Fashion for Freedom
Fashion for freedom is an annual fashion show organized by Laurier Brantford students. The show provides a chance for Laurier students to show off their various artistic talents. The show donates the profits from tickets to a charity of their choice, this year Make-A-Wish.
The 2017 edition was held on Jan. 20 with various performances and designers showcasing their talent. Although the show features Laurier Brantford's KAOS dance team, the main focus is the fashion show.
The main area of interest for us in this fashion show was the South Asian Alliance and their contribution to the show. The group was one of many that contributed fashion pieces to the show but was the only one that came from a specific cultural group.
In a situation where clothing from a culture is being promoted in an environment that is generating profit for charity and the clothing is not for sale it becomes acceptable for it to be included in a fashion show. The intent is to appreciate the culture and designs instead of generating profit for a large company such as, Mark Jacobs, which means that there is no appropriation occurring.
Another key aspect that allows this to be appreciation is that the clothes are being chosen and designed by people with a background and knowledge of the culture. Instead of somebody from outside the culture taking the fashion and using it in the show it was a group of people who understand the meaning and history of the fashion.