freeform journal space to continue the learning, reflecting, crafting thoughts around sustainability in the fashion industry, post certification program with Parsons School of Design
a lifecycle of a garment through reverse engineering – analyzation and reflection
courtesy to Baserange and Christy Dawn
Ideating New Futures
The world is united in pursuit of a greater good for humanity and our planet's ecosystem, transcending individual divisions between countries and competing interests.
Fashion has adopted a circular approach, moving away from the linear take-make-waste model, as it no longer aligns with the larger objectives at hand.
In this new paradigm, clothes are obtained through businesses that actively participate in closed-loop systems, emphasizing reselling within local markets to promote sustainability and support communities.
The materials used in clothing production have also evolved, with a focus on post-consumer textile waste or biodegradable alternatives, further contributing to the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility. They are made with extending its life in mind.
Sustainability is at the core of the fashion industry, characterized by responsible resource utilization, a profound respect for the well-being of people and the environments they are connected to, and abiding by a thoughtful, conscious approach to the pace at which garments are produced.
Successful fashion businesses prioritize transparency in their interactions with customers, taking full responsibility and accountability for their production practices throughout the entire lifecycle of their products. This extends to ensuring fair wages and promoting the well-being of all employees and workers, fostering a healthy and thriving workforce.
Transformative Futures
Fashion holds transformative power through the multitude of expressions it enables. It allows for the creation of impactful statements on an individual level with a single outfit, but its potential for transformation extends far beyond that. A true metamorphosis within the fashion industry could set off a chain reaction, inspiring other industries to witness the realization of new possibilities through systemic change.
Envisioning the future, I see it as a way of life that will become reality for people and the planet, a future yet unknown to those in the present. However, this transformation relies on the actions of the present generation. We possess the ability to shape new realities collectively and individually by recognizing the pain points and struggles within our current system, and uniting and pooling our resources and expertise. Innovating and implementing solutions that would create a different future happens through a domino effect and is a long process - but it is a journey worth being on if caring for a collective good.
To propel fashion forward, several areas of research will continue to require attention. One such area is revolutionizing manufacturing and recycling processes, fundamentally changing how we approach energy, resources, production, and consumption. Additionally, a closer look needs to be taken at ways of fostering reciprocity between cultural, economic, and political power structures – exploring concrete ways that collaborative action strengthens everyone in the long run. Lastly, discovering new design principles that can be adapted on various scales will drive innovation and progress within the industry.
communicating the concept of aftermarket ideas – extending use practices
re-imagining transformative futures
Opportunities to change the clothing industry
A change that I strongly advocate for is increased transparency throughout the value chain. As Orsola de Castro, co-founder of an activism movement which works towards a sustainable fashion industry, has stated, simply knowing the country of origin is insufficient; we need honest information about the village, factory, sewing machine, farm where the fibers were grown, and the individuals who crafted the product. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the quality of life behind each piece. However, opening the door to such transparency will then make it more apparent how action is needed towards significant improvements in current practices. Achieving this will undoubtedly demand a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders. Various parties must contribute to the journey towards transparency by establishing policies for accountable supply chains and exploring ways to shift business models towards a regenerative future. By working together as a team and embracing a sense of urgency, it is indeed possible to create a new system that embodies these principles.
To promote effective collaboration and drive system change, I think it is essential to continue organizing annual conferences and gatherings that bring together industry stakeholders, authorities, and individuals with diverse levels of influence, including the general public in the capacity of live streaming online. Events like this serve as platforms for continuous discussions, allowing for the exploration of solutions, workshops, and the upliftment of morale. By including voices from all levels of influence, these conferences foster a sense of inclusivity and enable a wider range of perspectives to contribute to the conversation. Moreover, it is crucial to engage policymakers in these conversations to demonstrate the urgency of industry change and encourage their active involvement. By showcasing the realities and implications of the fashion industry's transformation, policymakers can be encouraged to support and collaborate on initiatives aligned with the principles of Doughnut Economics. This collaborative approach increases participation and helps in finding ways to apply these principles to all aspects of society, communities, and businesses. Taking these small steps towards participation and utilizing the Doughnut Economics framework in the fashion industry provides a comprehensive perspective on the teamwork required for systemic change. It sets a precedent for how different sectors can work together towards a common goal and paves the way for broader implementation in various facets of society. By starting with this scope, we can gradually expand our efforts and move forward towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Doughnut economics into transformative action
I am captivated by the Doughnut Economics model, as it puts a framework to what I personally feel so strongly about. It provides a holistic perspective that recognizes the interdependence of social and ecological systems and promotes a more sustainable and inclusive approach to development, which is what I aspire to capture and deliver visually through my work. The social aspects of peace and justice, social equity, and health, and the ecological aspects of biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, and climate change are integral to the perspective and work I want to have my hands in. I care so much about women having jobs they feel dignified in, for individuals in local communities to not experience health issues due to chemical pollution, for there not to be a great chasm between the makers of a product and its consumers, and for ecosystems to thrive in partnership with human creation and activity. We now live in such a global society that it's time that transparency and accountability is upheld for these things to be true.
Personal Mission Statement
I aspire to shine light on the often unseen hands and ecological elements, unveiling the intricate web of interconnectedness within the fashion world. I want to shift the narrative, elevating the understanding that fashion is not merely a commodity but a complex system involving numerous lives and natural resources. By doing so, I seek to create a greater awareness among consumers, industry stakeholders, and society as a whole. Through my work, I aspire to cultivate a heightened appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage embedded in fashion. I strive to celebrate the diverse talents and stories of those involved in the process, from designers and artisans to garment workers and farmers. By honoring their contributions, I aim to foster a sense of dignity, empowerment, and fair treatment within the industry. I seek to inspire a shift in consumer behavior, where individuals make informed choices and value the social and environmental implications of their fashion decisions, and in company practices, where a responsible life-cycle is designed from the get-go. By combining creativity, empathy, and respect for people and the planet, I strive to contribute to a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry, and ultimately, a healthier world.
Rethinking fashion design
Based on reading The Pulse 2019 Update, by the Global Fashion Agenda, Boston Consulting Group and Sustainable Apparel Coalition, one of the key sentiments that is sticking with me is "The question is no longer whether it is necessary to improve sustainable business practices, but rather how long it will take before consumers stop buying from brands that do not act responsibly." The report dove into progress tracking in broad strokes, and ultimately was explaining that the progress being made is just being made quite slowly. It was interesting to me to see stages broken down and laid out to further understand the roadmap businesses are on and the personal paths consumers are on within the sphere of making choices with sustainability at the forefront, as we all journey towards this together. In reflection on this journey, I see both opportunities and challenges for sustainability:
Opportunities for sustainability –
1. The Fourth Industrial Revolution: the possibilities it offers for profound societal and economic changes
2. Collaboration with industry stakeholders for developing and implementing better wage systems and standards for the respect of universal human rights
3. The younger generations' inclination towards awareness and prioritization of sustainable decision making
Challenges for sustainability -
1. The Need for Global Collaboration: being an international issue, cohesiveness of policies and implementing a collective approach
2. The Need for Coordinated Action: timelines and incentives to be aligned across the industry
3. The Need for Faster Paced Progress: in a race against the damage being done to our climate, etc. quicker progress needs to be made
I hear from the report "Consumer considerations of sustainable practices are not yet powerful enough to be the most important driver of purchasing behaviour. Quality and aesthetics still dominate decision making." echoing in my head. Since learning of the responsibility we have as consumers to support a more ethical world, it has been important to me that aesthetics and connection to a piece because of its beauty, uniqueness, and style still resonates with an individual. I feel like in the past 'fair trade fashion' hasn't quite felt like 'fashion' much. I'm eager and hopeful to see the industry of sustainable fashion grow in all of the price-point sectors so that the self-expression of fashion is not compromised when choosing ethically made. The report notes that "NGOs and media must continue pushing businesses and consumers to support this transformation strongly by encouraging consumers to find and exercise their voice and urge businesses to supply high-quality sustainable products." This sits with me as I feel the pull to join the work of this urging on through the power of media and visual representation to convey the necessary changes need to move forward into a healthier world.
it's a continuous journey!