Clothes are cheaper, trend cycles have sped up and shopping has become a daily habit for many. Disguised as an unsuspecting feel-good comedy, FASHION 4 PASSION shows us our throwaway society is simply not sustainable. (Image: Sophia Lattas)
By Sophia Lattas | @SophiaTLattas
FASHION 4 PASSION is chaotic in the best way and will have you doubled over in stitches for its entirety.
Stepping into the intimate space at The Lark at Gluttony, we take our seats. A clothing rack filled with vibrant, vintage-looking garments sits upstage. Seated and eagerly awaiting the girls with a passion for ethical fashion, the simplistic setup leaves much to the audience’s imagination.
At showtime Jennifer “Jen” Laycock and Samantha “Sam” LeClaire burst into the tent and their instant charismatic presence and personality shift the dynamics of time and space. Sashaying down the centre aisle, the duo exudes a captivating energy from the get-go which they carry throughout the entire show.
Their carefree charisma is reminiscent of Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and that is exactly what the comedic pair are doing. Jen and Sam cleverly line their feel-good comedy with the dark truth of the fashion industry. Aiming to make change through their art, it comes to fruition in their sketch show: a 50-minute deep dive into the multifaceted world of fashion.
Fashion moves fast but Jen and Sam move faster. In their efforts to put out the fast fashion flame, they confront its unethical nature with subtle nods towards greenwashing, a gimmick where brands market themselves as being more environmentally friendly than they really are. As well as the inhumane working conditions imposed on garment workers, brands contribute to fast fashion by increasing stigma around outfit repeating and society’s obsession with excessive consumerism.
Jen and Sam take us on a whirlwind journey of romantic and comedic scenarios alike, soundtracked by nostalgic 90s and 00s hits. Viewers can anticipate amusing original songs, energetic dance breaks and the quickest of quick changes. The high-energy duo bounce off each other, maintaining a gusto throughout with an unmatched on-stage chemistry.
FASHION 4 PASSION taps into its Gen Z viewership by drawing from TikTok. Animated voiceover effects popularised by the social media platform mark shifts in scenes throughout. Think 90s rom-com cliches. Think “P.O.V: influencers who aren’t like other influencers”. Think “makeover montage”.
If Jen and Sam taught us anything, it is that while trends continue to cycle in and out of fashion and back again, outfit repeating is the coolest thing you can do.
Catch FASHION 4 PASSION, showing at The Lark at Gluttony – Rymill Park, until February 25.