COP3: Specifying Dissertation Topic (to clear my clouded mind) & New COP3 Question

Following my concerns from the COP Presentation last week, I decided to narrow down and specify which field of 'beauty' I want to focus on and a main theme I want to explore from the existing topics that I've outline in my presentation.

·      Why am I writing about this topic? – Purpose

·      It’s depiction in high fashion industry/ and identity

·      e.g. “The basis of this research is from a keen interest of representation of POC within fashion…”

·      BRIEF POINT ON BELONGING AND GLOBALISATION (used to start counter argument) – ALSO because of PERCEPION, SUBJECTIVE VIEW

I decided to specify more on the representation of POC (East Asian minority) in High Fashion because:

• I'm a person of colour myself and I can relate very much to the topic.
• I think in today's society and norms this topic is very relevant especially when brands and companies are trying to be more conscious and 'woke' about their principles and ethos in representing not just Caucasians but also other ethnic minorities. But are they really representing minorities rightfully? or are they just bandwagoning the 'inclusive and diversity' appeal in order to have a good brand image and appeal to consumers. 
• As a graphic designer, I want to explore and understand more about where people like me stand in the industry and how we are truly represented in media as I feel Asian stereotyping and appropriation are especially being 'downsized' and normalised in society today unlike other appropriation or worse – racism towards other minorities. 
• 
  

I continued to use the theoretical themes that I wanted to explore but focused them more towards the new topic that I'm writing about, however after speaking to some peers for some feedback and clarity about my topic, I feel as though I'm starting to lean more towards talking more in depth about culture and ideas of orientalism which made me kind of confused and worried, that maybe I'm leading farther away from Graphic Design now. ://////////

Nonetheless, I reviewed WHAT DO I REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT?....Instead of solely talking about beauty ideals in relation to Advertising, what I really want to focus on is the representation of East Asian culture and traditions in the Western High Fashion industry/advertising, but using fashion/beauty as the specific field in which I will talk about it in.

Why High Fashion in particular? 

Fashion is one of the most attainable ways of showcasing one's identity and it is also very easy to apply and give cultural references to certain fashion trends and concepts which can affect how we view those cultures overall. High Fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior and Prada have developed high prestige to their brand image, that although not everyone can afford their products, people can still refer to the brand as 'inspiration' as they set trends in the fashion industry, therefore having massive social and cultural impact on society as a whole. 

In addition, East Asians are also one of the largest consumer market of High Fashion brands, so it'll be interesting to explore east Asian views on the representation of their culture and how it is perpetuated in the media. How do they feel about the these representations and do they think it fully or truthfully represent who they really are in the society?

Linking back to Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a huge part in Fashion Advertising as graphic designers have to make decisions on how to present a certain product to a consumer audience; at the same time satisfy the fashion designers concept and idea behind the product. The design elements which the Graphic Designer uses within the advertising design will have an effect on how consumers react to advertising as certain colours and typography (especially when used within advertising context e.g. slogan), as they will have their own meanings and connotations rooted within them and within culture and society. This may be where stereotypes and appropriation may come under and scrutinised within High Fashion Advertising and how culture and representation of East Asians are depicted in mainstream western society and media. 

From my previous broader question, I've come to a clearer question and structure for my specific COP3 topic. 

HOW IS THE PORTRAYAL OF EAST ASIANS IN HIGH FASHION ADVERTISING AFFECTING THE REPRESENTATION OF EAST ASIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS?

Thoughts & Reflection:

I think now I'm much clearer about the direction in which I am taking my essay to, I think that it is still linking back to Graphic Design in terms of examples and talking about meaning and culture associations of design elements. Now that I've structured my essay more, I can now focus on doing more reading on the new themes Ii've outlined in the structure as well as produce my proposed practical brief, hopefully before my first tutorial meeting with Amber.