Effects of changing fashion trends

The influence of fashion

Social media apps, television shows, radio commercials, and magazines all have an impact on fashion trends.

Making the world a better place through fashion

This article discusses a change in fashion trends to create greater social responsibility in this industry. This means that companies that create and produce fashion is obligated to act in a way that benefits society. The author of this article, Katherine Singh, explores in the article the idea that consumers connect to their clothing so the designers and producers of these clothes need to take that into account. She interviews an Indigenous fashion designer who is hopeful that there is a place in the fashion industry for Indigenous practices.

After studying the article introduce the following questions and brainstorm possible responses. Record the responses on an anchor chart, in an audio recording, on paper, on a computer, or in an organizational format of your choice.

• When referring to Indigenous fashion the article states “It’s not a trend. It’s a set of values about fashion itself.” What do you think this means?
• The article discusses “upcycling.” Do you know what it means? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Use the success criteria checklist to ensure you have done your best work.

Media text messaging

Let’s focus on this article as a media text itself in terms of its messaging and its target audience. Find a partner, if possible, to discuss and record your ideas for the following critical thinking questions:

What do you believe to be the target audience of this article? How do you know? Who would learn from this article?

If the target audience of this article was young fashion students, how did this article deliver its message effectively to those students? Can you find at least two different ways?

Sustainable Fashion

Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. When we think of fashion, how might that be considered sustainable?

Fast Fashion refers to inexpensively produced clothing that is mass produced based on latest trends.

Sustainable Fashion refers to clothing, shoes and other accessories created in a way which reduces the environmental impact

Review the article and video below to learn more about a small business that focuses on the local and sustainable fashion production.

Respond to the following questions:

• Why is it important that fashion designers and producers create products that are sustainable?
• How does this idea relate to the article that you reviewed above?

Media text messaging

Sustainable fashion

Independent research

Research at least four different companies that promote ethical and sustainable fashion and have a positive impact on the environment/community.

• What is the company name?
• What products are being made and sold?
• What are the positive impacts on society and/or the environment?

Record your findings in an audio recording, in a written response on paper or the computer, in a visual representation or by using the Ethical/Sustainable Fashion Recording Sheet in your notebook or by using the following fillable and printable document.

Reflection questions

You have consumed different forms of media throughout this learning activity. Which form do you prefer? Video? Articles? Websites? Why do you prefer this form of media?

Which media text do you feel delivered its message more effectively to its intended audience – one of the two articles or the video? Why do you feel this way? Use examples and moments from the media texts to support your answer.

Record your thoughts and responses in an audio recording, on paper, on a computer, or through a discussion with your teacher.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.