The realities of the fashion industry hinder creative expression and the realisation of a designer’s true potential.An ecosystem is a complex system of interacting organisms that interconnect to restore environmental balance. That being said, if one component of of the ecosystem does not fulfil its role, it disturbs the culmination of all the system’s moving parts and changes it altogether.
Fresh off Haut Couture Week 2024, we have seen some of the most show-stopping and extravagant designs gracing the runways; while they are visually stunning, extremism and luxury do not equate to creativity. Thus, we see little newness in the fashion industry today. Even with haute couture pieces, designers look back at a house’s archives to pay homage to an establishment with such a rich history.
The factors that contribute to a designer’s significance in the industry are dictated by brand awareness and brand identity, factors that allow them reach an expanded audience of potential consumers. Hence, young designers hold runway shows to get their name on the map and to establish their brands. Runway shows have always been a hallmark of success for a small independent brand and an influential catalyst for growth in the industry.
However, we have been seeing less frequent creations that are totally unfamiliar and revolutionary to the industry. Take Christian Dior’s “Junon” dress for example, a dress that was originally created in 1949 and became famous for his innovative execution of intricate beading and embroidery that emulated the beauty and appearance of peacock feathers. This dress was later remade by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior ambassador Natalie Portman.