Writes Viraaj V. (Divs)
L’impact de la haute couture sur l’environnement was the subject of Joshua R. (L6th) compelling Panglossia talk this Thursday. Delivering a lecture backed by excellent research, Joshua explored the complex relationship between high fashion and its impact on the world around us, weighing the balance between artistic innovation and the stark reality of industrial waste.
As Joshua adeptly explained, the fashion industry has recently experimented with “imperfect” and more sustainable modes of creation. He fascinated the audience with examples of avant-garde designers who use the earth itself as a medium, even burying garments to oxidise or using gunpowder to leave “fire traces” on fabric.
However, Joshua was careful to contrast this artistic beauty with the toll of consumerism, referencing the toxic impact of landfills in Kenya and the devastation of ‘Le Grand Feu de Gikomba’ in 2000.
After breaking down the corporate responsibility, Joshua compared the sustainability targets of luxury giants like Selfridges and Harrods. After, he answered some challenging questions from the staff in attendance with sophistication and poise. From the perspective of a GCSE student, the work behind this talk was immeasurable, and his use of complex environmental data with cultural critique was truly impressive.
