We want more meaning in our clothes! 

...But what does meaning really mean?

Join us for a short provocation, followed by an open discussion

Hosted by Sara Arnold

Wednesday, 3rd December

6 - 7:30pm UK

7 - 8:30pm CEST

1 - 2:30pm ET

10 - 11:30am PDT

DM or email hello@fahionactnow.org for zoom link

From fast to luxury, the Fashion System is reliant on fossil fuels and underpaid labour and yet prides itself on creativity and expression. Whilst the catwalk is layered in meaning, we must ask, what does it mean to be wearing garments that are created through exploitation? 

As examples of defashioning, we’ve highlighted indigenous, culturally-relevant and traditional garment making. In these cases, meaning often arises through ritualistic, spiritual, communal and collaborative processes, from the growing of materials, processing, making, wearing and caring.

We assume that meaning makes clothes more emotionally durable and therefore more sustainable. We assume meaning is made through slower, more careful and intentional processes. But creating meaning is also integral to increasing the demand for new clothes in a capitalist system. Is asking for more meaning, in itself a useful demand? 

Is meaning a useful instrument for defashioning? If so, in what ways? 

Can we define what we really want when we say we want more meaning in our clothes? 

Who should be creating meaning, though what processes and what responsibilities come with this role? 

How should meaning be explored, assessed and evaluated?