Dead stock denim given new life in virtual design challenge

Dead stock denim given new life in virtual design challenge

A design challenge with Swedish fashion brand Cheap Monday has given 18 aspiring designers the chance to undertake a global denim project with an eye on sustainability.

Third year students from RMIT’s Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) worked with Swedish denim brand Cheap Monday on a design challenge that responded to the ethical and sustainability issues facing the fashion industry.

Using dead stock denim from Cheap Monday, they undertook intensive research to understand the fabrics properties and possibilities, learn about technical sampling and denim techniques.

They also practiced digital fabrication which can be used in the manipulation of denim textiles and garment construction, with an eye to employing ethical and sustainable techniques that address product impact and life cycle.

Associate Dean of Industry Engagement Kiri Delly from RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles said students were encouraged to challenge existing uses of denim textiles while exploring ideas for the design of a capsule collection.

“The Partnered Project is a great opportunity to develop industry ties that reinforce our teaching around how fashion can respond to key social issues affecting design today,” she said.

Throughout the project students developed a digital portfolio and produced a final garment which demonstrated their own unique design aesthetic.

Student Amy Wolchyn was announced as the studio winner of the challenge for her project Worn in which focused on the qualities of a loved garment through experimenting with the design features of wear and tear.

17 December 2018

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An excerpt from Amy Wolchyn's winning portfolio. An excerpt from Amy Wolchyn's winning portfolio.

“I had a great semester working with Cheap Monday and I now feel more prepared for working in the industry," said Wolchyn.

Delly said Wolchyn was chosen as the winner for the way her project reflected Cheap Monday's insights, the quality of her garments and her overall composure during the semester.

Every year RMIT sources global industry challenges for Australia and Vietnam based students to solve and repond to online, allowing them to gain international experience without leaving home.

In semester two 2018 RMIT offered six courses with virtual experiences, involving nine industry partners in five countries.

 

Story: Gabriela Torres and Grace Taylor

17 December 2018

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