{Sustainable Design 1} intro to sustainable design

Source: Pratt Institut

Sustainable design is a philosophy. Like so many 'concepts with a conscience' its meaning has become twisted and misused in marketing and advertising gumpf. Through a series of focussed articles I seek to redress this sorry state. Beginning with basics. In the context of fashion, it is designing to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  To achieve this, the design process must take into account a garment's creation, use and ultimate disposal.

An early exposure to the concept was in a BurdaStyle feature. Alabama Chanin's focus on the use of local artisans working with organic fabrics coloured with natural dyes seemed so perfect it had to be zen. Then there are its couture embellishments made from fabric scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. I really liked this. For more than I could put my finger on. At the time I was not conscious of the concept of sustainable design.




The next flash in the pan was the announcement of academic Alison Gwilt's contribution to a coming publication on nought couture ( a great name that caught my eye!). The book Shaping Sustainable Fashion was released a few month's ago and has been my constant companion on the commute to work. This has sharpened the concept for me and led to the discovery of more sources and practices. All of which will be shared in this coming series on sustainable design. With practical examples (of many things you probably already do!) so we can all work towards meeting the needs of future generations, as well as our own.

the sunday pocket bunting

100% reuse

zero waste

What were once coloured fabric swatches have found new life as pocket bunting.

In order to achieve zero waste the entire piece of each swatch (uncut) had to be used. They have been folded under to create pockets.

Five little cards have been placed in the pockets. An aspiration, one for each day of the working week, written across the back.

a bag a day: the sunshine prep satchel

Practical with a sunny disposition. 

Made from a single freedom furniture lounge fabric swatch from the local community centre. Zero fabric waste = nought couture. Add yellow trim to blue webbing. And a zip. That's all it takes to hold a macbook air and its power connection pack.

a bag a day: the jute strap bag

 A hold-all over the shoulder bag.

In the daily commute, ladies tend to have a fancy handbag and then a (not-so fancy) carry bag for everything that doesn't fit in the handbag. As if no-one can see the carry bag?! This creation solves that by taking it all: packed lunch; cardigan; umbrella; make-up bag and novel with ease.


It is made of just three things. One length of jute webbing from etsy. One ex-freedom furniture decorator fabric swatch (admittedly, of a generous size). And one YKK zip. The zip and the fabric were the same length - meant to be. And no waste. Using an entire piece of fabric like this without leaving any scraps is called "nought couture"

The jute strap is surprisingly comfy. Sturdy but not cutting nor itchy. And great for a rustic look.

 

I adore the leafy pattern woven into the black fabric.