This week at The Echo Chamber, we invited fashion marketing and buying students from University of West London to take over our newsletter.

We asked them to work in groups, pitching ideas for this week’s newsletter on subjects they felt passionate about. Below, explore excerpts from five standout students' submissions covering everything from cross-cultural femme power to the snowballing impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries.

“As AI continues to take over, we investigated the opinions of the London youth to discover an interesting mix of curiosity and anxiety. Most interviewees believe that AI will make fashion less innovative, arguing that generative AI lacks the originality, emotional depth and personal experiences humans provide to conceptualise ideas that makes designs unique. Many remain wary of the ‘soulless’ nature of these designs. Others argued that generative AI is no different than taking inspiration from another person, claiming it simply speeds up the research, moodboarding and design process. Ultimately, the future of the creative industry raises a key question: is it possible for AI to truly create original concepts, or does it merely recycle existing ideas and replicate patterns? As technology evolves and reshapes the industry, the challenge lies in balancing AI’s capabilities without compromising human ingenuity.” — Christine Dafiewhare

“Recent AI usage in The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez (which both used AI voice generator Respeecher to correct certain letters in the actors’ dialogue and vocal register) sparks intrigue. Where is the line between AI being a tool to ‘perfect’ a creative vision, and creating the vision? AI has quickly become an outlet for creatives to push or add to their process, using it as a strength and a tool for possibility. But when a large part of the creating process sped up and replicated artificially, it may prove challenging for young creatives to gain a footing in spaces where convenience is prioritised. Since AI has not yet reached a point where it can truly be original since it only builds with the knowledge of what is done beforehand to tweak or add with no precision and thought. Could AI ever be a creator itself? What extent of its use will we tolerate?” — Mary Ogunbowale & Nang Hom Tip Tool

FEMME POWER

HOW TECH GIRLIES ARE CHANGING THE NETWORKING APP SCENE

Nikola Pawlas & Rebekah Daniels looked at women’s-only social networking apps

“A rise in women-only social networking apps offers women a space to connect, meet up, and bond over mutual interests. Apps such as Betty are empowering women in ways that go beyond social interactions; they’re helping foster communities and promoting inclusivity and well-being, providing real opportunities to connect personally and professionally with other women. As more women want spaces to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or misogyny, they are turning to these exclusive platforms to create content and communities. These apps are designed to be inclusive, making room for women of all different backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities, creating environments where women’s voices are heard and validated.” — Nikola Pawlas & Rebekah Daniels

RACING TO THE TOP

Nikola Pawlas & Rebekah Daniels explored the rise in femme power in F1 online

“Women are increasingly making a name for themselves in the world of Formula 1 racing, fuelled by social media and the Netflix documentary series ‘Drive to Survive.’ During a visit to Team Sport Go Karting in Reading, we learned that there has been a significant increase in young girls participating in go-karting, hoping to one day compete in Formula 1. What does this mean for the future of F1 and its female participants? Social media platforms like TikTok are filled with advice on how to secure jobs in F1, encouraging young girls and women to step through that door and immerse themselves in the industry. From engineering to public relations, we can anticipate that female drivers in F1 will become more prominent, competing at levels comparable to their male counterparts.” — Nikola Pawlas & Rebekah Daniels

HAVE YOU SQUEEZED TODAY?

Francesco Coccialglia, Katrina Garcia Clemente and Rachel Adepitan honed in on the pelvic floor, asking why we know so little about it

“In an era where conversations about health and wellness feel more open than ever, one crucial topic has remained quietly overlooked: the pelvic floor. This intricate network of muscles and tissues, vital to core strength and bladder control, rarely gets the attention it deserves. The reasons why tell a larger story about cultural taboos, systemic gaps and gendered treatment in the healthcare system stretching back thousands of years. But change is finally happening. Over the last decade, a cultural shift has begun to place pelvic health in the spotlight. Influencers, startups and even well-known brands (like Tena and Always) are starting to talk openly about the pelvic floor and its role. Conversations once confined to physical therapy clinics are now happening on TikTok, in podcasts and even in brand campaigns. Understanding the pelvic floor isn’t just about muscles and exercises, it’s about empowerment, equity, and ensuring no one’s health is stigmatized and/or dismissed. Because in 2025, no subject about health should be off-limits.” — Francesco Coccialglia, Katrina Garcia Clemente and Rachel Adepitan

Words by University of West London Students.

Published 7 February 2025.

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