A dissertation exploring the sustainability potential of digital fashion.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international aviation and shipping combined.
Digital fashion is a relatively new phenomenon that allows people to wear clothes virtually and has been heralded for its potential to offer a more sustainable alternative.
The Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh claimed the lives of 1,134 garment workers.
Greta Thunberg galvanised a generation of young climate activists around the world.
The study concludes that while digital fashion is unlikely to replace traditional fashion, it could offer a solution to some of the industry’s environmental challenges.
This is particularly relevant as an alternative to fast fashion and the wasteful trend of wearing a new outfit for every social media post.
#WhoMadeMyClothes campaign by Fashion Revolution holds brands accountable.
Iridescence by The Fabricant is a digital-only dress that sold for a record $9,500.
Case studies featured in the dissertation include Fashion Revolution and its #WhoMadeMyClothes? campaign, alongside DressX, a digital fashion marketplace.
The dissertation also features interviews with key figures in digital fashion, including Kerry Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of The Fabricant.
“It's clear that this excellent, thoughtful, and engaging dissertation has resulted out of an enormous amount of research. You have gone far beyond what we expect of an undergraduate student.”
— Jay McCauley Bowstead, Lecturer, London College of Fashion
Credits
Dissertation Supervisor:
Jay McCauley Bowstead
Mentor & Illustrations:
Georgie Hibberd
Interviews:
Kerry Murphy
Ashwini Deshpande
Scarlett Yang
Mathilde Rougier
Jolyon Bexon
Partner:
London College of Fashion