Fast Fashion into Furniture

by Rachael Ozich

Project Description

The aim of this project was to design and construct a new material composed solely of bio resin, reused denim clothing and excess denim fabric that is biodegradable and easily recyclable at end of life. As proof of feasibility, this new material was used in the construction of a chair.

The rationale was to investigate a way to use the fabric waste that results from the proliferation of Fast Fashion. The scale of this waste was highlighted by the Ellen McArthur Foundation (2017), which estimated that approximately US $460 billion 'is lost every year due to clothing underutilisation and the lack of recycling'.

A combination of bio resin and 100% cotton denim had the greatest potential in terms of biodegradability, strength and aesthetic considerations. The creation of this bio resin/100% cotton denim material is one step towards providing alternatives to sending discarded Fast Fashion garments to landfill. By creating a chair constructed from this fabric, the potential of this material was demonstrated.

The chair and the denim/bio resin material also highlight the global impacts of Fast Fashion and encourage other designers, manufacturers and consumers to move to more sustainable practices.

Bio

Rachael is a user-centred designer who creates intuitive design solutions for real-world problems by applying logical thinking, creativity and exceptional attention to detail. She is collaborative and team oriented, with experience managing successful teams in fast-paced environments. She is a great communicator and presenter who enjoys engaging with people. She wants to design more than products destined for landfill.

previous project / next project

2023 bachelor index