Hang-Ups: Reflections on the Causes and Consequences of Fashion’s ‘Western’-Centrism

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to decentralize fashion and make it less 'western-centric. Hang-Ups argues that understanding how the industry became 'western-centric is essential for effective change. It explores the origins and consequences of the industry's 'western-centrism by focusing on nine binaries that continue to be sites of negotiation as the 'wests traditions and ideals are contested by different cultural perspectives and changing global realities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light longstanding inequalities within the fashion industry, sparking calls for greater accountability and ethical awareness. Efforts are underway to decentralize fashion, reducing its Western-centric nature and making it more inclusive. Hang-Ups argues that understanding how the contemporary industry became "western-centric" is crucial for meaningful and lasting change. To achieve this, it is essential to revisit first principles and explore how the fashion industry evolved into its current form.

In a time when the concepts of fashion, history, and culture are being closely examined, and suggestions of their decline abound, there is an urgent need to understand the extent of their relationship and facilitate the presentation of people's fashionable bodies. Hang-Ups delves into the origins and implications of the fashion industry's "western-centrism" by examining nine binaries that emerged in the context of empire and continue to be sites of negotiation as Western traditions and ideals face challenges from diverse cultural perspectives and evolving global realities.

The fashion industry has historically been shaped by Western cultural influences, with designers and brands often drawing inspiration from European and American traditions. However, the pandemic has highlighted the need for a more diverse and inclusive approach to fashion. Decentralization efforts aim to shift the center of fashion away from Western cities and towards regions and cultures that have been historically marginalized.

One key aspect of decentralization is the promotion of local craftsmanship and traditional techniques. By supporting artisans and craftspeople, fashion can become more sustainable and support the preservation of cultural heritage. This can also create job opportunities and economic development in communities that have been historically marginalized.

Another important aspect of decentralization is the recognition of diverse body shapes and sizes. The fashion industry has historically been dominated by slim and tall models, which can create unrealistic expectations and body image issues for consumers. By promoting a wider range of body types and promoting body positivity, fashion can become more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Education is also a crucial component of decentralization. Fashion schools and institutions need to incorporate a more diverse range of cultural perspectives and histories into their curriculum. This can help to create a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry that values diversity and promotes ethical practices.

In addition to these efforts, consumers can play a role in promoting decentralization by supporting brands and designers that prioritize sustainability, diversity, and ethical practices. By choosing to buy from these brands, consumers can help to drive the fashion industry towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Overall, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater accountability and ethical awareness within the fashion industry. Decentralization efforts are underway to reduce its Western-centric nature and make it more inclusive. By promoting local craftsmanship, recognizing diverse body shapes and sizes, and incorporating a more diverse range of cultural perspectives into education, the fashion industry can become a more sustainable and equitable space for all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350197244