Radical care – protest and social change through fashion WAYS OF CARING – PRACTICING SOLIDARITY organized by ArtEZ University of the Arts, in collaboration with State of Fashion Supported by Gemeente Arnhem.

A participatory online workshop by House of Refashion

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

The House of reFashion aims to call attention to the history of textiles on both a global and domestic scale, and within a mythical and everyday context, to demonstrate that fashion can be a powerful collective and creative force for change.                                              

All of us need clothing, and many of us love and desire clothing, fashion and textiles. It is an essential element of human culture and of individual expression. It is a part of our identity and daily life, yet on a global scale, it has become viciously cruel and destructive. In our clothing choices lies the potential to create enormous social and environmental change. Our collective actions can lead to a more sustainable, equitable world. How can we harness the power of fashion to transform hegemonic mainstream narratives?

The interactive two-hour online workshop.

Historical overview of fashion’s subversive potential and role in social change and protest. Contemporary examples of advocacy through public space interventions and social media, including examples from the work of House of Refashion and other means by which fashion and textiles have been a part of advocacy and social engagement. Share different practices, concerns, and experiences related to the powerful role of fashion and textiles in social, economic and political dynamics. Explore the various ways in which one can raise awareness, advocate for change or promote discussion about widespread toxic practices in the fashion industry. Building a radically transformative new way of experiencing and sharing fashion.

The goal is to design an advocacy campaign and sketch designs for a protest look or line. Guidelines are provided to facilitate this process to help define message, visuals, media, location and duration. At the end of the workshop each group presents their work and discuss next steps.