The Drop

What's going on? Cutting the bullsh*t with Katharine Hamnett

“Slogans are fine, but they don’t achieve anything unless they’re followed up by political action”

The Global Fashion Conference - What’s Going On? took place at the London College of Fashion last week. It was hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, and featured powerful voices across industry and academia, discussing the future of the industry across nature, culture, power and society.

In this episode, we feature one of the conference highlights, a discussion between legendary political designer, Katharine Hamnett, and fashion journalist, Dana Thomas. The pair cover Katharine's journey as a designer, and the need to get political by demanding radical change. We also hear the musical wonders of Heidi Vogel covering Marvin Gaye’s appropriately titled protest ballad, What’s Going On.

This episode is produced by Bronwyn Seier, Claire Weiss, Amy Foster-Taylor and Pippa Smart. Our theme music is composed by Troy Hewson.

004: Technically Speaking...

To quote Jurassic Park - “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should”. In 2018, it’s impossible to deny the impact of technology on people and the planet.  In fashion, a host of material innovations present game-changing possibilities for a more sustainable clothing industry. This episode asks how we can be more  open to technological solutions while still asking the right questions along the way.

In the final episode of Season 1, we talk to Professor Rebecca Earley and Dr. Kate Goldsworthy, co-directors for the Centre for Circular Design. We also speak to Natsai Audrey Chieza, founder of biodesign lab Faber Futures. 

This episode is produced by Claire Weiss, Bronwyn Seier, Amy Foster-Taylor and Pippa Smart. Our theme music is composed by Troy Hewson. For more, go to thedrop.online.

003: It’s a Small World After All

Climate change is a thing, and with it forced human migration is set to increase, so it’s about time we start recognising everyone as human.

Yet the current narrative and approach towards refugees and people seeking asylum isn’t positive or welcoming. In this episode, the drop team discuss the complexity of this topic, question the reality for refugees and stateless people worldwide, and speculate possible futures and much needed changes in approach.

“Listen, be aware, ask questions” says documentary photographer Alice Aedy, talking to host Amy Foster-Taylor about how we can collectively help to shape the narrative. We also speak with Lisa Doyle, executive director of advocacy at Refugee Council, who tells us where the problems lie within the current system.

Nas Popalzai talks about his personal story since fleeing Afghanistan 9 years ago, and how despite hardship, he still remains hopeful. And finally, visual artist Lucy Orta speculates a world without borders through the Antarctica World Passport project.

This episode is produced by Amy Foster-Taylor, Pippa Smart, Bronwyn Seier, and Claire Weiss. Our theme music is composed by Troy Hewson.

Listen on iTunes, Podbean, and Stitcher. 

 

Links

- Alexander Betts on how we can fix our failing refugee system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLIfeGflNp8

- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the danger of a single story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg&t=947s

- Twitter’s #riversoflove: https://twitter.com/search?vertical=default&q=%23riversoflove

- Nas’s campaign to stay in the UK: https://www.change.org/p/sajid-nas-must-stay-support-nas-to-remain-in-uk-it-s-been-his-home-since-he-was-14?recruiter=274843896&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition

002: Someone's Gotta Give

In the age of hyper connectivity and globalisation, change should be easy, right? In this episode, we explore whose responsibility is it to create change, or spearhead better social and environmental practices. Is it consumers, businesses or policy makers?

We dive in by speaking to head of policy at Fashion Revolution, Sarah Ditty. Sarah outlines how consumers can challenge brands, and how policy is being shaped for the future of fashion. Next, we chat to supply chain and ethical labour consultant, Luke Smitham, from Impactt. "It’s more about changing the relationships and partnerships within the way capitalism and globalisation work”, says Luke. Finally, we travel to Cornwall to speak to ethical English surf brand, Finisterre. Founder, Tom Kay, talks about making positive change through business, becoming a B-corp, and tackling Ocean issues through surfwear. 

This episode is produced by Pippa Smart, Bronwyn Seier, Claire Weiss, and Amy Foster-Taylor. Our theme music is composed by Troy Hewson. 

Listen on iTunes, Podbean, and Stitcher. 

001: How to Talk so People Listen

“Humans are story creatures” says scientist and activist, Dr. Lucy Gilliam. In 2014, Lucy co-founded Exxpedition, a series of all women sailing voyages that journey the globe to uncover the truth about ocean plastics. In this episode, Lucy speaks to host Bronwyn Seier about how to use positive stories to change behaviour.

We also speak to Laura Hunter, creative director at change agency, Futerra. Laura discusses how to deliver sustainable products and brands to her clients’ audiences and tells us how Futerra is tackling climate change through optimism.

Finally, designer Richard Malone tells his story of campaigning for #Repealthe8th on Ireland’s recent abortion referendum. Richard speaks about fashion’s struggle to get political, and its elitism. We also share his open letter to Vogue.

This episode is produced by Bronwyn Seier, Amy Foster-Taylor, Claire Weiss, and Pippa Smart. Our theme music is composed by Troy Hewson. For more, go to thedrop.online.