DESIGN FOR LOW WASTE
THREE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN TECHNIQUES
Every design decision has an impact on the amount of textile waste produced. Through learning the three sustainable design techniques - zero waste, up-cycling and reconstruction, you can find inspiration on how to maximise the use of existing resources and minimise waste.
QUICK NAVIGATION • Zero Waste | Up-cycling | Reconstruction
Zero Waste
Zero-waste is a design technique that eliminates textile waste at the design stage. Here are some resources to get you started...
DESIGN TECHNIQUE guide
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide provides an overview of the zero-waste design technique and why it is important for you to adopt this technique in your design work to minimise the environmental impact. You will learn different methods and approaches to zero-waste design from planning the pattern to the final execution.
Learn from designers such as Ada Zanditon, Daniel Silverstein and Alex Law, and how they incorporate this technique in their design.
Video Tutorial
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, you will hear from three fashion designers Johanna Ho, Hellen Van Rees and Ada Zanditon who share their approaches to the zero-waste design techniques. It will help you to make your first step into zero-waste!
Step-by-step designer's guide
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide features the zero-waste design work by designer Angus Tsui, which gives you an insight to his approach and thought processes and it also gives you tips on how to create your own zero-waste design.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
VIDEO TUTORIAL
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, you will hear from fashion designer Tara St James and learn tips on how to approach design for low waste, such as how to use zero waste patterns in design and up-cycle industry and consumer waste with brand examples.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, fashion designer and Redress Design Award 2018 First Prize Winner Tylar Whitfort shares their expertise in the zero-waste pattern technique, from basic pattern placement approach to top tips for more intricate designs. Take your zero-waste practice to the next level!
Up-cycling
Up-cycling is the transformation of materials into products of higher quality. It is a design technique that prolonges the life of textile waste through creativity. Here are some resources to get you started...
DESIGN TECHNIQUE GUIDE
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide provides an overview of the up-cycling design technique and why it is important for you to adopt this technique in your design work to minimise the environmental impact. You will learn the concept of how to create an up-cycling design from start to finish. You will also be inspired by designer and brand examples of the use of different types of textile waste and how some of them up-cycle in scale.
Learn from fashion designers such as Orsola De Castro, Kevin Wan and Clémentine Sandner and how they up-cycle textile waste into fashion.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, you will hear from four fashion designers Nin Castle, Filippo Ricci, Mei Hui Liu and Ada Zanditon who share their approaches to the up-cycling technique and helpful tips, such as how to source textile waste and how to ensure good finishing.
STEP-BY-STEP DESIGNER'S GUIDE
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide features the up-cycled design work by Classics Anew’s Janko Lam, that allows you to learn practical tips on how she uses denim fabric waste, such as end-of-rolls and scraps, and turns them into her contemporary up-cycled qipao.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
CASE STUDY
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, fashion designer and Redress Design Award alumnus, Weiyu Hung shares his approach to the upcycling technique, while referencing traditional practices and craftsmanship. Elevate your upcycling practice by celebrating your local cultural heritage and stories.
READ THE CASE STUDY
Explore how Classics Anew’s upcycled sustainable collections transform denim leftovers into higher value pieces, through a contemporary approach to traditional Chinese designs.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction is a form of up-cycling and is the process of making new clothes from previously worn garments or preformed finished products. It is a design technique that gives unwanted garment a second life. Here are some resources to get you started...
DESIGN TECHNIQUE GUIDE
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide provides an overview of the reconstruction design technique and why it is important for you to adopt this technique in your design work to minimise the environmental impact. You will learn the key process to develop a reconstructed design and be exposed to different waste streams for reconstruction.
Learn from fashion designers such as Gary Harvey, Phee Ng, Swee Yee and Milch to get inspiration from their approaches to reconstruction.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this video, you will hear from industry expert Claire Dawson and fashion designer Liora Lasalle who share their experience in sourcing clothing samples and secondhand clothing and reconstruct them into a new garments.
STEP-BY-STEP DESIGNER'S GUIDE
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
DOWNLOAD (PDF)
This guide features the reconstruction design work by Wan & Wong Fashion’s Kelvin Wan and Joyce Wong that let you to explore how they reconstruct a regular dress shirt and the possibility to upscale.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
WATCH ON YOUKU
In this episode of Frontline Fashion Unstitched, witness the Redress Design Award 2020 Finalists experimenting with the reconstruction technique during the ‘Digital Upcycling challenge’ sponsored by TAL Group and Browzwear. The finalists worked with Browzwear Vstitcher software on digital design and sampling, demonstrating their reconstruction skills to come up with design concepts to put real TAL deadstock garments back into the production line.