MATERIAL is a digital space dedicated to the discussion of fashion and fashion-related news. In creating this platform, we hope that readers can enrich their understanding of fashion phenomena and explore the ways in which fashion can influence, and be influenced by, our socio-political climate. We want to demonstrate that fashion can extend beyond its ‘materials’ — to encourage collaboration, establish community, and offer insights into who we are as developing human beings in a very materialistic world.
MATERIAL is a digital space dedicated to the discussion of fashion and fashion-related news. In creating this platform, we hope that readers can enrich their understanding of fashion phenomena and explore the ways in which fashion can influence, and be influenced by, our socio-political climate. We want to demonstrate that fashion can extend beyond its ‘materials’ — to encourage collaboration, establish community, and offer insights into who we are as developing human beings in a very materialistic world.
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ARTICLES
The Tokyo Summer Olympics Has Major Fashion Brands Competing
With the 2021 Games underway, MATERIAL highlights the work of two new designers to join the checklist of Olympic fashion greats: Telfar Clemens and Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.
Everything You Need To Know About ‘House Of Gucci’
Ahead of its release this November, we take a look at the trailer for Ridley Scott’s upcoming ‘House of Gucci’ biopic, which delves into the murder of fashion head Maurizio Gucci by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani - played by none other than the incomparable Lady Gaga.
Going Dark: The Football Jersey’s Dangerous Connection With Racism, Prejudice & Complicity
In the wake of England’s UEFA loss against Italy, and the racist attacks on players that followed, MATERIAL reconsiders the history of the ‘three lions’ and its problematic connotations.
Going Dark: Social Media Influencers Are Responsible For Shein’s Success
Popular online retailer Shein recently overtook Amazon, Zara, and H&M as the leading US shopping app. But what kind of consumption does this fast fashion brand, with its influencer-driven marketing and lack of ethical transparency, promote?
Going Dark: Vaishali Shadangule Debuts Her ‘Breath’ Couture Collection
The latest couture collection from Vaishali S features intricately designed dresses, weaving a story of authentic Indian craft and our close connection with nature.
Going Dark: The Boundary-Pushing Creativity of BIPOC Women Designers
MATERIAL spotlights the creativity of Ronan Mackenzie and Abiola Olusola, two women who are leading the way in fashion design and Black liberation.
Going Dark: Pyer Moss’s Lessons On Black Representation In Haute Couture FW21/22
Pyer Moss’s debut collection pays homage to the historic contributions of Black people to our society - and makes an important statement about representation.
Going Dark: Retouching Is An Unethical Business Practice
The Norwegian government have recently announced a new law requiring retouched images to be labelled as such before they can be shared online. With social media playing a major role in influencing unhealthy beauty standards, will this move mark the start of other authorities following suit?
Going Dark: Can Creating Garments In Prison Be Considered Ethical?
With the populations of prisons higher than ever, a number of fashion companies have taken the decision to employ inmates on their production lines, for a fraction of the usual living wage. Prisoners are serving sentences for their crimes, but are paid wages at a similar level to those of sweatshop workers. Can this practice ever be considered ethical?
Going Dark: Streetwear Magazines are Addressing their Homophobia Problem
Streetwear magazine Highsnobiety recently featured a piece on the late artist Tom of Finland, one of the most important influencers of late 20th-century gay culture. But their article generated a great deal of online hatred, exposing the deep-seated homophobia that is still prevalent in the streetwear community.