Sustainability Traceability and Transparency
Sustainable fashion has many obstacles and challenges to face but the main sustainable focus for this collection has been on slowly introducing sustainable fabrics such as Jersey Bamboo alongside the traditional non-sustainable Jersey fabrics. The other sustainable aspect
100% Cotton Jersey
of this collection is to be transparent about the social, economic and ecological conditions throughout the supply chain.
100% Polyester
This slow approach reflects the average consumer in society today who have either not been exposed to enough media surrounding being eco-conscious or have no interest in the matter. If a consumer was to be gently reminded about where their fabrics come from, who made them, and the carbon foot print involved then transparency and traceability would be exposed leaving it up to the consumer to make the decision whether to buy or not.
Fabrics birth town unknown
hollyausten HAND MADE IN LONDON
Purchased from a shop in Shepherds Bush London
Went for a ride on a tube
on a train and in a car twice
A step in the right direction would be to make the consumer more aware by subtle reminders and therefore making sustainable practice more visible. I decided to make an example of a label being as truthful and transparent as I could be for one of the garments in this collection. For my example of an eco label I have used humour in my explanation of the garments story so the consumer can perhaps relate. The use of language an visuals on the label would have to be clearly marketed for the consumer to effectively communicate the message.
UK - 8
Made in London by my own hands and a machine
Now in your hands
The negative side of traceability an transparency is that many designers wouldnt want to expose aspects of their supply chain to potential competitors. At the crucial point of sale perhaps this label will catch the consumers eye and not necessarily stop them from buying the garment but they would then be making more of an informed decision about the garment they are about to pay for. how does it all end
Toile Stage
The bodice of the dress needed to have more drape and volume in the front Experimentation with pleating
Initial drape
The back of the bodice was initially a seperate piece sewn at the side seams but I changed this so the bodice would be in one piece with a seam at the centre back