In the light of material shortages, and the growing concerns over pollution caused by manufacturing, Parsons the New School for Design has instituted a program that will teach succeeding generations of fashion designers how to work as greenly as possible. Instead of just thinking about how fabulous a piece might be, the pros and cons of it's carbon footprint and environmental impact will be part of the process.
Last year, during the fall semester, Timo Rissanen (the new assistant director of Fashion Design and Sustainability) took a group of students through their paces, teaching them that the planet has to be a constant thought in their heads as they move through the design steps. Fashion design isn't just drawing and runway shows. It's also about fabric, dye, workers, and manufacturing. "Zero-Waste Fashion" is the newest trend. Let's hope it becomes the paradigm.
Founded in 2004, Loomstate is dedicated to providing customers with sustainably and honorably produced goods. In addition to clothing, they also produce bowls and kitchenware made with salvaged woods. It was that commitment that led Parsons to collaborate with them for the class and the exhibit.
Loomstate founders Rogan Gregory and Scott McKinley-Hahn produced one of the looks designed by students in the class for the show. During the 15-week semester, they acted as mentors and advisors based on their own tradition of eco-friendly fashion design.
The exhibit of Creating A Zero Waste Garment will be a behind-the-scenes look at the process of designing clothing sustainably. The entire process will be laid bare, from muslins to prototypes. There will be an opening reception tomorrow, February 8th, from 6-8pm. The exhibition will be on view from February 8th to the 23rd and is free to the public.
You can visit the Arnold and Sheila Aronsen Galleries at 66 Fifth Avenue between the hours of 12pm and 6pm, open late on Thursdays until 8pm.
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