This collage I created using objects from my past jobs in retail in order to critique the fashion industry. The items I used are laid out to look like a fashion runway. I used receipts from my purchases at Michael Kors to make up the runway and the seating areas on either side are made up of clothing tags. The money bills in the background are meant to represent capitalism as well as the oversight these companies have on their products and how they meticulously plan their marketing to gain the most profit. Behind the bills I have leaflets that I had to fill out at the beginning of every shift when I worked at Kate Spade. This included the store goal for the day and how many handbags I was expected to sell that shift with the average cost of each one. They also included tips on how to increase sales such as how to introduce a product to a guest or how to persuade them to buy a matching product to go with their outfit or handbag. This again represents how fashion companies are very number-oriented in their goals and how unhuman-like they are.

In the background, I also have a cheat sheet that I would use at work to quickly calculate the final prices of various products after discounts. At the very back of my collage, as seen on top, is green paper that I hand-made using recycled paper. I included this to provide a contrast to all of the waste that the fashion industry produces, especially paper waste from packaging. I also wanted to bring light to how if I can do my small part and recycle, then large fashion industries should be able to as well, especially because they have more power and resources to do so. I also specifically chose green paper to resemble the money bills. On top of the hand-made paper, I included some brands that I discovered that sell sustainable clothing.

Fast fashion is designed for people on a budget who still want to keep up with the latest trends. While high fashion has better quality products, you are still essentially paying for the logo, so instead of paying to stay trendy, you are paying for the exclusivity offered. While both industries still produce tremendous amounts of waste, we need to stop equating clothes to self-worth and succumbing to these companies that thrive off of peoples’ insecurities. It’s time we learn how to style ourselves with sustainable brands so that not only do we feel good about what we’re wearing, but we’re doing good for the planet as well.