2.
4: Positive and negative+ Examples
Fashion plays a significant role in the business environment for several positive reasons.
Firstly, fashion is more than just clothing; it serves as a powerful engine for economic
growth, influencing various aspects of society and industry. At its core, the fashion
business employs millions of people globally, from skilled artisans and designers to retail
staff and marketers. This widespread job creation not only decreases unemployment but
also boosts local economies, as people reinvest their wages in their communities.
Furthermore, fashion contributes significantly to national GDPs, particularly in countries
renowned for their textile and apparel sectors. For example, In Bangladesh, as one of the
largest garment exporters globally, the sector accounted for approximately 83% of the
country's total exports in 2022. This industry has created around 4.5 million direct jobs,
with women making up about 80% of the workforce, providing them with crucial
economic opportunities.
Secondly, fashion serves as a dynamic platform for innovation and creativity, influencing
a wide range of fields, from design to technology. The fashion industry is characterized
by its relentless evolution, prompting designers to push boundaries and experiment with
new styles and silhouettes. This spirit of exploration leads to groundbreaking designs that
challenge conventional norms and inspire artistic expression. Brands such as Patagonia
and Eileen Fisher have pioneered the use of recycled materials in their designs, converting
trash into premium textiles. For example, Patagonia's "Worn Wear" initiative encourages
customers to repair and recycle their clothing, encouraging a circular economy with a
lower environmental effect.
Last but not least, fashion is a powerful medium for promoting cultural awareness and
respect. It allows individuals to express their heritage through clothing and textiles,
showcasing the richness of diverse traditions. Global collaborations in the fashion
industry further enhance this exchange, as designers blend styles and techniques,
honoring the cultures that inspire them. Events like international fashion weeks highlight
these influences, encouraging discussions about identity and breaking down stereotypes.
Vietnamese designers like Thuy Nguyen and Vo Viet Chung have modernized the ao dai
by incorporating contemporary fabrics and innovative designs, appealing to younger
generations while honoring tradition. Their work not only showcases Vietnamese
craftsmanship but also promotes cultural pride on both national and international stages.
- Negative:
The first, fast fashion has serious negative impacts that extend beyond affordable trends.
It generates millions of tons of waste each year, with synthetic garments taking decades to
decompose, contributing to long-term pollution. The industry is also a major driver of
climate change, with resource-intensive production processes leading to high carbon
emissions. For instance, producing a single cotton shirt requires about 2,700 liters of
water, much of which contaminates local water sources.
The second, to maintain low prices, many brands rely on cheap labor in developing
countries. This often results in poor working conditions, low wages, and violations of
labor rights, raising significant ethical concerns. In Cambodia, the fashion industry has
also faced scrutiny for labor exploitation. Many garment factories supply major brands
like Nike and Adidas, where workers often endure long hours for very low pay,
sometimes as little as $150 a month far below a living wage
Finally is market saturation. As the number of brands and products increases, the focus
often shifts from quality to cost-cutting, leading to poorly made garments that disappoint
consumers. This intense competition can stifle innovation, as brands replicate existing
styles rather than invest in original designs, diminishing creativity within the industry.
Additionally, price pressure forces many companies to reduce costs, which can result in
unethical practices, such as using cheap materials or exploiting low-wage labor.
Consumers may also experience choice fatigue from the overwhelming number of
options, leading to decreased sales. A prominent example of market saturation in the
fashion industry is the rapid rise of fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M, and Forever
21. These brands have flooded the market with inexpensive, trendy clothing, creating
intense competition. As a result, many smaller brands struggle to maintain quality while
competing on price, leading to a decline in craftsmanship and durability.
