FS 3280 - Sustainable Material + Design Strategies

Credits: 3

This course positions fashion design through the lens of sustainability using multidisciplinary methods and uncommon design strategies. Students are empowered to apply fiber knowledge with sustainable principles by exploring material origins and challenging existing methods to think beyond traditional design. This course will explore biomaterials such as cellulosic and bio-nylon and their current use among industry-leading sustainable brands. Students are introduced to an innovative approach to materials such as synthetic leather from mushroom roots, nylon processed from castor oil, or fabrics spun from spider silk. Students will learn how to experiment and innovate new textiles and design strategies to decrease environmental impacts without sacrificing form and function. Sketchbooks will be used for brainstorming, experimentation and process development.

Prerequisites: FS 1110 - Fashion Design I

Course Learning Outcomes:

Apply sustainable principles to fundamental design principles from a holistic standpoint.
Experiment with new and existing materials creatively to discover long term industry solutions to fiber waste and environmental safety.
Discuss the importance of sustainable design strategies and their impact on the environment and fashion.
Recognize the importance of questioning industry deemed standard processes and challenging those processes from a sustainable design perspective.
Demonstrate innovative design strategies with minimal environmental impact.
Learn to use a sketchbook effectively for collection building.