Fashion Vanguards

True creatives are natural problem solvers, but how much of our increasingly challenging world is affecting young creatives? This episode begins with the dichotomy of acceptance, failure, fear of being labelled, stigmatised or rejected, resulting in the suppression of emotions which often leads to various forms of self-medication namely through drugs and alcohol. We discuss the hidden dangers of alcohol and substance abuse where personal views are shared on societal pressures which are perpetuated and glamorised throughout creative sectors. #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #selfmedication #substanceabuse #glamourised #addiction #creativesector #fashion

Our fifth instalment begins with falsifying the romanticised image of the ‘tortured genius', a damaging stereotype where biased opinions of critical acclaim are slanted towards work derived from an artist's personal struggle with mental illness. We analyse why this is a cultural phenomenon and whether it influences the behaviours of young creatives. We then conclude discussions on the harmful effects of social norms and the deleterious effects they have on young people. #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #toturedgenius #socialnorms #negativenarratives #creativesector #fashion

At this crucial point in our series we seek to identify the social constructs that lie within the fabric of mental ill health and what effects they have on the creative mind. We expose social pressures and the growing use of social media platforms. Where we conclude on the concept of the ‘influencer’ and how this has shaped our society, particularly those within fashion and creative sectors asking whether the creative mind is more at risk of mental ill health and if so why? #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #technology #personalchallenges #socialfactors #creativesector #fashion

Through a critical lens, we investigate the unbridalled theory of fashion’s negative impact on mental health by assessing work culture, lifestyle and relationships aided by our own personal experiences. This is followed by a discussion on whether individuals entering the fashion industry should be made aware of the potential mental health risks and how they can be better prepared. Concluding on the growing pressures to succeed at a young age, amplified by globalisation and technological advancements such as the internet. #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #influencers #socialmedia #priviledge #creativesector #fashion

Episode two of the series tests our personal tolerances to mental ill health through our understanding of associated mental health disorders. Throughout our discussions, we touch upon the disparities between men and women and the help that is available to them. We then proceed with investigating the harmful effects of our social environment and social media along with the impact that they both have on at-risk groups, paying particular attention to the younger generation. #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #selfimage #socialmedia #harmfuleffects #creativesector #fashion

The first episode in our Mental Health in Fashion series, investigates the convoluted themes of mental ill health in the creative sector and the negative impacts that exist within learning and professional environments. Our candid discussions continue with analysing general perceptions of creative careers in education and beyond, highlighting the often overlooked economic contributions of the creative sector. We then conclude by asking whether these social, economic and environmental factors form the obstetrical dilemma of mental ill health within the creative sector. #mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #socialperceptions #suffering #creativesector #fashion

In the fifth and final episode of the series, we question the effectiveness of boycotting, government legislation and whether this is a disconnect over how fashion sustainability is perceived vs played out.  We also touch upon the timeline of Blockchains in fashion.

The fourth episode looks prospectively at how blockchains can be implemented by fashion brands and start ups. Asking, what is the feasibility of blockchains and its potential to improve transparency and traceability within the supply chain.

Episode three focuses on the strengths and weakness of blockchains technology and it's uses throughout fashion's supply chain. We refer to previous innovative uses of blockchain and how this can be applied to aid greater transparency and sustainability measures.

In the second episode we define blockchain technology, discussing its many applications across diverse markets and sectors. Then we assess blockchain's applicability to the fashion industry particularly the supply chain framework and ask, could fashion be given a new facelift in view of greater transparency?

In our first episode we discuss the innovation paradox and general attitudes towards how innovation is either embraced or rejected. Then we explore how tech innovation is changing the face of fashion. Questioning fashion's willingness to adopt new technologies in order to safeguard a more sustainable future.

In the final episode, we conclude on thoughts surrounding the importance of fostering partnerships and collaborations. We question the importance of having a global definition of sustainability, alongside guidelines of measurement and achievements.

Who is responsible for disasters such as the Rana Plaza and how can this be prevented? Is this is a result of pure greed? We also examine the need for a more optimistic viewpoint on becoming a sustainable brand, by arguing the point that they should see this as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.

This episode discusses how we can break the habit of mass consumption and throw-away culture. We highlight that there needs to be change in consumer psychology and the business models of mass consumption. We question whether as consumers we should be actively demanding more transparency from our favourite brands.

This episode questions how to measure and track fashions sustainable contributions. We also question whether sustainability is a trend born from hunger for profits and a form of conscience laundering or whether it is a movement, rallying for continuous and permanent change.

In the first episode of the sustainability series, we discuss our personal definitions of sustainability. Alongside, debating who are the culprits for the damage fashion is causing, and who should be leading the fight for and education towards sustainability.

Fashion has over the years frolicked with its association with revolutionary causes and social injustices. Largely due to the key role it plays in the construction of one’s identity, which we explored in the ‘Protest in Fashion’ series. In a world where gender forms the most salient aspects of social identities and a person has the freedom to construct new ones, we explore Fashion’s role in its attempts to disseminate gender inequalities by adopting a more progressive ‘Agender lite’ consciousness. Whilst also analysing fashion's multifaceted motives for joining the gender neutral equality crusade. The fourth episode in the series assesses how fashion has over the years influenced or effected change in respect to gender inequality and how it addresses unconscious bias.

Fashion has over the years frolicked with its association with revolutionary causes and social injustices. Largely due to the key role it plays in the construction of one’s identity, which we explored in the ‘Protest in Fashion’ series. In a world where gender forms the most salient aspects of social identities and a person has the freedom to construct new ones, we explore Fashion’s role in its attempts to disseminate gender inequalities by adopting a more progressive ‘Agender lite’ consciousness. Whilst also analysing fashion's multifaceted motives for joining the gender neutral equality crusade. The fifth and final episode in the series analyses the growing trend towards agender fashion and discusses whether it could aid in the progressive movement of gender equality, or if it reinstalls patriarchy where women are forced to fit into a male aesthetic. Is there a growing demand for agender fashion and could this trend ultimately be the future of fashion.

Fashion has over the years frolicked with its association with revolutionary causes and social injustices. Largely due to the key role it plays in the construction of one’s identity, which we explored in the ‘Protest in Fashion’ series. In a world where gender forms the most salient aspects of social identities and a person has the freedom to construct new ones, we explore Fashion’s role in its attempts to disseminate gender inequalities by adopting a more progressive ‘Agender lite’ consciousness. Whilst also analysing fashion's multifaceted motives for joining the gender neutral equality crusade. The third episode in the series answers a series of questions, such as are we in a gender revolution? Do we need to get rid of gender roles and identities to achieve gender equality and have shifts in gender roles over the years in hindsight created instability and greater inequality?

Fashion has over the years frolicked with its association with revolutionary causes and social injustices. Largely due to the key role it plays in the construction of one’s identity, which we explored in the ‘Protest in Fashion’ series. In a world where gender forms the most salient aspects of social identities and a person has the freedom to construct new ones, we explore Fashion’s role in its attempts to disseminate gender inequalities by adopting a more progressive ‘Agender lite’ consciousness. Whist also analysing fashion's multifaceted motives for joining the gender neutral equality crusade. The second episode looks at how we use fashion to communicate our gender identities.

Fashion has over the years frolicked with its association with revolutionary causes and social injustices. Largely due to the key role it plays in the construction of one’s identity, which we explored in the ‘Protest in Fashion’ series. In a world where gender forms the most salient aspects of social identities and a person has the freedom to construct new ones, we explore Fashion’s role in its attempts to disseminate gender inequalities by adopting a more progressive ‘Agender lite’ consciousness. Whist also analysing fashion's multifaceted motives for joining the gender neutral equality crusade. The first episode in the series asks the question, how much of a key role does gender play in forming our own identities.

Our third and final installment in our ‘protest in fashion’ series answers whether fashion will once again ride the waves of subculture to bring about trends more subversive and iconic than eras past. It's widely accepted that the 'bubble up' effect from youth subculture has over the years validated the industry's presence as an expressed/applied art form. Yet in a postmodernist world where subcultures are forced into obscurity, we discuss whether fashion's incessant appropriation of subcultures could in fact be the catalyst to its untimely demise and how the industry will struggle to remain relevant to the next generation without it

In our second instalment of the series, we delve further into the world of protest behaviour and subcultures, discussing their impressionable nature on individual identities and style. As we take a look back at subculture's revolutionary beginnings - born out of resistance to oppression - we discuss its imminent demise throughout the ages, helped by an industry whose hunger for cult objects fuelled fashion trends and helped to line the pockets of major brands. As subcultures have over the years existed in a state of ambiguity and fluidity in the online world, we analyse how subversive we truly are and whether we really have a need to express our collective existence through our personal style.

The first in our series on protest in fashion, deals with the topic of identity and the future of subcultures in an ever more subversive world.

UNBIASED | UNCENSORED | UNSCRIPTED Inspired by the article written by Kate Hart 'Protest - The Cradle To Fashion's Subversive Culture'. AO London brings you - The 'Protest in Fashion' podcast series. Which through Fashion's lens serves up a whole host of thought provoking social and cultural discussions. Click link to read article: www.alphaomegalondon.com/protest-the-…ive-culture/ SUBSCRIBE NOW! For full episode and channel updates! Hosted by AlphaOmega London w: www.alphaomegalondon.com