Meeting Caryn Franklin

I had a seldom and lucky opportunity of being at the presentation of Caroline Franklin that was organised by the University of Central Lancashire. Caroline Franklin gave the presentation via skype. It`s amazing how improved our technology is, that we are able to see someone based in London and communicate.

About Caroline Franklin:

Image taken off google of performingartistes.co.uk

In the 80s Caroline Franklin was a fashion editor of a famous fashion magazine called  i-D Magazine. After working there for six years, she changed to work for a TV show called the Clothes Show, which was broadcasted originally by BBC ONE from 1986 to 2000.

Caryn Franklin was the main co-host of the Clothes Show.

After she gave us some information about who she is, she started explaining what imagery “used to be” and what it is today.

She then began explaining how imagery did not only show the clothes but also the personality of the model and quality of the clothes.

For example in the 1960s fashion took a complete new turn. Clothes had different cuts and forms and were very daring for that day in age. The world and culture of people and the change of time flourished.

Then the 70s fashion was all about equality between men and women. Meaning that we were all at the same level and one could see this via the clothes in images. The men were wearing softer and tighter clothes. Their hair was bigger and more feminine. Women were similar but off course more masculine. It is not only about fashion but also about how the people and culture were changing.

Then came the 80s seeing images of the catwalk designers one can see they made big padded shouldered jackets trying to say how women are also able to have big careers and are strong.

As you can see fashion and clothing had a creative response.

Now I come to the problem that Caroline Franklin was trying to transfer to us the new generation of fashion.

The 21^st century has various and amazing clothes but the models, if men or women, on the catwalk have shrunk, look pale, vague, have lack of personality, are very young and look starved.

When we look back at the time of Supermodels like Claudia Shiffer,  people were able to recognise each model and these models were icons.

Now we flick through our magazines and each model looks the same if seen on the catwalk or in a brand advert.

Are we afraid of change and why are we only targeting the young and unhealthy looking?!

She also mentioned what the promotion brands use today. We all know that sex and shock sells. Adverts of the 21^st century show drugs and also show a way of degrading the male or female model. It seems as if we have a sort of "fashion porn".

Caroline Franklin questions if this is correct or not?! 

After all this eye opening information she then told us about an initiave called All Walks Beyond the Catwalk founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor.

They promote change and work with designers and photographers to make change happen.

She also said there must be more diversity in the world of fashion and people must not be ashamed of their different shaped bodies.

It was a great opportunity to see and hear what Caryn Franklin had to say. It has opened my eyes to what change lies before us and maybe to question our own perception of beauty.

Thank you Caroline Franklin for the great presentation.