One of the highlights of last week’s SCOUT Creative Talks was Kim Cam Jones. The 31-year-old digital creative/model was savvy and chic as she floored everyone with her knowledge. “I’m a Leo, so I need facts,” she kidded as she presented her technical know-how to everyone. But she wasn’t there to talk about the perfect Instagram filter nor tips on increasing one’s clout online. Her mission for that day was to blow everyone’s minds on why collaboration is the key to fashion’s future.

What shocked everyone was her honest views on the fashion industry today. “Why does it take six months to get something from the runway? The fashion industry has built itself into an elitism industry. 5000 gallons of water is equal to a single t-shirt and pair of jeans,” she shared.

“The creatives have the power to change the industry. We’re so focused on being an individual. Value combining minds, don’t be afraid of competition and compromise,”

Kim didn’t say these words out of spite or to provoke for the sake of it. With facts and hard research to back her statements up, she showed everyone in attendance what was wrong with the glamorous industry. She talked about the destructive effects of elitism in fashion, why few retailers value transparency and many more. Her main point was how individualism hurts the space for creativity and innovation. That’s why she saw collaboration as the key to fixing these problems within creative industries.

“The creatives have the power to change the industry. We’re so focused on being an individual. Value combining minds, don’t be afraid of competition and compromise,” she said as she closed her talk. “I believe that it’s up to you and me as creatives to help shape the industry in the next 30 years, to hopefully mend issues.” And in the spirit of collaboration and sharing information, Kim shared yesterday on her IG Stories a link to her reading resources from Creative Talks.

“It’s really important to read publications. Check your resources read literature reviews, read journals. There are studies and reports like Mckenzie and Company. They give you a global picture, just read a lot. Read a lot,” she answered when asked about her reading list in Creative Talks. The reading list spans from Fashionista articles to research papers and TED Talks on collaboration. Check out her Google docs file here to learn more about this digital creative’s crusade on bringing fashion a better tomorrow.

Photos by Kiara Gabriel