sustainable fashion Archive - autark.berlin

What Does Enough Look Like to Me?

kristina — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:23:12 +0000

In today’s fast-paced world of ever-changing fashion trends and marketing pressures, the question of “How much is enough?” can often feel overwhelming. But if we shift the focus from endless consumption to sufficiency, we can embrace a sustainable and fulfilling approach to clothing. So, what does enough look like to me—and how can it positively impact not just our own well-being, but also society, the environment, and even our wallets?

Sufficiency: A New Approach to Consumption

Sufficiency is a mindset that encourages moderation in our consumption habits. Instead of constantly chasing after the next new item or striving for more, sufficiency asks us to reflect on what we truly need. For clothing, this might mean asking: How many pieces of clothing do I need to feel well-dressed and comfortable? Is my wardrobe filled with items that I love and use regularly, or is it cluttered with things I rarely wear?

By focusing on sufficiency—buying only what we need and investing in durable, high-quality items—we can reduce our individual environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable fashion system.

Positive Impacts on the Environment

One of the most significant advantages of embracing sufficiency in fashion is its direct impact on the environment. When we reduce our consumption, we help lower the demand for the resources required to produce clothing—water, energy, and raw materials like cotton and polyester. The production of these materials is often resource-intensive and damaging to ecosystems. By slowing down our consumption, we can reduce the pressure on these finite resources.

Moreover, reducing clothing consumption means fewer garments end up in landfills. In the United States alone, millions of tons of textiles are discarded each year. Many of these items are not biodegradable and sit in landfills for years, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water. By choosing quality over quantity and reusing or recycling clothing, we can significantly reduce textile waste.

Recent studies have provided a stark reminder of the planetary boundaries we are pushing with excessive consumption. According to a study conducted by the Hot or Cool Institute, if every person on the planet were to buy more than five new pieces of clothing per year, we would exceed the environmental thresholds set by scientists to avoid catastrophic climate change. The fashion industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste, much of which is linked to the fast fashion model of rapid production and consumption.

Social and Economic Benefits

Sufficiency also brings social and economic benefits. By choosing fewer, but higher-quality garments, we can support companies that are committed to ethical labor practices and fair wages. This directly challenges the exploitative systems that often underpin fast fashion, where workers in developing countries are paid below minimum wage and work in unsafe conditions. When we focus on sufficiency, we empower brands and initiatives that prioritize the well-being of workers, creating a more equitable fashion industry.

From an economic perspective, buying fewer clothes can also lead to significant savings. High-quality, timeless pieces may have a higher upfront cost, but their durability means you’ll need to replace them less frequently, saving money in the long run. Additionally, reducing impulse purchases can free up money for other priorities, whether that’s investing in experiences, saving for the future, or supporting other sustainable causes.

The Well-being Factor

Finally, embracing sufficiency in our wardrobe can have a profound effect on our own well-being. A cluttered, overstuffed wardrobe can lead to decision fatigue and stress. In contrast, a curated collection of clothing that we genuinely love and wear frequently fosters a sense of simplicity and peace of mind. It also encourages mindfulness—taking time to consider the impact of our purchases on the environment, society, and our personal finances.

In conclusion, adopting sufficiency in our clothing consumption offers a path toward a healthier, more sustainable, and more mindful life. By choosing quality over quantity, we can reduce our environmental footprint, support ethical labor practices, and improve our own financial and mental well-being. So, when it comes to clothing, ask yourself: *What does enough look like to me?

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The Power of Minimalism: Less Clothing Consumption for a Greener World

kristina — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:18:00 +0000

Introduction

In our fast-paced consumer society, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of constantly buying new clothes. Fashion trends change at lightning speed, and many of us find ourselves with overflowing closets and a feeling of emptiness. But have you ever considered the impact of this never-ending clothing consumption on the environment and society? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of consuming less clothing, not only for the planet but also for our communities, and provide practical tips to help you embrace a more sustainable wardrobe while honing your information literacy skills.

The Environmental Advantages

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Each garment we purchase has a hidden environmental cost. From the production of textiles to transportation and waste disposal, the fashion industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By consuming fewer clothes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change.
Decreased Water Usage: The textile industry is notorious for its water-intensive processes, especially in dyeing and finishing fabrics. Consuming less clothing means less demand for water resources, helping to preserve this precious commodity.
Minimized Waste: The fashion industry generates an enormous amount of waste, with discarded clothing ending up in landfills or incinerators. By choosing quality over quantity and holding onto our clothes longer, we can reduce textile waste.

Societal Benefits

Financial Savings: Embracing a minimalist approach to clothing consumption can lead to significant cost savings. You’ll spend less money on impulse buys and instead invest in high-quality, long-lasting pieces.
Reduced Social Pressure: Constantly chasing the latest trends can create social pressure to conform, often leading to overconsumption. By reducing our clothing consumption, we can break free from this cycle and embrace our individuality.
Empowerment Through Awareness: Being mindful of our clothing choices and their impacts fosters a sense of empowerment. When we make informed decisions, we contribute to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

Practical Tips for Consuming Less Clothing

Assess Your Wardrobe: Take inventory of your current clothing items. Identify pieces you rarely wear or no longer need. Consider donating or selling them.
Buy Quality Over Quantity: Invest in well-made, timeless pieces that can withstand the test of time. Quality clothing may have a higher upfront cost but pays off in the long run.
Practice the “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new clothing item you bring into your wardrobe, consider removing an old one. This maintains a balance and prevents clutter.
Rent or Swap Clothes: Instead of buying clothes for special occasions, explore clothing rental services or organize clothing swaps with friends.
Learn About Sustainable Fashion: Educate yourself about sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Understand the impact of different materials and production methods on the environment.

Honing Your Information Literacy Skills

Fact-Check Information: When researching sustainable fashion, critically evaluate the sources of information. Look for reputable sources and verify claims through cross-referencing.
Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest developments in sustainable fashion by following reliable news sources, blogs, and social media accounts dedicated to the topic.
Engage in Discussions: Join online forums or local community groups to discuss sustainable fashion. Share your knowledge and learn from others’ experiences.

Conclusion

Consuming less clothing is not only beneficial for the environment and society but also for our personal well-being. By making conscious choices and educating ourselves about the impact of our clothing consumption, we can become responsible consumers who contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. So, take a step towards a more mindful wardrobe today and make a positive change for the planet and yourself.

Edited with ChatGPT

photo by Nadiia Ploshchenko unsplash

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Embracing the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle: Sustainable Changes in Clothing Consumption

kristina — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:25:00 +0000

In the pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle aligned with the 1.5-degree climate target, the fashion industry plays a crucial role. The Hot or Cool Institute recently conducted a study to explore how we can achieve a sustainable approach to clothing. Their report highlights the pressing need for change and provides valuable insights. This article aims to summarize the key findings and outline effective strategies for transitioning to a more eco-friendly wardrobe.

The Environmental Impact of Fashion

The study emphasizes that the fashion sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, leading to detrimental climate change effects. If current trends persist, the industry’s emissions are projected to double by 2030, potentially utilizing a substantial portion of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. In Europe, clothing consumption ranks as the fourth-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgent need for transformation.

The Importance of Meeting the 1.5 Degree Target
To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a reduction in global emissions by 45-55% is required by 2030. However, most G20 countries are currently exceeding their targets for achieving this goal. Consequently, it is imperative to act swiftly and adopt sustainable practices within the fashion industry to mitigate further damage.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Fashion
The study identifies reducing clothing purchases as the most effective action for reducing the carbon footprint of fashion consumption. This approach yields four times greater carbon savings than the next best solution, such as increasing garment use time. It surpasses the current pace of decarbonization within the fashion industry by more than threefold.

Promising Strategies for Change

Limit new clothing purchases: By buying fewer new clothes, we can significantly reduce our fashion-related carbon footprint. The study suggests that, without implementing other actions like repair, washing at lower temperatures, or purchasing second-hand items, the average number of new garments should be restricted to five per year. This threshold aligns with consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.
Embrace second-hand clothing and sustainable materials: Opting for second-hand clothing not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy. Additionally, choosing garments made from low-carbon-intensive materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics, further minimizes the environmental impact of our clothing choices.
Repair and extend garment lifespan: Repairing and mending clothes play a crucial role in prolonging their lifespan. By embracing these practices, we can reduce the need for frequent replacements and contribute to a more sustainable fashion culture. Furthermore, washing clothes at lower temperatures conserves energy and minimizes carbon emissions associated with laundry.

The Power of Collective Action

While individual lifestyle changes may appear modest, their cumulative effect can have a significant impact. Widespread adoption of sustainable fashion practices can create a domino effect across the supply chain, inducing positive changes in the industry. By collectively embracing a 1.5-degree lifestyle, we can drive systemic change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

The fashion industry’s current trajectory poses severe environmental challenges, but it also presents significant opportunities for positive change. By reducing our clothing purchases, embracing second-hand garments, and prioritizing sustainable materials, we can effectively reduce the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. Every individual’s actions contribute to the collective effort necessary to achieve the 1.5-degree climate target. Let us embark on this journey together, reshaping our clothing consumption patterns and creating a more sustainable world.

Source
Coscieme, L., Akenji, L., Latva-Hakuni, E., Vladimirova, K., Niinimäki, K., Henninger, C., Joyner-Martinez, C., Nielsen, K., Iran, S. and D ́Itria, E. (2022). Unfit, Unfair, Unfashionable: Resizing Fashion for a Fair Consumption Space. Hot or Cool Institute, Berlin

Photo by Ales Krivec by Unsplah
Edited with ChatGPT
Translated with DeepL

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Malaikaraiss, Berlin

kristina — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:25:00 +0000

There are now many fashion labels that are committed to sustainability. One of them is the Berlin fashion label Malaikaraiss. Founder and namesake Malaika Raiss has been focusing on sustainable production methods and material selection since the label was founded in 2010. But what exactly does sustainability mean for the label and how does it implement it?

An important aspect for Malaikaraiss is the use of ecologically and socially compatible materials. These include, for example, organic cotton, Tencel or recycled polyester. The label also attaches importance to transparent and fair production when selecting suppliers. For example, it works with a textile factory in Portugal that uses renewable energy and its production is certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX.

Another important issue for Malaikaraiss is the durability of its garments. Instead of focusing on short-lived trends, timeless and high-quality designs are created that can be worn for a long time. The quality of the materials used also helps to ensure that the garments last a long time. To increase longevity, the label also offers repair services.

In addition to the choice of materials and production, Malaikaraiss also attaches importance to keeping the label’s impact on the environment as low as possible. For example, unnecessary packaging is avoided and shipping is climate-neutral via DHL GoGreen.

But the label is also committed to sustainability in everyday life. For example, paper is used instead of plastic bags in the Berlin stores and the employees are regularly trained on sustainability topics.

The importance of sustainability for Malaikaraiss is also reflected in the collections. In the current collection, for example, the label increasingly relies on upcycling, using fabric remnants from previous collections. The colour palette of the collections is also geared towards dyeing in a way that conserves resources as much as possible.

But even though Malaikaraiss places a lot of emphasis on sustainability, the label is not purely an eco-fashion label. Rather, the garments are a successful combination of timeless design and sustainable production. This is also reflected in the label’s popularity. Malaikaraiss is now known not only in Germany but also internationally and is appreciated by many fashionistas.

In conclusion, Malaikaraiss is an example that sustainability and fashion are perfectly compatible. The label shows that a sustainable production method not only protects the environment, but also leads to high-quality and durable garments. Malaikaraiss thus proves that sustainability is not a trend in the fashion industry, but an important changemaker.

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Gudrun Sjöden, designer, brand and sustainability advocate, Sweden

mandy — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:51:00 +0000

The art of dressing eco friendly

It’s not easy to find a sustainable favorite label. Among all the offers to find out what materials are used to produce clothing, how the processing of the clothing is, how transparent the label acts as a company and whether does it also meet the personal fashion taste. I have been finding relatively quickly a designer who always surprises and inspires me. Gudrun Sjöden!

I like her design, it’s colorful with cozy wide fits, with beautiful patterns inspired from many cultures around the world. She focuses on long-lasting design, clothes that last as long as possible. She also advocates that we humans should consume less. She always has the environment in her mind when designing her fashion and it is noticeable in her choice of materials, such as Linen, Lyocell Tencel and Lenzing Modal.

Her ambition is to make the production of the clothes as environmentally friendly as possible. Many of her designs are sewn in Europe. Their company takes care to use less chemicals, they use chlorine-free and wood-containing paper for their catalog, and they make savings in the use of plastic and packaging materials. They prefer to transport products by ship instead of airplane or truck in order to protect the environment.

They have recognized the jungle of environmental labels and decided to developed their own environmental symbols to better inform their customers about the materials and production.

Gudrun’s good fibers, that informs about how sustainably the material is grown and produced.
Gudrun’s production, which provides insight into whether the product was made in whole or in part in certified factories.
Gurdrun’s unique handcraft, which shows that real handcraft was used for the production of a garment and that with the purchase you also contribute that this handcraft can continue to exist.
Gudrun’s good action, here with the purchase a welfare organization is supported. Scholarships are also awarded to young designers who want to support sustainable clothing.

Being environmentally friendly also plays an important role in the organization. For example, there are many Gudrun Sjöden concept stores in the world whose lighting has been converted to LED and where they rely on ECO electricity, repair their inventory and when making new purchases, look to ensure that the technical items, for example, are durable and repairable. Furthermore, they make regular factory visits, and establish measures to ensure compliance with the BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) code of conduct. In their catalogs or on their website, they provide information about the manufacturing, production and delivery of the clothing. She introduces her designers and the seamstresses from the factories. For me as a customer it is a nice way to learn more about my garment and the individuals behind it.

Gudrun also offers large sizes, so she makes colorful fashion for strong women. She hires young and old models, from a variety of cultures. She thinks not only environmentally, but also diverse. An absolute forerunner, she was a pioneer for an eco-friendly clothing industry back in the eighties. I can’t stop enthusing about it because it’s an absolutely well-rounded concept.

Of course, long-lasting clothing is also more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. All of my Gudrun Sjöden clothes still look the way I once bought them, even after six and seven years. I think for all companies that want to be environmentally friendly and socially conscious, Gudrun Sjöden is a great inspiration.

Photocophyright: www.gudrunsjoden.com, 2022

Gudruns World

Information: Advertising, uncommissioned! This text is an editorial contribution, which could well have an advertising effect on the reader unintentionally, without me being commissioned by any company for this!

Der Beitrag Gudrun Sjöden, designer, brand and sustainability advocate, Sweden erschien zuerst auf autark.berlin.

We love being by the sea – plasticfree, baby

kristina — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Water is our elixir of life. We love to be by the water, the lake, the sea and to relax. Without water, nothing is created, neither humans nor nature can survive. But far out in the oceans, whole plastic islands of unimaginable size are floating, caused by us humans. Tiny micro-particles of plastic float beneath the surface of the water, invisible to our eyes and disturbing our ecological balance. Already today, scientists can prove that plastic waste caused by humans ultimately harms not only marine life, but also ourselves. The production and use of our clothing are a driving factor.

Both the cultivation of raw materials and the production of clothing consume large amounts of water. The chemicals and dyes used in the process pollute the water – often in Asia. Microplastics, which are released from plastics during the production, wearing and washing of clothing, are also problematic. Via the water cycle, they end up in the sea and from there on our table.

The most commonly used textile fibres worldwide are plastics such as polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic and nylon. Especially in the sports and outdoor sector, there often seems to be no alternative to plastic for clothing. The cheap raw material is used for clothing production to satisfy the demand for fast fashion. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose in nature. Along the way, they absorb toxic substances, which are then released back into living creatures and have a toxic effect.

Is each and every one of us aware of this to this extent? Do we seriously want this?
We can do something by being conscious and mindful of the materials in our clothes. The first thing we can do is to check the material of our clothes and be aware of what our clothes are made of. You can find the information on the label of your clothes or online under the keyword “materials”. Keywords like “plastic-free” & “less water” or “waterless” will help you in your search to estalblish a waterfriendly lifestlye. You will probably be surprised to find plastic even in garments declared as sustainable. Plastic is mainly found in prints, glitter and sequins, buttons and coatings in rainwear. You can avoid these altogether by making a conscious consumption decision.

Incidentally, bacteria settle more quickly in plastic clothing, so you inevitably have to wash the clothes after wearing them only once, also because they smell unpleasant more quickly. This in turn uses more water. An alternative are natural fibres, which you can reuse by airing them due to their self-cleaning power, without wasting water.

If you have a high percentage of plastic in your clothes, it is good to use a Guppyfried, a wash bag that catches these microparticles. Especially during the first wash, many particles come off. It’s also good to avoid fabric softener. A full wash load can help to reduce the abrasion of microfibres.

We know from our own experience that fleece jackets and sweatpants made of organic cotton also serve their purpose. But let’s face it: for the vast majority of us, it won’t make any difference to our athletic performance if it is made out of polyester or not.

New plastic clothing in particular is a driver of microplastics. Perhaps you can reduce your consumption of new clothes and simply swap with friends or borrow clothes.

And luckily there is an alternative to plastic – natural fibres such (organic) linen & hemp as well as organic cotton.

We have choices when it comes to our clothes and our daily behaviour. The first step is to become aware of it. It’s up to us.

#lesswater, #low-water-jeans #wattermatterz #stopmicrowaste #plasticfree #waterless

Sources:

www.eea.europa.eu

www.blog.oeko.de

https://www.vogue.de/mode/artikel/wasserverbrauch-reduzieren#:~:text=Die%20Mode%20ist%20eine%20durstige,allem%20in%20trockenen%20Regionen%20sp%C3%BCrbar.

https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/plastics/overview?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI757Op9fj-AIVo49oCR3xZgIvEAAYASABEgLaj_D_BwE

https://www.wwf.de/themen-projekte/plastik/mikroplastik

photo by autark.berlin

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A closer look at jeans

kristina — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:32:00 +0000

Have you ever counted how many pairs of jeans you actually have in your wardrobe, and yet you still think about buying another pair? Hopefully we wear them until they fall apart. 150 years ago they were used as hard-wearing workwear, today they are part of our lifestyle. If we want to live more sustainably, the best place to start is with blue jeans. In this article, we tell you why it makes sense to take a close look at jeans.

The biggest challenges in jeans production are the material, the dye, social standards and the long transport routes.

Material: Most jeans are made from conventional cotton. Unfortunately, cotton cultivation is associated with very high water consumption, the use of pesticides/chemicals and monocultures. As a result, the fertility of the soil is heavily polluted and biodiversity is impaired. Jeans made from organic cotton, recycled cotton and jeans with the GOTS label help you to reduce your ecological footprint.

Dyeing: One of the most important dye groups for dyeing blue jeans is synthetically produced indigo blue. An important component of this is aniline, which is extracted from petroleum. It is suspected of being carcinogenic and can probably cause genetic defects. We consumers assume that these substances are not contained in our clothing. A study by Stiftung Ökotest in cooperation with our stakeholder Femnet e.V. took a closer look at several jeans. Unfortunately, the results were sobering. Only the Kings of Indigo label scored very well. The dyeing and finishing of textiles also cause enormous water pollution in the countries of production. An easy way out is to do away with blue and wear so-called undyed jeans. This is definitely the better choice for the environment and for you.

Finishing: Have you ever heard of dry denim? This means that the fabric is untreated, the jeans have not been washed or bleached. So no used look was created in the laundry, but you have to enter these jeans yourself. Please inform yourself about the negative effects on the environment and people of trends like the used look. You are definitely better off with dry denim.

Social standards: Unfortunately, many suppliers are not able to prove that they pay living wages. If you want to support the observance of human rights, look out for the labels of the Fair Wear Foundation and the GOTS. They have been independently and transparently verified. Not all suppliers can afford certification. Then look closely at what they can tell you about their supply chain. Brands that focus on social standards, disclose factories for the entire value chain can be just as good a social choice.

Local production: We don’t get to see very much here in the western hemispheres as most production takes place in China and Turkey. A pair of jeans has travelled up to 30,000km due to global supply chains, more than many of us. Here it helps to look where there are local labels and suppliers that produce in Europe, for example.

Second-hand: Let’s face it, we could probably last quite a long time with the jeans we already have and don’t need new ones at all. If we do, a better alternative than buying new is to buy the jeans second-hand. The resources don’t have to be recreated and they are kept in the cycle longer. They are designed to last a long time. Second-hand also has the advantage that many washes have probably already removed pollutants. Maybe you will try it out. Especially with your favourite brands, you know your size and even save. Or you can earn money by giving away your jeans that you no longer need.

Repair: Some labels like Nudie Jeans already offer free repair services. In Berlin, the A-Gain- Guide can help you. Clothes Doctor is also a good place to go online.

Upcycling: Many designers, e.g. Bridge & Tunnel from Hamburg, focus on upcycling and create great products from old jeans. You can also donate your old jeans there.

Circular: We already reported on how to keep jeans in a value cycle, the so-called “circular jeans“, in our article on Mud Jeans. They are pioneers when it comes to keeping the garment with such a big impact in the cycle for a long time, e.g. by leasing the jeans.

We also find the recycling art project from Berlin Anewkindofblue very exciting. A New Kind of Blue is a Berlin-based design studio looking for locally embedded solutions to global problems, with the circular economy as a starting point. Designers can read about what jeans need to look like to be recyclable at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s The Jeans Redesign Project.

Sources:

https://www.oekotest.de/kosmetik-wellness/Jeans-Test-Nur-eine-Damenjeans-ist-empfehlenswert_10748_1.html

https://bridgeandtunnel.de/

https://anewkindofblue.com/

www.kingsofindigo.de

https://a-gain.guide/de

https://clothes-doctor.com/

https://mudjeans.de

https://green-lifestyle-magazin.de/jeans-so-schlecht-sind-die-lieblingshosen-fuer-die-umwelt/

Of course there are a way more great designers and initiatives out there. We just pricked a few.

Photo by Ryan Moreno on Unsplash

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Sustainable Fashion Production in Berlin

kristina — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:41:00 +0000

We have already looked at sourcing raw materials for the garment industry from a city’s waste. Cities consume 75% of the world’s natural resources (Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2021). Besides the materials used, the way clothes are made also has a big impact on the environment. A pair of fast fashion jeans has travelled up to 50,000 km across several contingents by the time it is bought and used in our country. This is not a sustainable production method. How can the fashion production be made sustainable and local?

In Germany, only about 10% of the textile production is left. Many manufacturers have relocated production and the associated environmental and social problems abroad, mostly to Asia. The textile industry is one of the oldest and, in terms of number of employees and turnover, one of the most important branches of the manufacturing industry. It manufactures textile products from fibres, such as spun yarns, woven fabrics, felts, nonwovens, stitch-bonded fabrics and knitted goods, which are further processed by the clothing industry, among others. It is upstream of the clothing industry. In Central Europe, there are almost no companies left in which all production stages from raw material to end product are carried out. The companies in the textile and clothing industry have a strong division of labour and are internationalised. Almost no clothing is produced in Germany any more, although some of the largest clothing producers are located in Germany (Wikipedia).

Sustainable, local garment production requires local, sustainable textile production (incl. recycling/reprocessing). The stages of textile production are drivers of environmentally harmful emissions. Yarn preparation (28%) and dyeing and finishing (36%) in particular play a central role and must be taken into account in the area of sustainable production. A T-shirt made from organically grown cotton can consume a lot of chemicals in the finishing stage, which are not very healthy for humans or the environment.

Local garment production has not completely disappeared. Pioneers like MarcCain show how production in Germany can succeed with technology.

Numerous creative people are also lovingly handcrafting small collections that can be counted as slow fashion.

Berlin is home to charming labels that are committed to sustainability and produce locally. Among them are designers who work with upcycling methods. For example: Buki Akomolafe (bukiakomolafe.com), BRACHMANN (brachmannofficial.com), Danny Reinke (www.dannyreinke.com), Kollateralschaden (www.kollateralschaden.com), Natascha von Hirschhausen (nataschavonhirschhausen.com), The Tribe (www. thetribe.berlin), Trippen (de.trippen.com), MYKITA (www.mykita.co), Working Titel (www.workingtitlestudios.com), After March (www.helloaftermarch.com), Bis es mir vom Leibe fällt (bisesmirvomleibefaellt.com), Benu (www.benu-berlin.com), Erie Berlin (www.erieberlin.com) (Projekt Zukunft).

These are nice examples. Digitalisation and automation could make this kind of fashion available to even more people.

How can we succeed in designing and producing new collections in a future city, with and around the customer? We imagine digital, collaborative design interfaces and micro-factories that produce on-demand, i.e. only what is “needed”. This prevents tons of stock from not being sold. This production would be flexible and decentralised. The more the customer is involved in the design, the higher his emotional attachment to the clothing will be. And he will value it more and wear it longer. Overall, micro-factories have only a small production capacity. This model only works if there is also less consumption, which is also good for the environment.

Local fashion production would be very transparent and visible to every customer. We have already reported on pioneers like unmade that make this possible. In Germany, consumption fell by 6.1% in 2020 due to the Corona pandemic. The most in 70 years (IW). We are adaptable.

In the next post, we will take a deep dive into labels and their production methods.

photo by Berkay Erguler unsplash

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