Deanna B's Senior Project Blog
 |
Project Title: Crimes of Fashion: Exploring the Importance of Fashion Sustainability Through Designing a Capsule Wardrobe BASIS Advisor: Julianna Lucero-Alvarez Internship Location: University of Arizona; online; Sonoran Stitch Factory Onsite Mentor: Maggie Keef, Asher Sinclaire, Maggie Marquez |
Project Abstract
Discourse surrounding pollution and “living sustainably” is tossed around by politicians and internet commentators alike in today's day. But how does fashion factor into this equation? With online forums making the term “fast fashion” ubiquitous, the ethics and environmental sustainability of clothing manufacturing are being questioned by some consumers. Poor fabric quality and overproduction of clothes unable to keep up with rapid fashion cycles -- among so many other factors -- lead to billions of pounds of clothes being tossed in landfills yearly. Beyond this, overexploitation of workers runs rampant in fast fashion factories, while social media influencers and unbelievably low prices incentivize unhealthy spending habits in the everyday consumer. This project explores what makes clothing truly sustainable for the environment. Is it the fabric quality? The garment design? Or perhaps the addition of well-placed pockets to a pair of pants? The world of fashion will be examined from an interdisciplinary lens, looking at factors like technology and art to find the answer. From design to production, I will be working with local artists, manufacturers, and experts to create a capsule wardrobe – a timeless, minimalist set of everyday wardrobe staples that promote conscious consumption rather than feeding into internet microtrends. Furthermore, the project aims to share just how important conscientious consumption is, especially in purchases as mundane as clothing.
Sew What Now?
Piles of clothes lay before Penelope. Does she regret having bought them all? Yes. (Her wallet certainly does). But she’s going to make the most of it. She’s going to exchange half of them at a local clothing swap. Another pile is going back to her closet. As for the rest, she’ll try to alter... Read More
Counting Down the Stitches – Wrapping Up My Internship Period (Week 11)
Stepping into a clothing store isn’t as stress-inducing on Penelope’s wallet it once was. As she examines garment after garment, she isn’t thinking about how many she can fit into her shopping cart. Rather, she’s taking her time to examine the details on each piece, imagining herself styling and wearing each piece. From stitches and... Read More
Pose for Me! – Final Touches and Future Plans (Week 10)
Her grandmother’s necklace lays on her neck, and the bright, patterned socks add a pop of color. Wearing an otherwise basic outfit, Penelope likes matching little accessories and personal items to her wardrobe of staple garments (which she can get more use out of over the long term, as she’s learned over the past few... Read More
Ironing Out the Details – A Race to the Finish Line (Week 9)
Technology is all around us. Penelope, for sure, would be able to tell you that. Her laptop is playing a TV show in front of her. The tablet next to her is blasting music, and as she’s scrolling on her phone through another online shopping forum, her Apple Watch buzzes to let her know that... Read More
“Spinning like a girl in a brand new dress” – Trying On Clothes (Week 8)
“Design Your Avatar!” Sounds fun enough, thinks Penelope. She goes to click the button so her “blank” avatar can start match her own features on the online fashion game she’s playing. It’s like playing dress up in the store, but without having to spend as much time, money, or resources on this activity. This is... Read More
Full Steam Ahead – Tradition to Technology (Week 7)
Which one… Penelope, who’s scrolling through online storefronts, is having trouble trying to decide which purchase to make. Should she buy the white cotton halter top? But the pink one is cute too, right? If only she could try them on online and see what they look like on her. Believe it or not, this... Read More
On Pins and Needles – Learning and Progress (Week 6)
Penelope is bored while waiting at her airport gate (remember from Week 2, she’s on her way to a resort vacation). So bored that she starts studying the stitches and detailing on her sweater. She’s had this sweater for quite some time, come to think of it. Almost 7 years now? And surprisingly, it’s stood... Read More
Spring Break (“Week 5”)
Hi, everyone! I'm technically out for Spring Break this week, but I have some exciting updates to share with you when I get back! Read More
Back to the Drawing Board – Redesigning and Consumer Talk (Week 4)
Penelope, our “friend”, is scrolling through social media one day when she suddenly sees an advertisement pop up. “BLACK FRIDAY SALE: EVERYTHING 40% OFF” reads the screen in bright, bold colors. It’s an ad for her favorite clothing store. Why not? she thinks to herself, deciding to drive over and take a browse through the... Read More
Snip a Picture – Detailing My Designs (Week 3)
I hope we remember “Penelope”? Her closet is absolutely stuffed with clothes in every single shade and color. There has to be something out of dozens upon dozens of clothes that’ll match her afternoon brunch today…so why are there piles of discarded clothes strewn around her room and absolutely nothing to wear?! Perhaps, Penelope’s issue... Read More
Unraveling the Thread – Fabrics and Patterns (Week 2)
Remember our “friend” Penelope? Let’s say she has a big trip coming up, and she’s going to be staying at a ritzy resort for a week. She likely isn’t thinking too much about who Ralph Lauren is marketing towards as she goes shopping in their section of her favorite department store. The classy, “old money”... Read More
Measure up! Finalizing my plans (Week 1)
My first week has flown by so fast, and yet I feel like I’ve already learned so much! Throughout the next few months, I’ll be working with/ interning for three different people and organizations. Asher Sinclaire, a Phoenix-based sustainability artist, is helping me organize my ideas and start to actualize what it is I want... Read More
Crimes of Fashion
Say hello to Penelope. She loves to buy clothes. Even if she is loathe to admit it, she spends way too much on clothes every year. $200? $800? The total is staggering. Annually, she performs a “closet purge” where she throws out, donates, or sells all the items she didn’t wear in the past 365... Read More