Posting and rationale

Ok guys, good to see you starting to post a bit more.  You're starting to gather a lot of materials about different aspects of the fashion industry which is good and will help to get ideas flowing. I'd like to see you start to generate more discussion about your research findings too. Remember  that the project is not just a research project - it's not just about finding out about the politics of fashion But also doing politics in some way - realising an event/action in public space - prompting a shift in other people's thinking. So you need to focus more now on how you will realise the project in the public realm. Are you sticking with a street survey? If so why - what do you want to achieve by doing that? 

Today is the deadline for posting the project rationale so you need to agree that and do it ASAP today.

Also bear in mind that the essay will need to develop that at greater length by situating your project in relation to other issues but also actions, activist projects/ artworks/ essays.  If you check out Google Scholar, you'll find quite a lot about the politics of fashion in general, to help support your arguments and rationale. 

In the meantime, here are a couple of proJects that might help you consider activist responses to fashion/clothes production. 

It's worth checking out YoMango - I mentioned them in class at one stage - they are an anti-capitalist activist group that designed a special vest to enable people to take clothing from big chain stores. They've also staged impromptu fashion shows on the street using 'appropriated' clothing. http://www.joaap.org/1/yomango/index.html

Here's another interesting use of fashion to question the politics of the fashion world. It features clothing designed by Sharif Waked, for use at checkpoints. It's called 'Chic Point: Fashion for Israeli Checkpoints(2003)' http://www.shubbak.co.uk/a-prologue-to-the-past-and-present-state-of-things/

The point is to situate your own project in relation to other projects, writings, fashion, popular culture etc. Hope that's helpful and see you later today for more discussion!