Future FIDM Star Spotlight: Lara Kang
Happy Canada Day Weekend and Happy 4th to all of those who are celebrating. May unity and a new spirit of patriotism bless your life. In the Americas, and around the globe, we must all consider one another beyond our similarities or differences. On an intimately united plane in which compassion reigns supreme. Speaking of compassion, I have the absolute honour and privilege to introduce you to a compassionate, newly budded activist, and future FIDM star, Miss. Lara Kang.
@laraakangg
Follow Lara on Instagram!
Lara is an upcoming freshman majoring in Merchandise Marketing at the San Francisco campus of FIDM, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising this fall. Her goal is to “One day become a stylist for a fashion magazine and travel the world to learn about different cultures” (Kang, Lara). She is especially looking forward to learning more about fashion and the complex impact it has on all members of our society. Lara recently designed hand embroidered limited edition t-shirts with all proceeds benefitting The Innocence Project. “The Innocence Project, founded in 1992 by Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck at Cardozo School of Law, exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice” (Innocenceproject.org, Staff, About). The Innocence Project’s work is vital to our most vulnerable members of society. It is evident through their measures entitled ‘Exonerate, Improve, Reform, and Support’ that they are capable of not only ensuring justice is served, but that true rehabilitation and lasting change in the judicial system of America is possible.
All proceeds from Lara Kang’s hand embroidered limited edition t-shirts will benefit The Innocence Project!
Lara’s ingenuity, prior to even commencing her studies at FIDM, is a testament to her instinctive talent in the fashion world. Her inspiration for the t-shirts was initially based on the people around her. Lara states:
“I saw many posts on Instagram of my friends, peers, and people that I don’t know, share how they advocate for BLM and how others can also help be an ally. One of my best friends had me go on Twitter to read the countless amounts of stories regarding police brutality and the injustices that we see from our government. She, and many others that I have spoken to/see have inspired me to do more than just post or donate. Although those two actions are important, I wanted to create a product with meaning. A product that people can show to others which expresses their proud allyship to BLM, and represents the recognition of injustice going on in such a cruel country”
Lara unequivocally understands the correlation between product and person, and that good design speaks on its own merit. Now more than ever, we are shopping our values, and Lara is at the forefront of such a pivotal time in history. Lara also feels that “Our country has failed too many people and it’s time to make lasting change now, and for the future. Our world is one where people are most afraid of the police, the very entity or people who are supposed to protect us. It is the police who are well documented in their inaccuracies and racial prejudice. It is time to make change and acknowledge the unjust acts from our government that have gone on for far too long” (Kang, Lara).
Lara is firm in her belief that “this generation will change the future, we will make the change that needs to happen, so that all people will feel sage to walk on the streets at night. No one should have to fear the police in their own home, walking with a hood, wearing a mask, or other things that you or I do. People are being killed for doing these things because of the grossly unfair stereotypes many people live or have grown up on (for some reason). Our country is shameful, and it is not that the words ‘and justice for all’ need to become true” (Kang, Lara).
To purchase a Lara Kang designed t-shirt in honour of The Innocence Project, please donate your chosen denomination through her VENMO @larakang and/ or visit her Instagram and DM for further information! (May we suggest a 25$ minimum per shirt!)
Many thanks to Lara for sharing her thoughts with us, what did you think of her designs? TAG US if you make a purchase, and as a reader of the blog here’s your sneak IG peek: I will be hosting a giveaway featuring Lara’s t-shirts in the upcoming week! Keep your eyes peeled! If you DM me with “I read about Lara Kang on your blog” when the giveaway commences, you will automatically be entered TWICE!
“ An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Wherever you are in this world, please take care of yourself and each other. The world needs you!
Works Cited
Innocenceproject.org. “About.”
https://www.innocenceproject.org/about/. 2020 Innocence Project, July 04, 2020.
Kang, Lara. Personal Interview. July 04, 2020.