A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion

by Gwilt, Alison

• ISBN13: 9782940496143
• ISBN10: 2940496145
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-03-27
• Publisher: Fairchild Books

Summary

While the environmental and social impacts of the global fashion industry are widely discussed today, from a student or a designer's perspective it can be difficult to know where to begin to improve a garment and where to find help, assistance and guidance on designing sustainable fashion products. Sustainable Fashionbegins with a reflection on the current fashion design process and examines the problems and issues associated with the life cycle of a garment, and the ways in which the designer can assess and evaluate the environmental and social impacts at the design stage. It subsequently presents a set of sustainable strategies that can be applied at each key phase in the life cycle of a garment, with a number of strategies explored in more detail and supported by case studies and interviews with designers working in the industry. Rich in visuals, diagrams and examples of sustainable fashion from designers and experts around the world including Vivienne Westwood, Ada Zanditon, Linda Loudermilk, and People Tree this book presents an inspiring yet practical model for students and fashion designers to use within the studio environment.

Author Biography

Alison Gwilt is a fashion design academic and researcher exploring sustainable solutions and strategies for fashion and textile design. She is a Reader in Fashion Design at the Art and Design Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Table of Contents

1. Rethinking fashion design
The supply chain
The key issues
Developments in sustainable fashion
The future of fashion?
Exercise 1: Reflecting on sustainable fashion
2. The life cycle of a garment
Life cycle thinking
Activities and impacts
Assessing the impacts
Exercise 2: Comparing two garments
Sustainable design strategies
3. Design
Garment design
Spotlight on: Design for Empathy
Selecting materials and techniques
Spotlight On: Using Mono Materials
Interview: Annika Matilda Wendelboe
Exercise
4. Production
Pattern Making and toiling
Spotlight On: Zero waste techniques
Construction Techniques
Spotlight on: Design for durability
Interview: Susan Dimasi, Materialbyproduct
Exercise
5. Distribution
Suppliers, Makers and Producers
Spotlight On: Engaging With Local Communities
Retail Opportunities
Spotlight On. Design for Need
Interview: Isabelle De Hillerin
Exercise
6. Use
Patterns of use
Spotlight on: Reducing Laundering
Repair and Maintenance
Spotlight On: Design for Repair
Interview: Lizzie Harrison, Remade in Leeds
Exercise
7. End-of-Life
Reuse and Re-Manufacture
Spotlight on: Recycling
Material Recycling
Spotlight On: Closed-Loop Systems
Interview: Wayne Hemingway, Hemingwaydesign
Exercise

Conclusion
Glossary
Online resources
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements and credits