The WSU Humanities Center invites faculty, students, staff, and the community to a Brown Bag presentation given by Margaret Hull (Associate Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising) on the topic of, "Workshopping Zero Waste Fashion Design". 

Abstract: 

Zero waste fashion design (ZWFD) offers opportunities for collaborative and innovative garment design. Garment construction is a craft tradition taught in a range of settings from homes to universities. ZWFD is an increasingly visible practice within sustainable fashion initiatives because of its emphasis on efficient material use. ZWFD also challenges conventions of patternmaking, rejects standard sizing, and necessitates slower, more intentional design. The shared knowledge and open-source access of zero waste sewing communities can reduce the intimidation that many experience when approaching this subject. Public workshops introduce the theories and practices of ZWFD. Students develop knowledge of the history of ZWFD in addition to grasping a diversity of approaches including drafting their own zero waste patterns, upcycling, or scrap-saving as equally legitimate modes of entry. The workshop model offers instructors and students the freedom to pursue custom garment design and construction while expanding knowledge of ZWFD. 

This talk will offer observations from seven ZWFD workshops led in the last year and a half in addition to ongoing research in this method of design. Participants will engage with sample garments, garment patterns, and other relevant resources and tools.