Fashion and professional conduct

Margit presented today.

A lecturer from the RMIT fashion cohort was in attendance.

Alison's conduct was unprofessional. Mainly opening the session by claiming, "ok, we are going to do this one formally". To emphasise the importance of one student above others is an abuse of authority and departure from the high standards one should expect of RMIT.

Inviting a lecturer from the fashion department was intriguing as the MoP were ill-prepared for delivering the project and holding a professional discussion concerning fashion.

Rebecca stated that the primary objective should be photography, not fashion.

The review panel agreed in a complete turnaround from how the review began, emphasising commercial possibilities.

I asked Margit if she had researched the ethical and environmental issues related to fast fashion. She had not.

I feel Bronek tried to bully and embarrass me in his response to my question. I am not intimidated by him.

Although I appreciate how excited people are about Margit's work, it would be worth considering private consultations with potential collaborators, thus offering a safe environment for all parties to openly discuss their objectives while maintaining the excellent standard of equality and shared learning that RMIT is renowned.

Below is an excerpt of an email sent to Shane.

Friday 25 June 2021

Hi Shane,

Good to see you in class today, and sorry I didn't have time to catch up afterwards (I had an appointment I was running late for!).

Margit's presentation was all class as to be expected! A stunning outcome of a fascinating concept.

I wanted to follow up with you on my question about fast fashion as I believe it is imperative, even if the primary objective is photography.

When I hear sustainability, H&M, and consumer in the one structure, particularly in the position of "solution", I am immediately drawn to thinking about the horrendous ethical and environmental impact of the fast fashion industry.

The response to Bronek's comment about "consumer accessibility" would depend on a person's position on sustainability in the textiles industry and fast fashion.

 Also, it is worth considering there is a massive market for bespoke products – including fashion.

I'm afraid I have to disagree with placing Margit and her talent in the mass consumer marketplace. Forgive me if I misunderstood Bronek's direction on this.

The likes of H&M have their garments made in regions of great poverty, exploiting the local communities while providing little security. Much of the work takes place in unsafe conditions, and yes, lives are lost. Then there is the environmental impact.

Consumerism and fast fashion are multifaceted issues that promote waste in producing throw away goods and dubious industrial practices.

Discussing sustainability and textiles with fast fashion (pros or cons), ethical and environmental issues are immediately brought to the forefront.

My comment also considers RMIT's position on environmental issues and social justice.

Interestingly, so many people, including the affluent, scream injustice, but when it comes to that hot leopard print top for under $30, dang girl!

Anyhoo.

I hope this finds you well.

Thank you, 

Zo

Sent as a postscript

Friday 25 June 2021

I feel that understanding these relationships could be of great benefit in continued project development and, through photography, establish an irrefutable position of contributing to a solution.