Apparel Sustainability from a Local Perspective

Abstract

This research takes a bottoms-up approach to sustainable practices of designers within one industry in a specific locale. In researching sustainability in the apparel industry, one must consider the fashion system in which apparel designers operate. This research examines apparel designers in Minnesota and their perspectives about best practices that will encourage sustainability. Designers from a variety of small to large size businesses are interviewed and the results are analyzed to identify present and future contributions with regards to sustainability in apparel design. Processes that take into account the local context of sustainability enable a shared understanding with potential for mutually acceptable approaches to address the issues.

The management of sustainable fashion design strategies: An analysis of the designer’s role

“…Size of organization too, influences design and sustainability. Mid-market fashion companies are less likely to have well-defined long-term sustainable aims than large mass market retailers (Cooper et al 2013), while the smaller organizational structure of SMEs provides the designer with the potential to strategically influence the whole product lifecycle (Delong et al 2013;Lawless and Medvedev, 2016).…”

The Responsible Fashion System: a Re-Conceptualization of the Role of Fashion Design

“…The research findings support conclusions drawn by Lawless & Medvedev (2016) that current economic models do not support the development and adoption of sustainable fashion practices. This research also provides further evidence of the enormous financial potential and opportunities for MSEs to drive sustainability (Battaglia et al, 2014;DeLong et al, 2016;Lawless & Medvedev, 2016) despite the identified barriers. It was evident that the flexibility, creativity and commitment to the beliefs exhibited by the design entrepreneurs are instrumental in navigating the many challenges that come with running a sustainable fashion business.…”

“…Despite the recent emergence of sustainability-orientated innovations and strategies in fashion, little is known about the relevance and application of such strategies for micro-to small-sized enterprises (MSEs). MSEs in the fashion industry have recently been identified as drivers for sustainability as they have more opportunity to connect to the whole product lifecycle (DeLong, Goncu-Berk, Bye, & Wu, 2016).…”

Opportunities and challenges for Minnesota sewn product manufacturers

“…There is no evidence to determine if sustainability is a concern or a motivating factor. DeLong et al (2013) found that the definition of sustainability varied greatly among designers and could be inferred to be part of their daily best practices, even though they did not identify their actions as sustainable. Researchers need to look more deeply at the relationship between stainability and the motivation for domestic manufacturing.…”

“…Although there is a strong need to connect globally, local systems can complement and influence the larger industry. Value is added by slowing down the process and designing products that represent the place and local culture, using local resources (DeLong et al , 2013). Berchicci and Bodewes (2005) suggest that for a sustainable product to be successful, the consumer’s environmental concerns must be deeply rooted in the product design.…”