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Fashion Reimagined 2022

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Collective Eye Films, 1315 SE 20th Ave. #3, Portland OR 97214; 971-236-2056
Produced by Lindsay Lowe, Andrea Van Beuren, and Becky Hunter
Directed by Becky Hunter
Streaming, 100 mins



General Adult
Environmentalism; Fashion Design; Sustainable Living; Textile Industry

Date Entered: 01/10/2024

Reviewed by Georgette Nicolosi, Business Librarian, Missouri University of Science & Technology

Fashion Reimagined examines the environmental ethics of the fashion industry by following Amy Powney, the designer behind the clothing brand, Mother of Pearl, and her endeavor in creating a completely sustainable fashion line. The film begins with an in-depth discussion on the industry's environmental responsibilities, touching upon issues of waste, energy consumption, animal abuse, low wages, and treatment of factory workers. While viewers may believe they understand what organic products are and how to ensure that one chooses ethically-made clothing, Fashion Reimagined highlights the intricacies of the clothing-making process, pinpointing how difficult it is to create garments that are sustainable and ethical all the way through. The documentary shows that even major players in the fashion industry, other designers and buyers themselves, are often unaware of the destructiveness of their industry, and why Amy Powney’s success is a triumph in their line of work.

The documentary takes viewers on a global exploration, mirroring Powney's pursuits in tracing the origins of fabrics and finding sustainable production practices. From the cotton fields in Turkey to the wool farms in Uruguay, the film illustrates the harsh reality of seemingly innocent clothing choices. The way in which the story, and the aligning scenes, are delivered, continually keeps the viewer engaged and interested. Furthermore, the film integrates Powney's personal story, growing up without basic amenities, which allows viewers to weave together her narrative and emphasizes the reasons why her dedication to green fashion is important as a designer.

As such, Fashion Reimagined serves not only as a critique of the fashion world but also as a critical conversation starter. The documentary leaves a permanent mark, urging viewers to consider their role in a world that often prioritizes and encourages consumption over responsibility. Therefore, the execution, engaging storytelling, and critical message of the film results in Fashion Reimagined being highly recommended. The film really is a must-see for individuals in any industry or at any academic level. It not only encourages self-reflection, but is likely to spur discussions within educational settings, especially concerning corporate social responsibility and other related topics.

Published and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Anyone can use these reviews, so long as they comply with the terms of the license.