Another theory in which DIY emerged: DIY is also said to be linked to the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1900’s. This was an international design movement originated in England. This movement also spread to the United States and evolved as a “reaction against the impoverished state of the decorative arts and the conditions under which they were produced.” It emphasized traditional craftsmanship as well as authentic material usage. This movement also evolved as a simple cost-saving technique between the 1940’s and 1950’s.
DIY vinyl wall art
Regardless of the true origins, or multiple origins, of DIY, there is no denying that it is indeed a huge phenomenon in society, forgoing any class structures by being used in high fashion as well as in the general public.
Democratization of fashion
Democratization is the transition to a more democratic approach from an authoritarian regime. There are no rules. The authoritarian regime in this case would be the power players of the fashion industry who tell us what is in style, where to buy from, which designers are considered noteworthy, and more. Well, these authority figures are authority no more as the power belongs to the individual who now decides what he or she wants for himself or herself, through DIY fashion.
Issey Miyake is one of the most innovative clothing designers today. In the mid-90’s, an experiment he started with Dai Fujiwara, a textile engineer and designer, turned into an fashion line in 1999 called A-POC. A-POC, standing for “a piece of cloth”, requires no sewing; the thread goes into the loom and the finished product comes out of the other side. The product is not limited to clothing but extends into accessories or even furniture. “This interactive new method not only reduces leftover fabric but also permits the wearers to participate in the final step of the design of their clothing: they determine the final shape of the product”. The wearers determine the final shape of the product giving power to the individual.
DIY as OPPOSITION TO FASHION - Deconstruction Fashion