An Interview with Emma Ruff
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Trusted Clothes
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2016/07/26
Tell us about yourself – family background, personal story, education, and previous professional capacities.
I have been passionate about advocating for global issues since a very young age. If I could pin point the exact moment, I would have to write of my 5th grade endeavors to release hamsters from the corruption caused by the government. While this particular “global issue” was fictitious, I was dedicated nonetheless. I brought people together, to speak about something I felt was wrong, and I wanted to take steps to solve it. My views have shifted to more pertinent issues over the years. Issues related to other parts of my life that I spend much of my time invested in. Areas, such as the fashion industry and design. Since I can remember, I have always been developing a unique personal style. I did this, through snipping, sewing, manipulating pieces of my clothing. I found a true art form in the process of dressing myself.
I felt I could express myself and make an artistic statement at the same time. The art of fashion, is second nature to me. I believe this passion really carried over in my more professional artistic Therefore, as I grew up and became more and more aware of the world, I discovered ugly truths that I found hard to ignore. The same passion and fervor that my 5th grade self had for animal rights, was developing into another (much more pertinent) global issue. Sweatshops. Mass production. The dark side of the fashion industry. I decided in my final years at University to speak up about the global inequality of the sweatshop industry.
Using visual art and structural fashion as vessels for the important conversation that should be happening. This yearning to advocate, has really consumed my entire lifestyle. I choose to make certain decisions in my life, such as only shopping second hand, to make a statement about the importance of ethical fashion. I want to start the conversation.
What is the importance of ethical fashion?
I think ethical and sustainable naturally fall in line with one another. By becoming consumers who partake in ethical shopping habits, we begin to consider the sustainability of what we purchase. I think the importance of ethical fashion is revealed when we allow ourselves to be conscience of what we are consuming and the companies we are supporting. The clothing industry is so incredibly good at hiding the realities of their inner workings. Fashion is aesthetically pleasing and allows the average human being to feel good, by wearing something they feel defines them or makes them comfortable. We are immune to the realities.
The true cost of the industry. The human aspect. I don’t think this is entirely our fault. To get changed in the morning, is such a mundane task. People may often wonder why they should look any deeper into something that really is not causing them any direct inconvenience. Ultimately, the importance of ethical and sustainable fashion is to install an awareness into the minds of today’s average consumer. I often think about what the world would be like, if people were as aware and open to hearing about the gritty sides of the fashion industry. Would they be as upset as I am? Would they aspire for things to change? I really think they would. That’s where change happens. When like-minded people come together for a cause.
What is the importance of sustainable fashion?
(See above)
What is the importance of ethical fashion advocates to you?
Starting the conversation. By having more people who are not afraid to expose the companies that are using un-ethical methods to mass produce product, we have the potential to be heard. Since I had studied the global inequalities within the industry, specifically in Bangladesh, I have been able to make connections through simply speaking about my work to really anyone that will listen. I’ve proudly begun to spread the contagious checking of the tag. Once you know, about what is happening, the sweatshops, the human factor, there is no forgetting it.
It’s imbedded into your mind. Awareness is truly key. It’s hard to forget about human lives being lost at the cost of us being able to wear that “signature swish” or unforgettable “moose”. I truly wish that people did not feel the need to define themselves by label. If we defined ourselves through our actions and passions, it would be a really beautiful thing.
What was the significance the Rana Plaza factory collapse that killed 1,134 people in Bangladesh?
On a personal level, the impact of the event was heartbreaking. I felt ignorant and completely consumed within myself for not have heard about it, or taken steps to speak up about it. We are connected. We, the consumes support and advocate for brands that were involved here. That were involved directly in this moment of “structural fault” that cost 1,134 human lives.
What a staggering toll. I believe that this collapse, being the largest in garment factory history, brought reality to the front doors of many large brands that are using swift production and cheap labor. The human aspect of the factory worker became very much so real. When the news caught win (for the brief time that it had) here in North America, it was a tainted headline that some would consider “bad press”. I consider it realistic, real press.
What can be done to prevent events like this in the future?
This is an answer that can be explained extensively or very simply. Ultimately, there needs to be a few things happening. Companies that choose to outsource production, need to be in tune with the working conditions and wages that their workers are receiving. Ensuring a safe and sustainable life for these people. There needs to be consistency in how often factories are inspected for possible faults in structure. There needs to be a stronger connection between all parties involved. I am not naïve. I do understand the difficult in this. There seems to be a loss in translation somewhere along the line. The problem is extensive. The problem is present.
I do see possible solution, but only if all people involved choose to see the importance in the need for change. Major companies need to take responsibility and provide humane treatment to the humans connected to the production of their product. Consumers, need to understand who they are supporting. People I general, need to speak up about it. Together, we all hold the responsibility to sustain humanity and ensure things are done in a humane manner.
What was the content and purpose of the senior thesis?
I chose to use visual art as a voice. A voice for those that had lost theirs in the tragic Rana Plaza collapse. I worked with various human statistics related to the event. Bringing the tragedy to the forefront of the viewer’s mind. Making it real. Tangible. I used materials in my sculptural work that were things we associate with the garment industry itself. Things such as hangers, clothing tags, thread, and sewing needles.
Each piece was made to be visually stimulating. The stimulation, would ideally draw the viewer in to discover more about the symbolism behind the piece. Once the symbolism was revealed, I used that as a method to communicate about the tragedy of sweatshops on a global scale. Art is a really powerful thing. We communicate through emotion. Through stimulation. Art ensures that the experience of something such as my pieces, are memorable and hard to forget.
What other work are you involved in at this point in time?
I am involved heavily in the open communication about the importance of ethical fashion and the lifestyle of a conscious consumerist. I have had the chance to speak with so many people about my experience researching the industry and why I believe it’s important to start speaking up about it. I currently working at The Museum of Fine Arts in the Textile and Fashion Department. It has been really interesting working in this department.
I feel the exposure to the industry in this light has proved helpful and beneficial to my own advocating work. I hope to continue my education in the world of design and potentially work within a non-profit. I can hardly imagine a life where this issue is not continually resonating within everything that I do.
What meaning or personal fulfillment does this fashion and design work bring for you?
It brings a great sense of pride to so passionately advocate for something and to install the thought within the minds of consumers. I think advocating for something like this, is hard. It’s a topic that 1) makes people uncomfortable and 2) is so rarely ever spoken of. I find that in my life and work as an artist there is no fulfilment in leading a life that lacks advocacy.
Change does not just happen. It happens when people choose to make choices and use their voice to implement it.
With regard to ethical and sustainable fashion companies, what’s the importance of them now?
They are the voice. We are entering such a time of change. I believe people from this particular generation are aware of their surroundings and impact in the world. People are wanting to be involved with non-profits, with charity work, and with advocacy. We are not standing for corruption. We are speaking out against it. We are a generation of people yearning to change the world for the better. Ethical and sustainable fashion companies are a huge step towards bettering the industry. With more and more people choosing to support them, we just may see that happen.
Thank you for your time, Emma.
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In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.in-sightpublishing.com.
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