Month: February 2023

The purpose of this brief was to visit the V&A museum and learn about the Rapid Response Collection, as well as discuss and analyze an object from the collection. 

In analyzing the collection we noticed that different perspectives are presented under the same topic to provide a multidimensional view. Besides, we identified a few topics on which we have common interests: modernism, product design, advertising, commodification and consumerism, and social and environmental sustainability. Therefore, we chose Primark trousers.

This pair of jeans was made in 2013 the same year that the Rana Plaza building collapsed killing thousands of workers. This factory produces some of Primark’s garments.  I saw this object as a symbol that represents wider issues in fast fashion. This industry is known for its highly accelerated cycle of production, distribution, and consumption. Fast fashion companies take advantage of low-cost labor in developing countries to manufacture large quantities of clothing at a rapid pace. They often prioritize speed and cost over quality and durability, which results in the frequent replacement of clothes in a consumer’s wardrobe. 

Fast fashion has become popular due to its ability to quickly respond to changing fashion trends, its affordability, and its accessibility to a wide range of consumers. However, it also has negative environmental and social impacts, such as the exploitation of workers. Furthermore, it generates excessive waste and damages the environment.  

Through the years, brands have become conscious of these problems. However, the trousers made me reflect on the shared environmental and social impact of brands, consumers, and designers in the fashion industry. 

Week 1