PhD graduate Julia English: spotlighting the collaborative potential of remaking textiles in Australia.

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PhD graduate Julia English: spotlighting the collaborative potential of remaking textiles in Australia.

From little projects a bigger picture grows – how understanding SME collaborations to remake textiles can inform future waste management approaches for the fashion industry.

To make materials again, or remake them, was the focus of Julia’s research, as she explored 38 cases of actors collaborating to transform textile waste.

“We need to describe these practices more specifically, it’s not about simply calling it ‘upcycling’ or ‘remake’, but identifying the wide range of skills and methods that people can employ to transform textile waste.”

“Remaking can go beyond just traditional fashion manufacturing, as it can also involve dyeing, printing, embellishing and more ... I observed artists, weavers and textile designers testing out remaking as part of their work.”

Julia’s research reveals the opportunity to involve more small-scale actors in remaking textiles by inviting other creative fields to participate, “there is so much potential for rich, local remaking communities capable of turning waste into valuable products.” she says.

As for what prompted her to investigate this area, she reflected that it was during her initial literature review that she saw an opportunity.

"I was reading studies which repeatedly referenced the importance of collaboration in recirculating textile waste, but they weren’t explaining how this looks in practice.”

“At the same time, I identified that small local brands in Australia were pioneering these remaking collaborations.”

Her work dissects the processes employed by these brands, proposing a blueprint for future actors, outlining a range of models, methods and strategies.

Diagram that visually displays Julia's research.

Julia's research advocates for all fashion businesses to proactively seek collaborations.

“Businesses need to be aware of their waste streams and identify local remakers who align with their values and then take that step and instigate a collaboration.”

“It was clear that the brands who have the waste should generally be the ones to initiate the collaborations, as only they know the specific details of their waste.”

Her findings have immediate applications and have already helped clarify business approaches for local actors.

“Recently, I had a great conversation with a local designer where I was able to explain some of the different tactics and strategies my research identified and talk through how these approaches can have ramifications for how they might choose to approach their business.”

While Julia finds these types of immediate applications rewarding, she also hopes her work will aid in crafting larger frameworks for sustainable fashion practices.

“In providing a more detailed understanding of remake collaborations, my work can guide how we develop processes for textile waste management, shaping future systems to connect textile waste materials with remaking businesses.

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Tune in as our PhD graduates receive their testamurs at the 2025 Melbourne Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony, from 3pm on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

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