In the last years, sustainability in fashion has become a topic even international companies are sensitive to. Consciously acting consumers ask for parameters to distinguish “greenwashing” as a marketing spin from “real” forward-looking approaches. But does a “language” or code exist based on which sustainability in fashion can be decoded? How sustainable can fashion even be? Do historical forerunners and strategies on producing fashion exist that might still be relevant today? The here presented video, created in the context of the Lange Nacht der Forschung [Long Night of Research] 2020, addresses these and further questions in an interview with fashion expert Ute Ploier from the Department of Fashion & Technology at the University of Art and Design Linz.
Titled SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION, two pieces of work at the interface between fashion and art are presented here. At first glance, both don’t necessarily appear to deal with sustainability. Upon closer examination, they however inspire a responsible use of resourses. The works are by DEAD WHITE MENS CLOTHES and Natalie Zipfl. Both labels were funded by the Austrian Fashion Association (AFA) in 2020. They address international connections, transport routes, circular economy, upcycling, vintage fashion, waste prevention, and recycling of product materials and packaging. In doing so, they—sometimes subtly, sometimes provocatively—raise questions regarding conscious consumption.
Curator: Lara Steinhäußer, Curator, MAK Textiles and Carpets Collection
Curator: Lara Steinhäußer, Curator, MAK Textiles and Carpets Collection
Related
Media
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
Natalie Zipfl, I AM THE CHILD IN THE SNOW aus ihrer Abschlusskollektion DO YOU LOVE ME NOW?, Central Saint Martins, London, 2019
Gelatine, Schweineblut
© Natalie Zipfl
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: How sustainable can fashion be?, MAK FORUM, 2020 © MAK/Georg Mayer
DEAD WHITE MENS CLOTHES (DWMC), Pi Pants aus der Hair Bleach collection, 2020
schwarze von DWMC überarbeitete Vintage Jeans mit beigen Details, Onesize, Einzelstück
Baumwolle, gebleicht
© DWMC
DEAD WHITE MENS CLOTHES (DWMC), Tabia Shirt aus der Hair Bleach collection, 2020
aus zwei Vintage- und einem Deadstock-Shirt gearbeitetes T-Shirt
Onesize, Einzelstück
Baumwolle, gebleicht
© DWMC
Dan Gombos × Natalie Zipfl, Still aus dem Fashion Film DO YOU LOVE ME NOW?
(Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London), 2019
© Natalie Zipfl