From the COP17 exhibit hall: fashion design reinvented
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Experimenting with eco-friendly fashion at California College of Art
Sometimes we must travel to the other side of the world to discover something in our backyard. Such was my case in sighting California’s Arts and Craft’s Waterworks project here at COP 17.
As I first explored the UN’s Durban campus early this week, I scanned the aisles of exhibitors: African countries, non-profits of every flavor, clean energy projects, NGOs. I ‘tripped’ as I spotted “CCA”. The signage was boldly familiar among a sea of new acronyms.
I had that moment of slow motion processing as I reconciled something unexpected. I knew ‘CCA’ as California College of the Arts, a highly regarded design school based five miles from my home in San Francisco. An Executive MBA (www.presidioedu.org) colleague, Nathan Shedroff, runs their design MBA. But it seemed surprising that they would be showcasing here in Durban.
CCA is here, with good reason. They are one of the most active sustainability design programs in the world. At COP, they are showcasing their program and an upcoming exhibit – Waterworks. Waterworks is a visually compelling and scientifically innovative collection of high fashion designs, wherein water is used more sustainably in the manufacture, coloring process and even in the consumer use of the clothing. According to Christine Metzger, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, “The College invited water scientists to teach the student about water science and sustainable water practices. We are committed to integrating science and design teaching. The students then apply this knowledge to their design concepts.”
Showcasing design which uses less water in the production process
The result: 30 highly innovative fashion design projects that aim to inspire and reinvent retail fashion. Read more.
This jacket was researched and designed by Celeste Johnson and Sandra Negron, photographed by Matt Furuta. The concept of this coat is an industrial process that uses minimal water in the production process. Thank you for posting to your site.