Dan Hastings, a committed journalist who decodes fashion
Originally from Reunion Island, Dan Hastings quickly discovered his passion for writing and languages. After a brief stint in business school, he realized that his real interest lay in fashion. He wanted to talk about fashion to people who weren’t particularly interested in it, by tackling sociological and topical subjects. He began studying general journalism in Paris. He then specialized in women’s press journalism, covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
I’ve always wanted to write. I grew up surrounded by magazines. Curious and eager to understand pop culture, catwalks and campaigns, I wanted to work in a creative industry.
Discovering her vocation as a journalist
Dan is inspired by journalists like Alice Pfeiffer, who talk about fashion through a sociological prism. He wants to delve into subjects that may seem superficial. He wants to offer articles that are accessible to a wider audience than just fashion enthusiasts. In the United States, as in Great Britain, fashion is considered a discipline in its own right, grouped under the term Fashion Studies. Dan’s work is part of the current of thought that sees fashion as a subject for political study. He strives to deconstruct the messages and imposed ideas that are sometimes implied.
People don’t realize that fashion is extremely political. Through clothes, Fashion Week and marketing campaigns, messages circulate. We underestimate the soft power this industry wields over us and our ideas.
Committed journalist
Dan Hastings quickly made a name for himself in the world of journalism. His engaging articles on fashion, feminism and society are published in prestigious magazines such as Marie Claire, British Vogue, Glamour, Vanity Fair, and many others. He uses his pen to explore topics such as diversity, inclusion and representation in the fashion industry.
Here are some of his most memorable articles:
- “Has fashion really become inclusive?” – Slate
- “Body positive is dead, long live body neutrality” – Glamour
- “Is male homosexuality a norm in the fashion industry?” – Slate
New games of influence
Dan questions the standardization of fashion and the power of Western influence. Today, he is editor-in-chief of The Future, a London-based futures consultancy. He studies trends in China, the Middle East and Africa to understand the new games of influence and the expectations of consumers eager to enhance a local heritage.
This episode is an invitation to reflection for anyone interested in the future of fashion and the place of African fashion in a new international chessboard. This interview is an open discussion with Ramata Diallo on diversity in fashion.
Dan Hastings is much more than a fashion journalist. He’s a committed thinker, ready to tackle the tough questions and challenge the established norms. Through his articles, he invites his readers to look beyond appearances and understand the hidden truths of the fashion industry. His contributions don’t just document fashion; they transform it, opening up essential dialogues on diversity, inclusion and authenticity.
Her journey from La Réunion to the editorship of The Future is a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the power of words and the ability of fashion to reflect and influence our society.
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