Don’t tell me fashion is frivolous | Frances Corner | TEDxWhitehall

What do you wear if you’re going to meet the Head of London College of Fashion? Professor Frances Corner discusses how we place so much time and energy into choosing what to wear, but often forget about the environmental or ethical costs of our clothes. She calls for us to take responsibility for cheap, disposable fashion and begin to use fashion as a force for good, highlighting examples such as a bra that can detect cancer, clothes that clean the surrounding air and 3D-printed fabrics. She makes an insightful call for us all to forget frivolity and start thinking more seriously about what it is we wear.
Professor Frances Corner OBE is Head of London College of Fashion and Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of the Arts London. She has over 20 years’ experience within the higher education sector at a national and international level.
Frances champions the use of fashion as an agent for innovation and change, particularly in the areas of sustainability, health and well-being.
Frances is Chair of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes, a Trustee of The Wallace Collection and Chair of Trustees of the House of Illustration. She was recently named in the Business of Fashion 500 - a professional index of key people shaping the global fashion industry.
In 2014 Frances published her first book, entitled ‘Why Fashion Matters’ (Thames and Hudson)
@fcorner
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@auntpurl5325]

Clothing is a language. There are so many layers of intentional and unintentional messages about ourselves and what we believe about the world at large inherent in our choices.

[@SleepDaMouse-xd8dn]

Denelle Bratcher your clothing tells me you like children too much. :T Damn, what a world where I can push things on people. Isn’t fashion great

[@umiluv]

Fashion shouldn't be frivolous but often times the industry pushes for frivolity to continue to make money. For instance, Fast Fashion is frivolous. Where goods are made cheaply at the cost of the environment and the workers who make them. Only to be worn once because it was a fad for a season. Fashion is not frivolous if you a) cultivate your own style that stands on its own that is devoid of trends and characterizes you and who you are because you have seriously thought of how you want to represent yourself to the world; b) purchase good quality clothing that lasts for many years instead of buying cheap clothing that runs ragged in a few years; c) purchase from thrift stores to reduce waste and is cost effective for the purchaser; d) make your own clothing which makes for a better fit and will be of higher quality and last longer with environmental and socioeconomic factors that can be considered in the purchases of fabric (plus you can put in options to make it easy to alter); e) appreciate the amazing craftsmanship, art, and design of high end fashion and couture. There are many ways fashion is not frivolous but unfortunately the way the industry has characterized itself through Fast Fashion has made it seem like fashion and its consumers are frivolous people.

[@pristinkyulwoo283]

umiluv You're right.

[@AE-nf8nz]

people who say fashion are stupid can keep saying that. But fashion is a living entity with too many moving parts that are too deeply rooted within culture, society and economy for you to do anything about it. You can babble om about how much you hate it, but whether you like it or not, whether you KNOW it or not, fashion is effecting you and your life in someway or another.

[@AnaMartinez-kx1wx]

Ptff if your human

[@royabaxshaliyeva889]

According to me, fashion is so crucial factor for defining personality in people because our fashion is related to our character:)

[@AnaMartinez-kx1wx]

I thought you can stand out even while wearing grey like everybody else, only if you have a unique outstanding character...if you need accessories to stand out, doesn't it mean your character is dull?

[@softnpure]

@@AnaMartinez-kx1wx character is what's on the inside. fashion, how we dress ourselves, is the outside reflection to show people or at least give an idea on what's within. what our values are, our identity, our interests all show through the accessories we choose. :)

[@AnaMartinez-kx1wx]

@@softnpure Right, but what I'm saying is, I've literally seen people stand out from the crowd with just character itself (no jewelry,no nothing)... That's what I'm saying.. accessories help you stand out, unless other people copy your style, then it's not unique or standing out...it's more like trending to fit in...you know what I mean jelly bean?

[@softnpure]

@@AnaMartinez-kx1wx standing out isn't the goal, feeling like yourself is. it's like choosing a hairstyle that makes you feel and look just the way you like. when other people copy you, that makes you a trend setter, someone who's made an impact just through wearing what you want. the ones who copy are the trend chasers, those who simply wear what others are wearing again, as what op said, it's a form of self expression and showcase ourselves, not to stand out from the rest

[@AnaMartinez-kx1wx]

@@softnpure ah, self advertisement, got it :)

[@Hazynecklace]

i am truly happy with my closet to the point where i dont need anything, it contains mostly jackets such as bombers and other coats i also have a small selection of luxury shoes im proud of, mostly black crewneck shirts, blacks jeans and a small collection of vintage frames, took me about 5 years to acquire it: again im content with the way i dress, i was a shopping addict but thats how i got into fashion.

[@MirraHays]

She didnt mention buying used whether online or in a thrift store. That prevents further production. Most of my clothes come from those type of things. I currently sell my clothes on an app called Poshmark, I also like to buy from other people on there 😊

[@ArchiduquesaMA]

People commenting about how fashion is useless, let me tell you style is everything, is part of our personality and has a lot to do with how people look at us. Who ever neglects their image is either a kid or an ignorant

[@pristinkyulwoo283]

SoDamnBionic Absolutely

[@dafmeta442]

Right! Fashion is as frivolous as art! Oh, wait! Art is not frivolous... or is it? There you have it... It's absolutely not! The frivolous ones might be certain people, though...

[@SleepDaMouse-xd8dn]

“Well let me tell you something people have opinions of you and this is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING EVER!!!” Fashion was used in most cultures to show you could be frevolous btw. That’s literally why people think higher. Because they think you have money and time to burn.

[@shelbyherring92]

@@dafmeta442 No, art can certainly be frivolous, and this is coming from an artist. What you're failing to understand is that what isn't frivolous to you means next to nothing to the person next to you. This means art is subjective, and if it is subjective, it certainly can be frivolous.

[@haiyunchen5656]

A positive influence on consumerism, which is the engine that drives environmental or ethical tragedies.

[@baoanhnguyen4128]

fact

[@natalierapallo8293]

Fashion is NOT frivolous... To those of you who believe so, well then why do people receive years and years of education in this particular field? How is it a mutli-billion dollar industry? Fashion is art in a wearable, 3D form. Garments are created through inspiration from anything. And with the inspiration in mind, colour, fabric, texture, silhouette, shape is taken into consideration. It's not just a "random" dress with embellishments. Every detail is perfected. Every embellishment is carefully thought out. Fashion can create emotion. It's not just something people do to look pretty. Fashion is an art. And it's so sad how an industry that impacts every single person on this earth, is so greatly undermined. Every morning people put on a pair of jeans, a sock, or a top, etc... and that piece of clothing has gone through the many stages from concept, design, draft, to final product. That piece of clothing has passed through so many hands and minds of people who consider this "frivolous" hobby an occupation.

[@SleepDaMouse-xd8dn]

1: because frivolous things usually have blown up degrees. 2: because frivolous things usually cost a lot so the ones that get bought make you rich. 3. BecUse almost any industry based on 55% of the populations interest that happens to be the one that makes poor choices. They are made from cloth. Hopefully strong cloth. Bulletresistant, if you have it. We know it isn’t random, that isn’t the point. If I carefully carve a turd it’s still a turd. They don’t even design to improve. They say “this looks good” and you have that same opinion. You know that means to be a good fashion designer in your mind you would have to conform to people’s opinions right? That’s the opposite of what you were saying. You seam confused, maybe take a break.

[@shelbyherring92]

Same reason people pursue art degrees in order to take part in the fraudulent fine art industry. The frivolity of art exists to those who understand that a majority of things we care about are social constructs, given meaning because we as a species arbitrarily decided to. One day our species will be extinct, so in the grand scheme of the universe, everything we do is frivolous.

[@dickiewongtk]

People receive years and years of education in gender studies too.

[@stephaniesmith5454]

Look at all the people who commented before they watched the video. Look and laugh.

[@Kanibulus]

Shut up, fashion is frivolous.

[@BlueSkyBS]

Watched all the way through. I'm not only convinced that fashion is exceptionally frivolous, it is also cancerous to the world as a whole.

[@mailforveena]

Yes, but the same goes for your car, phone, your laptop and your internet connection...come on! If you follow that logic, we shouldn't have moved out of caves!!

[@isiibelieveinmiracles1903]

mappyhappychappy absolutely true

[@oekmama]

Stephanie Smith Could it be because Ms Corner looks older and does not have a forceful presentational style? I looked at the description first, and this IS someone I want to hear talk.

[@lisac.9393]

Great talk. loved it!

[@andrewhodge5572]

Before you comment, please watch the video. You'll avoid looking foolish.

[@haven-of-bliss]

Only when we've discovered our true selves, can we express our personality through style. If you're having a hard time accepting that fashion is important to the creativity and self expression of the soul, then maybe you're in need of some soul searching my friend. (:

[@areyesfoareyesfo8290]

If you watch the video, there is some deep work being done. Frivolous are those who are quick to assume, not very wise. I love that she addresses the issues of clothing production on the worker and environment and theorizes a resolution at the end. Perhaps, buying less clothes could improve such circumstances, but the problem is the company and not really the society. I myself, do not go out to buy clothes often, but I do know that the factories are still going to produce more. I go into a store and I wonder, what happens to all the clothes that have not been bought. are they wasted? Do they go into a storage room until they are turnt to become one with the dust? We should be thinking of saving clothes as a resource rather than our designers or companies demanding more supply. There is a tremendous population of people, and unfortunately the western society is very materialistic. Buying less, is not going to change things, producing differently and improving working standards will make a difference on not only the environment, but people under tough working conditions.

[@suemany1]

Some clothes go to the rag yards.

[@gargimukherjee4090]

I wish I could meet you. I am a design student in my graduating year, NIFT, India. I have been saying the words you have said here. People just tend to laugh at me instead. 😅

[@GeckoHiker]

I spend 10 seconds looking at the weather report before deciding what to wear for the day. That's because everything in my closet fits on 10 hangers and goes with everything else. I just have to decide which layers I need to suit the weather. Everything looks good, fits well, and suits my style. I will concede that a few hours of thought went into building this minimalist wardrobe over a few decades, but no concession was ever made to the notion of fashion precisely because of the effects clothing production has on people and the environment.

[@helenadoherty5763]

A minimalist wardrobe. This is what we all need to learn. I wish I had learned this years ago.

[@joaodecarvalho7012]

If we extend the wearing of a garment by nine months!?

[@CherriesJubilee]

If you don't think about where your clothing comes from - especially those staples of the world, t-shirts and jeans, (you know those practical garments that last 6 months and you chuck because...) than fashion is frivolous. She is saying when you take it seriously and think a bit, you can make a difference. Denial is de longest river in de world...as my momma says.

[@jesusfrancisco4694]

While the enviormental points weren't discussed well enough (at least to me), her other fight has been discussed for ages. Having products developed in countries whose labor laws are more lenient has been known forever. But the activism against it has always been in the background, it, unfortunately, has always lacked attention. I never cared for fashion because I'd rather have others distinguish my characteristics through my person, not my clothes. And by giving it meaning it shouldn't have, I think we're simply allowing designers, actually PAYING designers, to express things we should be able to express ourselves. That's for the overly obesessed of fashion though, if you just like how clothes look and it makes you feel good, screw what others may say, wear it. That's why I think fashion should be frivolous, but that's not a bad thing, the less people take fashion seriously, the more open people will become in terms of their attire. If no one cared what the guy next to them is wearing, what's gonna stop him from wearing a dress if he wants to? If we deemed fashion as "this who I am, this is me", then people might think he's weird and he might take public opinion into consideration and feel ostracized.

[@brendadrew834]

Fashion is an art form and different than style as the late great Diana Vreeland once said who was editor in chief of Vogue and founder of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! If it's frivolous, maybe it's some of the people in the industry says this retired former fashion illustrator in NYC who studied at Traphagen School of Fashion which was in existence before F.I.T., the Fashion Institute of Technology! Sorry to say, I think this woman no matter what her background or titles looked a bit frumpy in that dress because of the shoes she was wearing. Nothing new! I remember most of my teachers and the head of my school looking quite frumpy as well who dressed like old dowagers and wore hats as well while they taught. Frivolous? No, just an honest opinion and my own personal perspective! To each his or her own though, that's what makes fashion stylish despite an occasional faux pas that some make and even that is of course, a matter of opinion! "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", so is art, fashion etc. Interesting perspective on her part though!

[@sandicooke8964]

Can you tell me F rancis did you used to live in Herefordshire and go horse riding with a lady called Sandi Cooke? at the Long House Riding Centre who went to live in New Zealand

[@alyhyaiee]

hi

[@GuitarCoverForMyself]

I thought 5 seconds about what to wear

[@jazzjazz4765]

I am sorry to say if ppl are going to give more privilege 2 fashion i do not agree on that. There are some ppl who do not have food to eat does that matter just coz u have gotten the degree in fashion doesn't mean ur field should matter, look at the middle class ppl coz of fashion ppl are going into debit. Coz ppl do not make frd if they do not have branded stuff don't u think wasting $1000 on 1 bag is useless. In old day they use to say simplicity is the best policy. There are ppl in India who can not afford to eat 2 time food but they should follow fashion trend right. Its sad to see that ppl have taken fashion at another level rather then working on humanity.

[@vjorp5332]

Less dress code = more democracy

[@ultimaoportunidadVEVO]

Vjorp wut

[@vjorp5332]

Silver.Exe Just a part from the video.

[@luisg.ontoriaalvarez2334]

Thing is, she is mixing fashion and function. Functional clothing is sensible, fashion clothing is and has always been FRIVOLOUS.

[@principal_optimism]

Absoulutely correct

[@anaghawho]

Ok i kind of get what people mean by runway fashion being 'frivolous' and only preferring 'functional' clothes. But just because something is functional doesn't mean you'd wear it. Nobody would wear a pair of trousers w/ a sari, even if it's made in a functional and comfortable way. Aesthetics matter. Maybe not for how others perceive you, but for how you want yourself to be perceived. When you wear your workout clothes to look fit and your sleek clothes to look sophisticated, it's all fashion. And like it or not, you do it on a daily basis.

[@softnpure]

@@tiagomoraes1510 what if you want to be perceived as yourself? is throwing on some random pieces you feel no connection to truly being yourself? or is wearing something that makes you feel happy and confident being yourself?

[@softnpure]

@@tiagomoraes1510 then don't let the runways dictate you. there's more to fashion than runways, high fashion is only a part of it. any clothing from anywhere that catches your eye and makes you go "i want this", that's fashion too.

[@WhirledPublishing]

If she could stop imagining that fashion rules the world, she might broaden her perspective to include the rapid escalation of Earth Changes - and the history of cataclysms - she'd then have a better understanding of the domino effect in motion that will render her concerns irrelevant.

[@aina-louisacarter4201]

So what if fashion is frivolous?

[@afzalthinkingsystems9799]

anything processed by western thinking software ends at making it absolute and brining religion like seriousness into it

[@nepalihercules]

FASHION IS FRIVOLOUS

[@ewanck7805]

CUT FABRIC NOT COURSES!!! Francis Corner is talkin out the other side of her mouth now she’s at Goldsmiths! Hard to be on a mission to change the world through arts and culture when you cut music staff from 17 - 7, threaten over 300 staff with redundancies and remove funding for scholarships :/

[@dickiewongtk]

Because i will lose my job.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Fashion is frivolous

[@IpolsYoutube]

it is

[@mihoando3813]

andami kong magandang finds sa ukay ukay. just sayin'. be creative :P

[@matts3729]

But, fashion is frivolous.

[@fredhubbard7210]

Clothes make the woman. Therefore...

[@andreaandrea6716]

Actually, fashion (one's own), is an outward expression of who one is INSIDE, it's about how you FEEL, ... so it's a physical manifestation of something that's visceral. It's only frivolous if YOU are frivolous ... or unconscious (if you dress unconsciously; i.e. without thought). How we dress tells the world how we feel or how we want to feel or be seen. It's an extraordinary tool for self expression! I used to think it was frivolous. I lived in Paris for 15 years. But later, I realized that it can be fun to play with. It's about play ... and creativity. Experiment with it! You'll see.

[@fredhubbard7210]

Andrea Andrea. Fashion is an artificial construction the create an appetite, to keep people buying clothes. It is a huge industry, created to maintain the garment industry. The notion of "self expression" is as frivolous as the industry itself. Your argument might have some merit if you designed your own clothes, but even that would be a hard position to defend, Because who really gives a damn how you "want to be seen? Really, it is far more about women finding social status. And yes, it is a woman thing, men by and large don't care much about fashion. Fashion is total vanity...

[@aina-louisacarter4201]

John Thomson Whatever dude.

[@harryc266]

only very privileged people think we need to pay more money for clothes.. if a t-shirt i cheap we are going to buy it. the sad reality is there will always be someone at the bottom.

[@Smithpolly]

ZigSteenine : So you're not very privileged?

[@valerysdiaz9988]

Partially agree with your comment Harry. There will always be someone at the bottom who will buy that cheap t-shirt. It is under these conditions and others, that capitalism thrives.

[@philiplancaster9668]

This woman is now in charge of Goldsmiths College. I wonder what damage she is now wreaking there?

[@ewanck7805]

2nd round of redundancies in two in years, 350 jobs threatened, courses loosing over their half their staff… you saw the future my friend

[@lepetitchat123]

fashion is not frivolous, says someone whose job depends on the exploitative industry.

[@philiplancaster9668]

Why did she make a point of wearing a suit and tie to meetings when she's a woman? Was that in itself not 'making a point' ?

[@jingyiwang5106]

I love fashion but this speech is way too boring.

[@ailinabboud2018]

Second hahaha

[@pristinkyulwoo283]

I don't clearly understand what she was saying.. she's whispering

[@c.t.1893]

Fashion is bullshit xD

[@GoldieDawn]

It's an art form just like photography. x :P

[@c.t.1893]

Ok?

[@GoldieDawn]

Canaan's Photography Aye. x :)

[@vjorp5332]

Yessy

[@c.t.1893]

Fashion might be an art form, but when it's forced upon you by society it's not then. Which is the case for the majority of the western world. I have my own style, but why should I have to change that to go to work? Or kids who go to school? Or when I leave my house? That's not freedom to dress how you like.

[@ultimaoportunidadVEVO]

Fashion is frivolous

[@Kanibulus]

Fashion is frivolous