‘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

'One of the many strengths of Fletcher's book is the clarity of its analysis of the textile system as a whole ... [A] fascinating book.'
John Thackara, Doors of Perception

‘Sustainability cannot be the preserve of the technician, 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

'Beautifully put together, with gorgeous illustrations, glamorous images and clear data tables ... There’s no doubt that the depth of Fletcher’s writing will take people’s understanding of ‘Sustainable Fashion and Textiles’ to a new level.' Treehugger

‘This is an important book. It will not gather dust on a bookshelf; it will become a reference book for changing how we make things. And things have to change.’
David Hieatt, Co-founder, Howies

'For anyone interested in the future of textiles, fashion, and sustainable lifecycle dressing, this is a must read.' Design 21

Given the urgent and expanding global debate on sustainability and ethical manufacturing, this book will extend its influence far beyond the traditional textiles and apparel industries ... As a sustainable designer, I applaud Kate Fletcher for crafting this eye opening look into the world of textiles and presenting great new sustainable options.' Bonnie Siefers, Jonäno eco chic collections

'Providing industry-led knowledge and facts that promote discussion around the themes of sustainability and responsible fashion design Kate demonstrates a vast knowledge on a little known subject ... I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read this book and to digest its contents thoroughly. It will serve as an extensive eye-opener and alter your perception of the way that we consume fashion ... The book provides the foundations for a radical new perspective.' Ethical Pulse

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.

About the author(s)

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.

Contents

Introduction * Part I: Sustainable Fashion and Textile Products * Material Diversity * Ethically Made * Use Matters * Reuse, Recycling and Zero Waste * Part II: Sustainable Fashion and Textile Systems * Fashion, Needs and Consumption * Local and Light * Speed * User Maker * Index