Helena Yang
Research Question:
How/why does working in the fashion industry influence the way mental illness impacts
designers?
Research Topic:
Behind all the beautifully made up models and extravagant gowns seen on fashion
runways, there is a slightly darker side to the fashion industry that is not as commonly
advertised. Through my research, I want to allow readers to better comprehend how the pressures
and demands of the fashion industry impact designers. More specifically I want to research into
the careers and experiences of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, both that have
experienced mental health disorders. McQueen unfortunately committed suicide and Galliano
was on the verge of his own breakdown. These two designers are similar in many ways in
regards to their designs and their drive, which I expect will reveal common connections between
the two in terms of them both surviving in the fashion industry.
By researching different interviews with these two designers and getting a better
understanding of the industry, I will be able to pinpoint certain aspects of the fashion industry
that push designers to a dangerous point. I would look into the turnaround times that designers
have to create new collections, the work hours they typically put into creating a collection, and
even the demands put on fabric manufacturers. This would help provide data that readers may be
able to understand better in terms of how much time it takes and effort it takes for designers to
make their clothing come to life.
I also think it would be interesting to explore the issue by researching the ways in which
art is suppose to be therapeutic for individuals, using that angle to show how fashion design, in
the 21st century, may lose those therapeutic qualities simply because designers may feel the need
to please consumers first rather than having time to explore ideas further for themselves. I want
to research into how globalization and the idea of big business put high expectations on
designers, and thus resulting in many designers on the brink of nervous breakdowns. By looking
into the different facets that influence the fashion industry, the consumer, business, and the
designer, I will be able to provide a better understanding of how mental illness effect designers.
Bibliography:
"Designed for Destruction." Vanity Fair. September 1, 2014. Accessed March 20, 2015.
http://www.vanityfair.com/unchanged/2014/09/alexander-mcqueen-isabella-blow.
This source would provide information about the work and life of Alexander McQueen and those
he was closest to such as Isabella Blow, thus giving a clearer context of McQueen’s work
environment.
LeCroy, Winston. "First Person Accounts of Mental Illness and Recovery." September 1,
2012. Accessed March 19, 2015.
This book source provides information on the various types of mental disorders that people are
affected and even first hand responses of people explaining their experiences with that particular
illness.
"Mental Health in Fashion: It's Time to Talk." Dazed. February 12, 2015. Accessed
March 20, 2015. http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/23582/1/mental-health-in-fashionit-s-time-to-talk.
This article provides first hand quotes from John Galliano and an overview of the pressures in
fashion industry. It also reflects on the death of Alexander McQueen.
Sykes, Tom. "John Galliano Trial: 'Fashion Can Be Very Toxic'" Telegraph. June 26,
2011. Accessed March 20, 2015. http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8598962/JohnGalliano-trial-Fashion-can-be-very-toxic.html.
This article would help explain John Galliano’s struggle with mental illness regarding his wellknown outbreak and how he started up in the fashion industry.
-mental health in fashion
-what’s the underlying reasons these designers are experiencing such turmoil?
-what is the stereotype surrounding the “tortured artist” ?
-does designing act as an outlet/form of expression or does it actually contribute to
mental illness more?
-time in history: current, 21st century fashion, past 5 years
-that fast pace of the industry doesn’t allow for much time to develop innovative ideas
(dazeddigital.com), high expectations with short turn around times
-who are designers trying to please? The consumers, or themselves?
-an intense work load, the pressure, idea of perfectionism
--“dark side” to fashion industry
-larger problem (dazeddigital) that “scandalize or deify” the designer
-what are you willing to sacrifice?
-industry is about selling things
-idea of big business and globalization http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2011/03/15/does-the-fashionindustry-encourage-mental-illness/
“The idea that creativity and brilliance are naturally linked to depression and mental
illness has been echoed for centuries, but too often there is a tendency to blame the
archetype of the troubled artistic genius without recognising the sheer pressure they
were under – from CEOs demanding increased sales, from the press, and from
themselves.” Dazedigital.com
-Mcqueen suicide (2010) found with dug abuse
-Isabella Blow: she wasn’t a designer but she committed suicide (2007) after working in the
fashion industry, mentor to McQueen
-John Galliano alcohol angry comments and fired from Dior (2011)
-Christopher Decarnin left Balmain b/c nervous breakdown…
-Halston, Yves Saint Laurent, Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein
have spoken of substance abuse
-what paper will be about, how you expect to answer the question
-what you expect/hope to find
-how you anticipate supporting your argument
-consider questions that only answer your question, and research for that
-history of topic: why/how has topic changed through time? What’s
-compare and contrast with others (people) like it
-“so what?” why would other think this is a question worth asking ‘
- I am studying/working on _______because I want to find out
who/what/where/when/whether/how/why__________.
-turn question into a problem reader think is worth solving ie. Conceptual problem: something
we do not understand into something we can understand better
practical problem: state of affairs that makes your ready unhappy
1)situation or condition
2) undesirable consequence b/c of that condition that reader doesn’t want to pay