Tuesday, April 7, 2009

TFC Futures for the Australian Fashion Industry

Complete a SWOT analysis of your own personal design practice based on the Vaughn and Schmidt Design and Fashion in the Australian TCF industries report.

Strengths

-To offer consumers garments made in Australia (this is what the Australian market is starting to take an interest in)

-Designs informed by clients needs (designed with consumers)

-Small business (have control over the process)

Weaknesses
-Relationship with suppliers

-Start up costs

Opportunities

-Opportunities to make contacts

-Opportunities to grow

-Consumers interest in Australian Made Garments

Threats

-Competing against established labels who have already established clientele

-High costs to produce locally

-Economy

-High cost of Production

Around the world in 90 mins( China New Direction and New Fashion Centres)

Analysing the world’s fashion is interesting. It is something that I have not done a lot of but something that I find interesting.
I found it particularly interesting to note that every country does have its particular ways of viewing and expressing fashion. That just about every county has its signature style.
This thought made me think about AUSTRALIA.
What exactly is AUSTRALIA’S signature style? We are typically known for our thongs, stubbies and akubra hats which derive from a relaxed style, so is this our signature style?

Sustainability

The topic of sustainability is massive. There are so many areas to cover and so much for us as 21st century designers to think about, it’s hard to know where to start
I thoroughly enjoyed this weeks debate, it made me see another side and made me think about how we as designers can help make this world a livable place in years to come.

I think because of its size it is so easy to push the subject aside but I also believe that we have to do something about the topic now before it gets too out of control.
I totally understand that the topic is far too big for any one person to tackle on their own but I think if we all do our little bit then that has got to help.

In order for even the slightest difference regarding our environment, consumer’s behavior has to change. Consumers need to realise that it is their current behavior that is killing our environment. This change will not happen over night though; it will in fact take years!

Education is the key to this change. Although there is information regarding different ways in which change can occur, I believe consumers are expecting the information or the alternative option to be spoon feed to them. However this alternate option needs to be affordable, because in the end I believe it all comes down to money!

Men’s Wear

Men’s Wear is an interesting topic for me, it is something I have not studied before and something I have not even thought of studying. I think part of the reason it has in the past been of no interest to me is the fact I know so little about it. Throughout my studies women’s fashion has always been of focus.

I have never really thought much into where fashion trends have derived from. From this weeks discussion it has become evident that uniforms have played a large roll.
The fascination that women have towards a male in uniform is unbelievable. This probably has something to do with the status that uniforms bring. It displays a sense of power which people are drawn towards.

I believe there is an emphasis in today’s society to show your individuality however uniforms contradict this. A uniform is a common ground in a group, which therefore eliminates individual personalities being displayed.

So although uniforms have provided large fashion trends, is it in fact hiding our personal identity?

Gender and Sexuality

I always thought men and women had a distinct way of dressing, however from this week’s text my original thoughts were corrected. It became evident that men and women have been dressing similarly for centuries. Take for instance during the middle ages where both men and women dressed in long robes, heavy cloaks and boots.
I thought this was only a recent thing, where now in society it is expectable for women to wear clothes which are considered a masculine silhouette such as suits and pants. However I stand corrected…this has in fact been going on for years…possibly from the beginning of time.

Subcultures

It is now more then ever that the world has come to accept difference and to except people’s desire to express themselves and their beliefs. Subcultures are a demonstration of this.

I believe subcultures are a form of storytelling through clothing. People want others to know their views and be different to the ‘norm’ in society.

I think Canberra is still trying to except subculture groups. The reason I say this is that whenever someone of difference is in a crowd, they still get heads turning to have a second glance. However when in Sydney and Melbourne (obviously larger places where individuality is more commonly expressed) people of difference do not even get a second look. It is as if their individuality is accepted.

I admire the fact that people are not afraid to look different…that they can express their individuality

Luxury, Consumption and Ethics

This weeks reading was intriguing, I find it amazing that places like Daslu actually exists, and the extent that people go to just to experience that little bit of luxury.
Reading about Daslu defiantly made me dream. It took me to a fantasy world with the hope that one day I will have enough money be able to experience places like this. This was my initial thought however after the class discussion I was brought back to reality. To me it seems a little wrong to have this luxurious place in such a poverty stricken town. It is as if they are selfishly turning a blind eye to the poverty that is outside their building.
It makes me think. I wonder if the outside world does play a thought onto head management’s minds. I mean from the readings it states that when Daslue started in 1958 charity played a part, with a portion of the profits going to Chartity…I wonder if this is still the case or if the business grew too fast and too big and they lost the initial intent.