The Rise of Socially Conscious Fashion Inspired by Art

The fashion industry has so many compatibilities with the music world, attracting numerous enthusiasts while only a select few adopt styles that truly resonate with their personal tastes.

Shopping malls have become modern hubs as fashion trends shape the contemporary landscape. This emphasis on individualism has fueled a growing demand for clothing, which has consistently increased over time...

Fashion is known to be a potent form of self-expression, which provides explanation on self identity. It poises both art and fashion to continue their evolution. Many artists and celebrities are championing changes in how we perceive ourselves, interact with others, and connect with our surroundings. However, many remain unaware that a significant portion of our clothing is produced using chemicals harmful to both human health and the environment.

The conscious fashion movement encounters more complex challenges than the organic food movement, primarily due to a significant information gap and the complexity of clothing supply chains. 

Although durable clothing often carries a higher price tag, clothing companies into this type of clothing are increasingly into integrating sustainable values with competitive pricing and strategic branding. Therefore, it should be known that durability comes with a high cost. When brands emphasize durability as a core component of their identity and marketing, fashion-conscious consumers can express their values through their fashion choices.

A promising avenue for the conscious fashion movement is the combination of sophisticated marketing with NGO efforts to encourage companies toward transparency, simplifying the process of purchasing fashion items. Fashion is often seen as a form of conspicuous consumption, where changing trends serve as a form of recognition for individuals and provoke reflection on environmental issues. Whenever we dress, we should take cognizance of how we look comparing to others. Clothing choices can reflect one's status and social influence for all and sundry. Clothing differentiates individuals and this is why fashion has become prominent. Fashion Revolution has successfully engaged millennials by leveraging their social media habits and inherent interest in self-expression.

The apparel value chain is exceedingly complex, and many brands struggle to answer the question, "Who made my clothes?" Research indicates that 48% of brands cannot trace the factories where their clothes are produced, 75% are unaware of their fabric sources, and 92% do not know the origin of the raw materials. Some times, it becomes very hard to trace back where our clothings are being designed or manufactured because what is mostly visible to us is the brand and brand names. Where the clothing materials are being manufactured or being sewed are most times anonymized.

Despite these challenges, it is very pertinent to acknowledge that some large retailers and brands are working diligently behind the scenes to implement sustainable practices in anticipation of market demand. Many times, we forget to give the right accolades to these retailers as they are the actual warriors working to improve the practices in the market. These retailers aim to stay ahead of trends to avoid criticism. Only a small number of brands confidently showcase their sustainable offerings openly.