Group Activity by Christiane Matz

Issues of Representation

christianematzdrawing — 2023-10-30 11:07:02 UTC

Look into the designer incident and collect all the facts.

Discuss within your group:

• Identify the different elements that are up for debate and unpack your thoughts around them.

• Are there any issues around the approach the designer has used?

• Do any of these words apply: Race, Class, Gender, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Nationality, etc.

• Are there parts that feel authentic and inspired and/or elements that make you feel uneasy or complicated?

Summarise your group thoughts into a paragraph and upload under your group's heading.

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Response

yli0320236_1 — 2023-10-30 12:04:06 UTC

Givenchy’s AW 2015 collection “Chola Victorian” is a good example of how communication is important in representing cultures through fashion. Although the visual designs did not have any issues, the adjective “chola” was used in the name of the collection. This is concerning as historically it had a derogatory meaning for Mexican immigrants whose culture the looks seemed to be inspired by. Additionally there was a noticeable lack in Latina and black models, even though the stylists styled baby hair with gel in a way that was popularised by black and Latina women.

Similarly to the A/W 2015 collection, Givenchy’s A/W 2016 collection was also inspired by the Victorian era. However this collection was able to use the same influence at no expense of another culture.

Response

jleung0620221_2 — 2023-10-30 13:13:50 UTC

After reading this article, we thought the outrage at taking original prints and colors from the Australian aboriginals were a righteous necessity in the form of aggression as a means of getting their voice across the able. Aboriginal Australians are loosing their culture already and are under oppression and yet they are being exploited and profited off of their own very symbolic and idiosyncratic culture. There wasn’t an attempt on education upon the culture even though they were licensed in the legal sense that they had the right to take inspiration.

However, this provoked us to come to the question : To what extent are people too sensitive?

Instead of having everything met with animosity at all times when it comes to a fashion designer or artist taking from sub populations, we think that it would be progressive if people can come to a consensus and have understanding from different perspectives and take criticism so we can shift away from putting the point of self defense in the forefront when addressing this particular topic.

In class we discussed that ‘copying is the highest form of flattering’ and in our small group we thought that is a positive aspect to it and there could be room for more acceptance and understanding from the taking and oppressed.

Upon further research we also discovered that the Australian electorate held a referendum in 2023 that denied the aboriginal Australians recognition as part of the constitution as well as to parliament.

To conclude and wrap up, as a footnote that we can all take away from the knowledge of these articles and the happening of this event, we can be more aware for giving credibility to but also understanding to a true extent to particular cultures and art works that come resemble a idiosyncratic core- as means of good faith, decency, respect, and appreciation.

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venusmaruda1 — 2023-10-30 13:18:54 UTC

This collaboration began as a way to promote the African American vision and to spread the message Denim Tears stands for and believes in. Unfortunately this message couldn’t be proudly expressed due to Levi’s controversial past and owners, also their use of sensitive clothing items. They used a “plantation hat” as a fashion trend instead of respecting the culture and history behind the item they used in the collection. We think that this is a good reason to mention cultural appropriation and over including certain cultures to the point where it seems to be a lack of respect for Black History. However, some may argue that; that is Levi’s past and that this collection is for a good cause and was made to portray a positive message of creating the African American vision, and that they made a mistake by using a historical clothing item insensitively.

fpeyman0320231_1 — 2023-10-30 13:25:12 UTC

11 cast members from all over America, consisting of the younger generation (18-22)

The cK project ONE was a photograph and interview collection. The participants were a diverse group of young members of America from different states and regions. Every member was asked the same questions and allowed to answer with freedom. The campaign is a good example of presenting diversity in all aspects, Race, LGBTQ+ and gender. It gives a story to the models and allows them to voice their concerns of our current society whilst not just limiting this conversation to their race it shows these individuals as representatives for more than just the colour of their skin in the campaign and not just there to ‘check boxes’ for a diverse cast. Rather a project that legitimately concerns themselves with the individual and to all have equal opportunities to be presented in the work. I also found another interview with the cast member Brandon Woody who explains this project to be a ‘ celebration of diversity and uniqueness of the 10 individuals’.