Fashion, Image and Influence with Robin Givhan
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-04-30/fashion-image-and-influence-robin-givhan
Many people think of fashion as a realm dominated by women, but in fact, men hold many of the industry's most of powerful positions. Kojo and Robin Givhan consider what that gender divide means, and the fine line between art, marketing, and exploitation that designers walk. They'll also discuss why men are taking a greater interest in fashion--including in the world of professional sports.
Guests
Robin Givhan
style and culture correspondent, Newsweek/Daily Beast
Comments
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Hi Robin. I love your work! I'm a designer who works in NY at top design houses (some of which have been mentioned). I'm female.
The women's fashion industry is largely male dominated. Most of the designers who are featured in Vogue, for example, are male, and it's not because there aren't talented female designers. And the emerging female designers who are now getting press are, by and large, very attractive in a typically slim, pretty fashion way. They must be the muse as well as the designer. (Rodarte, being an exception, but they are Gettys)
Female designers on male led design teams must also function as muse as well as be talented.
Talented women without the "right look" (weight, age, race, etc....) are frequently discriminated against in hiring.
Female customers often prefer to work with male designers ...perhaps fulfilling a pygmalion fantasy. But it perpetuates the male domination.
I'll leave it at that.
just sent an email but would like to hear your comments on all the hard-working craftspeople who present their "wearable art" items at juried art shows all over the county. In fact, Crafts in America on PBS, will be airing a piece on "fiber art" which showcases these incredibly talented artists. Plus, all of these pieces are truly one of a kind since they are individually hand-crafted.