Tyra Scally: Feminist, Revolutionist, A women of the moment.
Interview with Tyra Scally, Words by Jack McGinley
“My body, my rights” Tyra embarks upon an unusual but so powerful form of fashion. Her garments spark questions, challenge viewers, show pride and empowerment. It is possible for a fashion garment to have so much meaning and emotion behind it. Her creativity screams “Its 2023”. Feminism really speaks for itself in her garments. Why are abortion laws still in place? Why is period poverty increasing? Should this problem not of been tackled by now?
A Vagina as a dress?
The creativity and meaning behind the garment is something that could be seen at the met gala. Tyra shows how fashion is needed to challenge opinions. To create or where something with confidence and pride is something that speaks for itself. It says “screw you” to the opinionated haters and the laws that are supposed to be protecting and helping women that clearly are not working. Tyra states “Too often society makes women feel that attracting misogynistic abuse and even assault is their fault because of the way they have chosen to behave or dress.” So yes lets wear a vagina as a dress and clap back at society.
Tyra believes that fast fashion is a problem. The conditions behind the scenes of these big fast fashion company’s is an issue, “it’s ridiculous, Workers aren’t safe and don’t have basic rights…It should be stopped.” Its hard when you look at fast fashion, there is so many factors that make fast fashion such a profitable business, with the cost of living and big shows like Love Island influencing fast fashion trends. Tyra clearly wants her designs to last and be meaningful not just to be a trend. It is re-assuring that there is still upcoming designers that feel this way.
With period poverty increasing due to inflation and the cost of living. Tyra raises this issue by creating the fashion piece. This is one of the biggest income squeezes in 50 years. One in eight women say the struggle to afford sanitary products to help with there period over the next 12 months. These are difficult situations, but more should be done to support women who are struggling with this issue. You would never look at a period pad and think that looks like a nice top.. Tyra does… and it works! Although it is not just a top, its so much more, it supports feminism and tackles real life issues. That’s fashion! Tyra speaking of her experience working in Urban Outfitters says “I don’t like the division of menswear or womenswear. People come to a shop and buy whatever section and look amazing. You see Tik Toks of guys in skirts now, It shouldn’t matter what category your clothes are in. I feel strongly about this.” Her fashion stands for feminism but isn’t just female wear. Wouldn’t it be powerful if all genders wore these garments to change society’s outdated views? I think one of Tyras main objectives isn’t just feminism, Abortion laws and period poverty but also Freedom.
Her attitude is “You’re here for a good time, not a long time”.
With having such a unique and powerful subject matter there must be some pressures and stress that comes a long with it. Being a 2nd year fashion student in Cardonald campus Tyra explains “ its hard being different and hard when lecturers ask for influences. I cant come up with any. In college you always have to relate to inspirational theme and fashion research. I want to be different and don’t want to be similar to other students but with initial themes and tasks it can be tricky.” She has a real passion for being unique. Standing out from your class mates is difficult. Whether its applying for University or College its important to have your own lane and style within the structure of the course. Her next chapter is either University, apprenticeship or a gap year but states she will “just continue being fruity and flamboyant and making shit” regardless of the outcome she still has the drive to be Tyra!
Raw talent is the skill to adapt to something quickly even without education or guidance the individual can still perform to the standard of a more experienced individual. This is Tyra. There is a skill that she has to be creative, to empower and to be unique. That is something that is not taught. Her subject matter showcases her raw talent as it is an unusual approach for a 2nd year fashion student to take but necessary aspect to feminism in fashion and empowers and challenges viewers opinions.
Fashion Communications Project Interviews Designer for Insightful Conversation
This article presents an authentic conversation between a fashion communications project and a designer of their choice – sharing insights and perspectives from both parties. This Interview is with Tyra Scally, with words written by Jack McGinley.