Sweatshops

Who is pro and who's against? Is it justified or is it wrong? Yes, ofcourse it's
wrong! Children are being subjected to horrible working conditions and surroundings. They are being paid by the penny just so that knockoff Marc Jacob's dress can be marked down to 25 bucks. We are living comfortably, particularly the youth and young adults of America, while people are working endless hours to supply them with cheap but "hott" clothing. Is this really worth it? Would it kill us to simply pay twenty instead of ten dollars for that shirt, so that their working conditions can improve? More and more people are beginning to become aware of hyow and where their clothes are being made. Thankfully, there are some designers who only do business with companies who do not break any working laws and even are using green fabrics.

It's not just clothes and accesories that are being made in sweatshops. There are pens, pencils, book bags, radios, knock off iPods, and several other items that are being produced. Even Nike does business with sweatshops. Even though it is hard to see, I am sure that sweatshops do provide a means of living for the employees. However, better conditions and pay should be enforced. Most people who work at sweatshops don't have that much of a choice. It's either work or don't eat, which in a way may make the owners of sweatshops look as if they are some type of god. I am completely against sweatshops, but I am for changing the conditions so that it will be comfortable and more manageable for the workers. I would much rather pay an extra 10 dollars for a shirt so that the workers in China could have a good nights rest. :)

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_48/b4011001.htm

Art or Usability

Art is the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to princicples of what is beautiful, appealing, etc,. While viewing the shows it became aparent to me that art can be interpreted into so many different things. There were so many different elements of the designs and collections that were presented. So yes, fashion is deffinately art. It is a way of expressing how you feel and how you are inspired. Previously we did blogs about our inspirations, and I think this only made it more evident of how fashion is a part of art. Taking your own situations and circumstances and being able to simply "loose yourself" in your own work is what I consider to be art. This includes paintings, writing, fashion, drawing and anything else that you can do to express yourself. It has no boundaries or rules. It's whatever you feel is neccesary; no rules!

My Unfortunate Inspiration!

When I create sketches I always think back to a particular time or event that I like. I may create something that is flowy and boheimic that can be traced back from a vacation that I have gone on. I may create a long tench coat that can be worn as a coat or dress taking me back to my visit to New York City. However, when I created this sketch I was focused on my surroundings and the different events that are going on. For instance, it is a well known fact that in society there is almost a battle between the older generation and the young generation. The older generation tend to look at us as if we close ourselves out from the world. Parents always blame the music and the media for their children secluding themselves from the rest of the family, and hiding behind oversized sunglasses and hats and skarfs. It's almost like they forget where exactly fashion comes from. It is simply a cycle that we all go through.

I went home over the weekend and I had on something similar to this outfit. Ofcourse my mom thought it was adorable, however, my grandmother couldn't say the same. She went on and on about how some parts of my outfit were unnecessary. Including my belt, and my shades. Clearly, I decided I would post this on my blog because it is something that inspired me and made me want to share this with others. My outfit, although a bit more emphasized, reflects upon another event that occured in my life. Not only do good events and location inspire me, but also upseting and uncomfortable things inspire me as well. Hope you enjoy!