Week 4 - Vy Nguyen

Social entrepreneurship is an alternative business model that takes a unique approach to economic and social problems. It is about “applying practical, innovative and sustainable approaches to benefit society in general” (Week 3, Lecture 2). To achieve success, it must begin with a leader who is pragmatic and creative. A social entrepreneur must see value in social and/or ecological creations and his/her invention has to be different. This innovation also needs to be continuously refined and in response to feedbacks.

An example of a social enterprise is Van Jacket by Kensuke Ishizu, a Japanese ready-to-wear company for men that is inspired by America’s youth fashion style. Ishizu understood that older generations preferred tailored clothing so he targeted younger generations as they were “not yet accustomed to thinking about fashion" (Fernandez). Thus, when Van released his design called the “‘Ivy model' suit" (Fernandez), it became a dominant aesthetic for young Japanese menswear in the 60s and set the guidelines for how Japan “import, consume and modify American fashion for the next fifty years” (Fernandez). Japan eventually evolved past the American style trend and developed their own culturally rich fashion. Japanese brands like Uniqlo has been reimported to the U.S. and even inspired many U.S. streetwear brands like Pink Dolphin (Hisang).  

Van Jacket (then)

Van Jacket (now)

Question:

Based on the readings and lectures in class, social entrepreneurship seems to be the way to go to rebrand a nation. But what is the difference between social entrepreneurship and social change advocacy? Why don't government focus/support non-profit organizations or communities to do the rebranding work since they are already tackling social problems within the nation? 

Works Cited:

• Fernandez, Chantal. "How American Style Fueled Postwar Youth Fashion in Japan."Fashionista.com. N.p., 2 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2017.
• Hsiang, Ida. "SOMA Magazine » Archive » Pink Dolphin." SOMA Magazine RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2017.

Photos cited:

• 【そごう大宮店】. Digital image. VAN ARCHIVE - ENJOY MICKEY ITEM. N.p., 18 Oct. 2015. Web.
• VAN JACKET. Digital image. “VAN SITE”VAN CHOPS 3. N.p., n.d. Web.