Embrace the Void – One garment, more than one piece

The thesis project “Embrace the Void” explores the psychological and environmental aspects of fashion consumption among young adults in Växjö, Sweden and how modular clothing could promote sustainability within the fashion landscape.

In a world moving with the current of consumerism, where desire and dependency weave the fabric of society and existence, the line between necessity and luxury becomes blurry. Every decision, every purchase, and every thought are the result of a craving that is unconsciously influenced by media’s narrative and societal pressure.

Fashion, once a symbol of creativity and self-expression, has evolved into a realm dominated by fast-paced production cycles and disposable garments. The true cost of fashion often remains hidden beneath layers of fabric and glossy advertising.

With sustainability becoming an ever more pressing concern, particularly among the younger generation, the need for innovative approaches to fashion consumption and design has never been more pronounced.

The project delves into how modular clothing design embodies sustainability within the fashion landscape. This was done through a Fashion-Fasting experiment, which sparked the need for innovative clothing solutions and subsequently a workshop that explored the modularity in garments by fostering awareness and creative involvement. Collaboration and community engagement are emphasized in driving sustainable fashion forward.

How ethical it is to own many clothes even though the values wanted to spread go against excessive consumption and what stands behind the need of owning things?

What is Fashion Fasting?

Fashion fasting is an explorative experience aiming to reduce one’s wardrobe to essential garments over a specified period. It’s not just about decluttering your closet, it’s a journey to uncover why there’s a perceived need for owning so many clothes in the first place. It’s about diving into the reasons behind consumer habits, whether are influenced by social media, societal norms, or one’s insecurities.

Do we really need all those options every morning, or does simplifying our choices lead to a clearer mind?

I documented my journey through the creation of a zine, aiming to share my experience and encourage others to join in.

Get access to the full Fashion Fasting zine.

I need variety
I need change
As the society evolves
I also do
Inside
And outside

I’ve realized that a minimal wardrobe might not be the solution for everyone in today’s society. To change people’s perspective towards a more sustainable approach while still embracing a wider range of clothing option, I believe the key lies in the design of clothing. Offering choices that encourage creativity and diversity without compromising sustainability could be the solution to meeting the desire for variety without indulging in harmful consumer habits.

This realization led to the decision to conduct a workshop in which I invited participant to experiment with clothing.

Transforming Clothes Workshop 

“Transforming Clothes” is a workshop focused on rethinking and reimaging how clothes can be worn by embracing concepts of modularity, adaptability, and multi-functionality. This exploration aims to inspire potential new designs and innovative approaches to fashion.

Could participant see the potential of wearing a garment designed for one purpose in multiple ways?

The result of the workshop is intricated in the need to follow a society where consuming is at the roots. Change, choices and innovation are desired in contemporary society and this create the connection to my next step, the creation of a prototype of a modular fashion garment that dresses the vests of a storyteller and a catalyst of change. Through this garment, I hope to inspire individuals to rethink their relationship with fashion and embrace a more conscious and innovative approach to dressing.

Modulwear: One garment, more than one piece

ModulWear not only challenges consumerism, in a world overflowed with fast fashion and disposable trends, it stands as a symbol of conscious consumption. The ability to effortlessly transition between various clothing items with a single garment points out the disadvantages of a consumer-oriented mindset that encourages excessive buying and discarding.

Modulwear serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering sustainable practices.