comfort of your home, the pursuit of hedonistic shopping is about more than just acquiring goods. It's an adventure, a tribute to one's uniqueness, and a bridge between the past and the present. In the world of vintage wear, jewellery with meaning, and local designers, the hedonist finds joy in the hunt, fulfilment in supporting artisans, and an exquisite connection to life's aesthetic pleasures. Rather than viewing shopping as a chore, make it an experience to look forward to by savouring the hunt and welcoming the discoveries.

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Social issues related to hedonism in the fashion industry

The Fashion Industry which is a vibrant world of trends, runways and luxury lifestyles that often seems to be an empire of Hedonism. Hedonism is the belief that gaining pleasure is the most important thing in life. But under the surface of glitter and glamour there are significant social issues associated with this hedonistic culture. This article root around into the underbelly of the fashion industry and sheds light on the social issues linked with hedonism within its ranks.

Fast Fashion is impacting environment very effectively with the passing days. It cannot exist without the exploitation of garments and other industry workers. The current Fast Fashion is both an environmental and social justice crisis. The hedonistic wants for the latest trends is giving rise to the phenomenon of fast fashion, which is leading to excessive waste, overproduction, and serious environmental damage. The rapid chang of clothes and insatiable desire for new clothes of the consumers is increasing pollution, overuse of resources and waste in landfills. The Hedonistic culture of fast fashion industry is a major cause of environmental pollution.

The constant pursuit of hedonistic pleasures in the fashion industry puts extensive pressure on models, consumers, and influencers to adhere to unrealistic beauty standards. An overemphasis on physical appearance can lead to serious body image issues that lead to eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. The industry’s concentration with hedonism can preserve these problems by promoting an idealized body image.

Hedonism in the apparel fashion industry is encouraging consumerism and overconsumption. Constantly promoting the idea that happiness is found by buying more clothes leads to financial pressure, excessive waste of resources and clothes and disregard for the long-term effects on both individuals and the environment. These kinds of excessive consumption stains personal finances and adds up to global waste problems.

The hedonistic culture of the fashion industry often leads to exclusivity, where only rich people can buy the luxury brands. This is aggravating the social inequality and creating a gap between the privileged and the less fortunate. At the same time, the industry has been criticized for not addressing body types, races, and gender. Fashion should be a platform for everyone to express themselves, but the hedonistic tendencies of the industry can limit that freedom.

The fashion industry’s global supply chain depends upon low wage workers in developing countries, many from whom work in exploitative places. The never-ending pursuit of hedonistic luxury often comes at the expense of honest work practices. Long working hours, insufficient pay and dangerous workplaces are common problems. In order to maintain social and economic inequality, the industry’s emphasis on hedonism and profit maximisation frequently takes precedence over providing equitable salaries and working conditions.

Although the fashion industry is often seen as a source of hedonism and luxury, it is important to acknowledge the social problems that arise from this culture. The industry may advance towards a future that is more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible by addressing these issues. Both fashion insiders and consumers should be aware of the consequences of hedonism and work towards positive change in the industry, making it a driving force for good instead of perpetuating harmful social problems. Body positivity, fair labour standards, and sustainable practices may steer the sector towards a more promising and just future.