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AWKWRD is an independently run creative lifestyle brand that releases visually inspiring publications alongside each of its carefully handcrafted garments. Founded in 2016, AWKWRD aims to provide high-quality and innovative products for the 90s-born of generation Z.
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THIS ISSUE OF AWKWRD
is accompanied by the DIGITAL DREAMERS outfit - a denim creation influenced by the digital n a t i v e s of our generation. Youthful, artistic and endlessly inspired, the digital dreamer is a resourceful individual that uses technology to both escape and fight against the realities of the turbulent world we have known since childhood. TAKING INSPIRATION FROM the internet creatives of our generation, such as TAVI GEVINSON, the resulting outfit is fun yet functional; unique yet wearable. As individuals who use technology in positive ways; to share art, connect with long-lost friends, or spread awareness of issues and help to combat them, the idea of the DIGITAL DREAMER is to utilise what we have, how things have changed since we came into this world, and the ways in which such issues must be fought against. TECHNOLOGY is a relatively modern invention, and something that has been used for both good and evil. As the forerunners of our generation, we aim to make the best of our current situation, and change the social connotations of technology as an anti-social platform that breeds ignorance, a lack of inhibition and generation of kids completely disconnected from the real world.
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G R A N T E D , w e d o use the internet as a form of escapism, for example after having a bad day we log into Spotify and tune into the CREATIVITY BOOST playlist; and we can often be found browsing the Instagrams of travel fanatics, wishing we were in a far-off land away from our own trivial problems, though ultimately these are the things that serve to feed our imaginations and allow us to CREATE, improving the world one brush stroke at a time. Instead of merely trying to ignore our situation, from the apparent resurgence of racism due to Trumps newfound presidency, to the worldwide increase in violence, terror tactics and fear, we find ways to alleviate the anxieties associated while also making the world a more positive place. YES, the society and disillusion of today can be scary. Though this is all we have known since being young, with the devastation of 9/11 and how the resulting aftereffects have changed the course of our existence - there is no use in dwelling in our own misery. AWKWRD aims to be a beacon of positivity amidst this darkness. So, read with an open mind and some green tea - you will soon feel better.
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IMPERFECTIONS
are defined by the Oxford dictionary as a f a ul t , b l em ish, or undesirable feature, the state of being faulty or incomplete. On the contrary, however, the rise of DIGITAL DREAMERS and our overarching acceptance of individuality and the way we embrace such flaws is challenging this outdated definition. From freckles to birthmarks, or scars to deformities, our imperfections are what make us unique and therefore complete us. Rather than rendering ourselves incomplete due to a minor flaw in DNA or a scarring experience, we have learned to appreciate these little quirks as markers of our individual identities. If we were all uncharacteristically perfect, visually identical, what would distinguish us from that ubiquitous anonymous profile found on any social media profile without a photo uploaded? The idea of anonymity is something that is becoming increasingly thought about in this digital age. To what extent do we want to be anonymous due to surveillance and the removal of responsibility it can induce, do we want to embrace anonymity and use it to our advantage? As a digital dreamer, someone who uses the internet and technological advances in a positive way, anonymity is to be avoided. While there are some positive 5elements, such as the ANONYMOUS group that works to fight against terrorism through an online medium, it has also long been associated with negativity such as cyber bullying,
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an increase in inhibition, for those that use the internet in a positive way, anonymous is not something we need to be. Therefore, the desire to accept our imperfections and individual qualities becomes stronger, a marker of our true identities and the variations within humanity in its natural form. Using denim as the basis for the designs featured in this issue of AWKWRD, due to its association with casual wear and tendency to bear imperfection beautifully, the idea of embracing flaws and our natural selves is thoughtfully represented. The concept of perfect imperfections is something that has become more widely accepted in recent years, particularly by generation-z, due to how the internet allows us to connect with others internationally, thus creating a more diverse identity for ourselves. Flawed as we may be, our idiosyncracies are what make humanity so intriguingly diverse. A scar from a mental health issue, for example, while nothing to sing and dance about, is a remarkable reminder to oneself of unrelenting strength and perseverance through the hardest of times. Similarly, the marks from an injury or operation help us recognise such endurance of pain and how resilient we can really be when it comes to the unavoidable and inevitable little accidents that happen in everyday life. Without these, we would all be blank canvases within which no art would be portrayed.
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