Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys [Paperback]

Kate Fletcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2008

Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys brings together for the first time information about lifecycle sustainability impacts of fashion and textiles, practical alternatives, design concepts and social innovation. It challenges existing ideas about the scope and potential of sustainability issues in fashion and textiles, and sets out a more pluralistic, engaging and forward-looking picture, drawing on ideas of systems thinking, human needs, local products, slow fashion and participatory design, as well as knowledge of materials. The book not only defines the field, it also challenges it, and uses design ideas to help shape more sustainable products and promote social change. Arranged in two sections, the first four chapters represent key stages of the lifecycle: material cultivation/extraction, production, use and disposal. The remaining four chapters explore design approaches for altering the scale and nature of consumption, including service design, localism, speed and user involvement. While each of these chapters is complete in and of itself, their real value comes from what they represent together: innovative ways of thinking about textiles and garments based on sustainability values and an interconnected approach to design.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'At last a book that dispels the idea that fashion is only interested in trend-driven fluff: not only does it have a brain, but it could be a sustainable one.' Lucy Siegle, Crafts Magazine 'We badly need a sustainable fashion revolution; one where buyers, designers, retailers and consumers fill our closets with clothes that are more durable and less impactful and face up to their true environmental and social cost. As a matter of urgency, all of the above should read this book ... At last a book that dispels the idea that fashion is only interested in trend-driven fluff: not only does it have a brain, but it could be a sustainable one.' Lucy Siegle, Crafts Magazine 'Fashion is ephemeral by nature, but Kate Fletcher describes how clothing manufacture could be turned into a sustainable industry. Her detailed book assesses systems as well as products, examining possible solutions from raw material to final design.' Nature 'I'll probably be one of the first to buy it... We NEED this book.' Carole Collet, Course Director, MA Textile Futures, Central St Martins 'Read this book to understand how we can inspire consumers to protect the planet and people through the passion and energy of design.' Mike Barry, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marks and Spencer 'The depth of Fletcher's writing will take people's understanding of 'Sustainable Fashion and Textiles' to a new level.' Treehugger '[A] fascinating book.' John Thackara, Doors of Perception 'This is a must read.' Design 21 'Provides the foundations for a radical new perspective.' Ethical Pulse 'This is an excellent book for producers and designers of fashion and textiles who want to make a positive contribution through sustainable products and practices.' Family & Consumer Sciences 'Much-needed... this is an excellent reference book that will be turned to time and time again.' The Higher Education Academy Art Design Media Resource Centre

About the Author

Kate Fletcher has been working in sustainable fashion and textiles since the early 1990s. She now works as an independent consultant with clients including high street retailers, designer-makers and non-profit organizations. Kate finished a PhD in 1999 at Chelsea College of Art and Design, investigating sustainable design opportunities in the UK Textile Industry, before working as a post-doc researcher and spending four years as a lecturer in Eco Design at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (March 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844074811
• ISBN-13: 978-1844074815
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #273,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sustainable USE of Garments, August 7, 2009

By 

cameron tonkinwise (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys (Paperback)

This is by far the best book on sustainable fashion currently available. What makes it the best is that it is clearly written by a designer, and not just a fashionista. This means that it actually gets to what it means to DESIGN garments that are more sustainable over their whole use-life, rather than just SELECT less toxic or exploitative materials. Fletcher covers that side of fashion design comprehensively and elegantly, but her real contribution to advancing sustainability in fashion is to sketch out a way of designing with a view to the LIVES of garments. Her "Lifetimes" project, discussed in the book, makes clear that very different types of sustainable design strategies are needed for different types of garments; the little black party dress needs a different kind of sustainable designing from the work blouse or everyday jeans. The focus remains, as with much sustainable fashion, on small run boutique offerings (though with less only-ever one-off junk-fashion thankfully) - the guide for fashion designers in large retail garment businesses remains to be written. But at least Fletcher has a clear rationale for her non-large-scale focus: the promotion of distributed local industries that allow richer connections between designers, makers and wearers. This should be a mandatory text for junior fashion design students.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for consumers and designers alike, March 12, 2010

By 

A. Oliveira - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys (Paperback)

This is a required reading for a class of mine as a senior textile design major. The information is current, enlightening, and constructive. Alternatives to tradition means are easily accessible for all. Great color photographs of work being made by green designers included. Highly recommended for designers, manufacturers, or anyone who is interested in making more conscientious decisions for their wardrobe.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fashion book, December 17, 2011

By 

Horvie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys (Paperback)

One of the best, informative books I have read - bought this one for a friend who works in the fashion industry.