Implementation of ‘Having Fun with Levi‘ (SOI-RO-536)

Author: Ionescu Ioana/History Teacher

Organization/School: Mihai Viteazul National College, Ploiesti, Romania

Introduction

In Romania, each year,  there is a programme named The Green Week. It is a little brake from the bulky syllabuses we have here. This year specific, we couldn’t take the students outside the school yard, because of the cost that are involved in the activities. So, we had to do interesting lessons, concerning the climate changes, the pollution of the air and water, the sustainable economy and the circular one. In my case, I had many Europeana resources, especially because I discussed about Industrial Revolution, wars, many factors that damage the quality of life on Earth.

But probably the most interesting activity was about the sustainable fashion. I had a guest, a fashion designer, Tina, who introduced us in the garish world of clothes, fast fashion and how we can become fashion sustainers. I used the scenario from Europeana, and I asked students if they know how many liters of water are necessary to create a pair of jeans. Most of them didn’t know the information, and the videos revealed new things. I also used the Global Goals Chart and we tried to imagine solutions for a clean planet. Tina, our guide in the fashion designing showed us virtual clothes, a new approach of traditional clothes. Those kind of clothing is used especially by bloggers, influencers and celebrities who want to create new outfits, but in the social media. Like in the Emperor’s New Clothes Story!

Stages of implementation

First of all, I wanted to implement this lesson plan to many classes, but due to the schedule, it was impossible to find a bigger classroom. So, I had to adapt. In the introductory part, I asked my students if they are passionate about fashion. Many of them answered yes, and the conversation began. Most of the pupils came with jeans, T-shirts and hoodies  because we don’t have uniforms, so they are free to express their personality. I asked then if they are aware of the amount of water fashion industry consumes for every outfit. Of course they didn’t know and after that I projected the short video about jeans, their industry and their role in fashion. Of course, this leads to other subjects, as fast fashion, the mountains of residual clothes , ethics in fashion.

Second of all, Tina, our help showed us how we can be sustainable in fashion. Redesign, recreate, searching original items on second hand shops, the students can become original, wearing unique items and also helping the environment. Tina showed us a selection of images of her reinterpreted creations and also invited Vlad to present his outfits. Vlad is a lover of second hand items and he presented his version over sustainable clothing. He also had two models, Eliza and Lavinia, and his imagination dazzled us and we applaud his from the bottom of our hearts.

Third of all, Tina gave us some pieces of fabric and we had to write a message about our intentions over the environment, or any other message we wanted. With this pieces, Vlad will create an unique fashion item ( we also had one as example)for the group.

In the end, Tina showed us what is the new trend in fashion, the virtual clothes, used by influencers, bloggers and other people interested in social media or other observers who want to try something new. Is a new industry,  the wages are huge and one of the main advantages is that you can work from home.

Outcomes

Students discovered the 40 most iconic fashion items from this scenario, they participated the conversation and to the original fashion item that Vlad will create. They also made some posters with their learning outcomes.

For me, as a teacher, it was a revealing experience, because I found so many things about Vlad, my student, his passions and his talent. Also, knowing Tina was a fabulous experience, she presented us her experiences at Burberry and why  this industry is so important nowadays.

Did you find this story of implementation interesting? Why don’t you read about the related learning scenario: Having Fun with Levi by Kristina Mijandrusic Ladavac

Would you like to discover more stories of implementation? Click here.

CC BY-SA 4.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Gävleborg County Museum.