[:en]Within this WGSN report it explores the question, ‘what can designers learn from waste?’ A recent sustainability talk by Kate Fletcher at the London College of Fashion highlights the need for fashion designers to design clothes the same way that architects understand how individuals both use and interact with a space. This is understandable as when someone buys a piece of clothing then they will need to be able to use it; also, designers need to think about the quality of the clothing they make. If the new piece of clothing was to fray or be damaged in anyway after just one use then the individual is likely to throw away the garment, thus, adding to the well-known environmental problems caused by the fashion industry. Through previous research I have found that 56% of individuals that took part in a WGSN survey said that they could not sew a button, therefore, highlighting a need to promote the use of domestic craft and the idea of hand-me-down skills. The previous WRAP report that I have analysed has also been referred back to within this report, however, the report asks if the idea of informing designers of waste disposal habits and promoting an emotional connection to a garment is a good enough solution to encourage consumers to buy as much.

WGSN have predicted that soon sustainability will no longer be a buzzword but something that is expected to be practiced by businesses. Forcing designers to think beyond the shop floor and to actually design clothing that lasts for life. Having clothing that lasts and a customer’s personal connection to the clothing is a reoccurring factor that becomes present within my research. From Japanese and Indian practices of Boro, Sashiko and Kantha stitching to my grandmothers re-patched and home-made clothing it becomes apparent that the best way to gain a personal connection with a garment is through the use of craft, using it to repair and re-invent. Something that has struck a cord with me when reading this report is actually it’s title.  ‘Clothes should be treasured, not bought and discarded like fast food’, which is sadly very true in current society as mass-produced clothing is so easily accessed. Make-do and mend is a concept that is no-longer necessary. From reading this I have understood that clothing needs to be well-made, a personal connection to the clothing is a necessity for its survival and fashion designers need to become more aware of the journey that their stock takes through-out it’s lifespan.

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