Final Project: Completed

I finally finished my final project for my sustainable fashion class!

My design was inspired by the rustic, old wooden red barns of rural areas. It is designed for stylish city women in their late 20s - 30s. I imagine this type of woman frequents small boutiques in Soho, her fallback store is Anthropologie rather than H&M, and her favorite pieces are from her local vintage store. She appreciates hand crafted garments, and has an effortlessly sophisticated style.

My original mood board

The materials I used in the look were all sustainable. The pinkish red fabric used in the skirt and the red fabric in the coat are both recycled polyester knits. The blouse is up-cycled from an old bed-skirt. The belt and piping for the coat are up-cycled from an old fake leather pocketbook. 

The aim was to reduce waste by laying out patterns so that the minimum amount of fabric was left over. Any extra fabric from the skirt was used as embroidery on the front waist band. My plan for any extra fabric from the coat and blouse would be to use it as stuffing in decorative pillows or other accessories. I've come to the conclusion that creating an absolutely zero waste pattern is just too restricting in design, I think it makes more sense to consider the overall waste from the start, but re-purpose the leftover pieces in other ways. 

The main way my look is sustainable is through its modular design. It has an endless combination of ways to wear it, and it can be adjusted to meet the wearer's needs, whether for style, comfort, or convenience.

Here is a photo tour of my sustainable fashion look:

The skirt has drawstrings on each side so that you can adjust the length as needed. Start off the day at work with it long, and when you leave pull it up for more of a more funky evening look.

Detail on blouse and skirt: Blouse has origami pleating detail on front. Skirt has hand embroidery. 

Now the weather has gotten cold so you decide to add the coat with the hood.

You move the belt to outside the coat to create a more flattering silhouette. 

Back view of coat with hood and belt.

But you decide you no longer want the hood... so you simply zip it off!

Two snaps, two zippers, and the hood is off!

Now you fold the coat collar down over the hood zipper for a polished look.

Voila! Your chic hood-less coat. 

But wait, you're at the store and you forgot to bring a bag! So start by snapping off your belt. 

The belt has two layers, so unsnap the inner belt from the outer. 

Take your hood, and zip the two sizes together. 

Snap the inner belt to the two edges of the hood to make a strap!

Ta-da! You now have a purse.

Now just throw the first layer of the belt back on, swing the purse over your shoulder, an you're ready to hit the shops!