In-use clothing : [an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand]
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Date
2013
DOI
Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
In-Use Clothing concept
The benefits of repairing products have been eclipsed by fast
consumption, faster production and a lack of attachment to the
products we own. It is no secret that the apparel industry plays its
part in the ecological crisis we are heading towards today. Waste
appears in all areas of the apparel industry; manufacturing, over
production low quality garments, ‘disposable’ clothing to name a few.
Conventional methods of dealing with these issues have been criticised
as being symptom based. The key point conventional strategies have
not commonly addressed is, the way in which we consume (Chapman
2009).
This research focuses on the design durability and longevity of
products, both physically and emotionally. It explores the idea that
consumption patterns can be slowed if we are able to create a bond to
the clothing we own. In order to change the way we consume we need
to change the way we feel about our clothing and what that clothing
can offer us. An emotional attachment to the product will change the
value we associate with them (Niinimaki & Hassi, 2009).
The project looks at sustainable clothing being more than just a
niche market. The INUSE CLOTHING concept is a method of design
and business that can be applied to the design philosophy of multiple
business sizes and collectives collaborating in economies of scale, and
does not rely on a environmentally conscious consumer.
In-Use clothing design extends the lifetime of the garments in an
attempt to reduce consumption and does not result in the loss of
revenue for the manufacturer. Consumer involvement with the design
and lifestyle affiliation and the tracking and recording of one’s own
history, with the garment, develops a sense of attachment and user
investment. The consumer-garment relationship works on an ongoing
repair-and-modify basis and supplies a visual record of garment
maturation and individualisation, all contributing to the consumers
sense of self. The same relationship also works to create a consumermanufacturer
bond generating brand and service loyalty, repeat
purchase and longer product lifetimes, in local and global hubs. This
project undertook a mixed method approach to research and design
research. Exploratory qualitative research is carried out in the form of
in-depth interviews that explore garment attachment, and long-term
ownership of first-owner garments. The design development of the In-
Use denim jeans went through a process of sampling experimentation,
deconstruction and reconstruction. Garments were wear tested and the
denim went through repairs. All components of the In-Use model were brought together by a process of connecting many parts of research
including existing literature on sustainable design in niche markets and
research into how users are creating their own continued experience
and emotional connections to garments, and design development
practice.
Description
Keywords
Jeans (Clothing), Design and construction, Fashion design, Sustainable design