Fashion Vanguards

True creatives are natural problem solvers, but how much of our increasingly challenging world is affecting young creatives? This episode begins with the dichotomy of acceptance, failure, fear of being labelled, stigmatised or rejected, resulting in the suppression of emotions which often leads to various forms of self-medication namely through drugs and alcohol. We discuss the hidden dangers of alcohol and substance abuse where personal views are shared on societal pressures which are perpetuated and glamorised throughout creative sectors.

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Our fifth instalment begins with falsifying the romanticised image of the ‘tortured genius’, a damaging stereotype where biased opinions of critical acclaim are slanted towards work derived from an artist’s personal struggle with mental illness. We analyse why this is a cultural phenomenon and whether it influences the behaviours of young creatives. We then conclude discussions on the harmful effects of social norms and the deleterious effects they have on young people.

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At this crucial point in our series we seek to identify the social constructs that lie within the fabric of mental ill health and what effects they have on the creative mind. We expose social pressures and the growing use of social media platforms. Where we conclude on the concept of the ‘influencer’ and how this has shaped our society, particularly those within fashion and creative sectors asking whether the creative mind is more at risk of mental ill health and if so why?

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Through a critical lens, we investigate the unbridalled theory of fashion’s negative impact on mental health by assessing work culture, lifestyle and relationships aided by our own personal experiences. This is followed by a discussion on whether individuals entering the fashion industry should be made aware of the potential mental health risks and how they can be better prepared. Concluding on the growing pressures to succeed at a young age, amplified by globalisation and technological advancements such as the internet.

#mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #influencers #socialmedia #priviledge #creativesector #fashion

Episode two of the series tests our personal tolerances to mental ill health through our understanding of associated mental health disorders. Throughout our discussions, we touch upon the disparities between men and women and the help that is available to them. We then proceed with investigating the harmful effects of our social environment and social media along with the impact that they both have on at-risk groups, paying particular attention to the younger generation.

#mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #mentaldisorders #selfimage #socialmedia #harmfuleffects #creativesector #fashion

The first episode in our Mental Health in Fashion series, investigates the convoluted themes of mental ill health in the creative sector and the negative impacts that exist within learning and professional environments. Our candid discussions continue with analysing general perceptions of creative careers in education and beyond, highlighting the often overlooked economic contributions of the creative sector. We then conclude by asking whether these social, economic and environmental factors form the obstetrical dilemma of mental ill health within the creative sector.

#mentalhealth #fashionvanguards #alphaomegalondon #stigma #mentalhealthinfashion #socialperceptions #suffering #creativesector #fashion

In the fifth and final episode of the series, we question the effectiveness of boycotting, government legislation and whether this is a disconnect over how fashion sustainability is perceived vs played out.  We also touch upon the timeline of Blockchains in fashion.

The fourth episode looks prospectively at how blockchains can be implemented by fashion brands and start ups. Asking, what is the feasibility of blockchains and its potential to improve transparency and traceability within the supply chain.