Introduction
In a circular economy, we strive to create timeless, sustainable and circular designs. It is also best to take this into account when upcycling.
Challenges
The challenges in the design phase, starting from textile/clothing waste, are the following:
- Which source materials to choose as a basis for your design process?
- How to design for different body shapes and sizes?
- How to design for different generations/target groups?
- How to design timeless garments/products with a long life span?
- How can you design for the least amount of trim waste possible?
- How can you integrate cutting waste into your design?
- How can you design so that the final product is achieved in a minimum of actions?
- How can you create consistency in collections?
- How can you incorporate unexpected points/holes into the design?
- How can you design in a circular way so that the product can be reused for other purposes after its end of life?
Lessons learned
What we have learned during the research for TOP-atelier that we would like to share with future designers:
What are the sources of materials you choose as a basis for your design process?
- Use strict criteria when selecting your base materials to avoid surprises such as wear and tear
- Start by procuring the appropriate base documents before proceeding to the design phase
- Find a partner to collect and select your base material
- Create a palette of colours
- Make a selection of physical chambers to work with
How to design for different body shapes and sizes?
- Design your model to suit different body shapes and sizes
- Keep in mind that it is highly unlikely that the source material available has a standard size and can be very different.
How to design for different generations/groups of people?
- Design your product in such a way that it suits your target group
- Take into account the variety of the material source
How to design intemporal clothing/products with a long life span?
- Develop an intemporelle fashion that you can wear or personalise in different ways
- Ask your customers for their opinion on your creations
- Communicate with your customers about longevity
How do you plan for the least possible amount of cutting waste?
- Develop a simple treatment method that can be used repeatedly
- Use the knowledge and know-how already available in the local industry
How to design to arrive at the final product in a minimum of operations?
- Analyse and write down the steps you think are necessary to get to the final product
- Also note the time needed to get there
- Discuss your findings with experts and the sector
- Use the knowledge and know-how already available in the local industry
Further advice
- Lies Van Assche (social designer, artist and costume designer) is one of the coaches for the TOP-atelier designers and is always looking for like-minded organisations and designers to work together on circular design and reuse. You can send your questions about circular design to her at lies@doek-vzw.com.
An overview of the challenges and lessons learned
For each stage of the production process :