Rebirth: An Exploration of Circular Fashion

Abstract

With increased pressure for companies within the fashion industry to implement more sustainable practices, the problem of greenwashing as a way to monetize eco-initiatives has become common among fast fashion giants. In order to make significant change and mitigate the industry's environmental impact, the problem must be re-imagined to eliminate the very concept of waste and rather transition to a circular economy. The following research examines the concept of closed loop recycling and how sustainable practices can be implemented on a large scale. It highlights several companies that have set a precedent for the future of circular fashion as well as discusses the Cradle to Cradle model and how it translates today. The latter half outlines the process designing a garment for the circular economy using the concepts detailed in the research portion. The final result shows how a product can be designed in a way that appeals to both the trends of the season and the circular economy by using post-production fabrics and materials to eliminate waste entirely.