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3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Research & Ideation

Open source fashion and circular fashion are concepts that seek to transform the fashion industry towards greater sustainability and democratization. It combines the principles of circular fashion with open-source designThe open source is a sustainable tool in the world of sustainable fashion.

Someone of the key components of Circular Open Source Fashion include:

  1. Circularity
  2. Open Source Design
  3. Modularity
  4. Community and Collaboration

This system helps reduce the environmental impact of fashion by encouraging sustainable practices, while also embracing innovation through shared knowledge and creative collaboration.

Circular Fashion seeks to extend the lifespan of materials and garments by emphasizing repairability, upcycling, and recyclability. Open-source tools and platforms amplify this vision by enabling creators to co-develop solutions that reduce dependency on virgin materials and challenge the fast-fashion model. Drawing inspiration from initiatives like CFP, the fusion of open-source culture with circularity principles empowers us to build a more inclusive and resilient fashion industry—one that respects the planet's finite resources while celebrating creativity and collaboration.

Inspiration

In a world grappling with environmental degradation and resource scarcity, this movement reimagines the lifecycle of fashion products to minimize waste and maximize utility. Open-source principles allow designers, makers, and communities to share patterns, techniques, and innovations freely, fostering a global ecosystem of knowledge exchange. This approach not only democratizes access to sustainable design practices but also empowers individuals and collectives to create fashion that aligns with circular economy principles.

A prime example of this vision in action is the work of the Circular Fashion Partnership (CFP), a global initiative that connects brands, manufacturers, and recyclers to close the loop on post-production waste. By focusing on keeping materials in circulation through innovative recycling technologies and collaborative practices, CFP has demonstrated the potential of partnerships to transform the fashion industry. Their work inspires a new generation of designers to think beyond the linear "make-use-dispose" model, integrating strategies for circularity at every stage of the design process.

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Knit Grandeur is a project that redefines the boundaries of knitwear by merging traditional textile techniques with cutting-edge digital fabrication methods. This initiative emphasizes the use of sustainable materials and innovative design processes to create intricate, visually stunning knit structures that balance artistry and functionality. The project explores the potential of knitting as a scalable, customizable, and waste-reducing approach to fashion production, aligning seamlessly with the principles of circular design.

By leveraging advanced technologies like 3D knitting and parametric design, Knit Grandeur showcases how the fashion industry can embrace efficiency without compromising creativity. Each piece is meticulously crafted to minimize material waste, often using biodegradable or recycled fibers. The modular nature of the designs also allows for easy repair, reuse, or recycling, embodying the ethos of circularity. Knit Grandeur serves as both a source of inspiration and a proof of concept, illustrating how innovation can transform knitwear into a pillar of sustainable fashion.

Sandra Weil Studio is a shining example of how high fashion can embrace the principles of circularity while maintaining unparalleled elegance and craftsmanship. Rooted in sustainable practices, the studio emphasizes the use of responsibly sourced materials, timeless designs, and thoughtful production processes to create garments that transcend fleeting trends. By prioritizing quality and longevity, Sandra Weil Studio challenges the fast-fashion paradigm and champions a more sustainable and ethical approach to couture.

A core element of the studio’s philosophy is its commitment to minimizing waste and maximizing the lifecycle of each garment. Through practices such as upcycling fabric remnants, designing modular pieces, and offering repair services, Sandra Weil Studio actively contributes to reducing environmental impact. Additionally, their dedication to local production not only reduces the carbon footprint but also strengthens community ties by supporting skilled artisans.

By blending luxury with sustainability, Sandra Weil Studio exemplifies how fashion can be both aspirational and responsible. Their work serves as an inspiration for designers and consumers alike to rethink the value of clothing, embracing a future where elegance and environmental consciousness coexist harmoniously.

Sashiko Denim is a remarkable project that combines the art of traditional Japanese sashiko embroidery with the modern ethos of circular fashion. Rooted in the philosophy of repair and reuse, Sashiko Denim breathes new life into worn-out garments, transforming them into unique, handcrafted pieces of wearable art. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of denim but also celebrates the cultural heritage of sashiko, a centuries-old technique originally used to reinforce fabric and prolong its utility.

By emphasizing repair over replacement, Sashiko Denim aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainability and waste reduction. Each piece tells a story of resilience and creativity, showcasing how imperfections can be embraced and celebrated. The intricate embroidery patterns, meticulously stitched by hand, elevate the repaired denim into something far beyond its original function, blending utility with beauty.

Sashiko Denim serves as a powerful example of how fashion can honor tradition while addressing contemporary challenges like overconsumption and textile waste. It inspires a shift in mindset—from disposable to durable, from fast to thoughtful—inviting us to rethink the value of our clothing and the stories they carry.

Paper design

Going from the idea to paper was difficult and on the first attempt it didn't turn out well.

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Design & Cut

I used scraps of a very common cotton fabric in Mexico, blanket, and pieces of biomaterials made from coffee waste and pineapple peel.

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Results

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Conclusion

This week's activity was confusing for me because it wasn't clear if I had to rearrange a garment, make a piece that was held together only by "joints," or just use scraps of fabric. I used pieces of fabric that were joined together and the end result was some purses. I used some pieces of biomaterials that I had on hand that are made with coffee waste, pineapple peel and blanket fibers.

I met a lot of new artists and designers. Of different techniques and options that exist to reuse garments. It was difficult to make a piece because I have no design experience, but it was a great start knowing so many options and experimenting.

References & Inspiration