Book on circular design for fashion released

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which works for the promotion of circular economy, has released a booked called Circular Design for Fashion. The book has been written in recognition of fashion’s huge potential to move towards a circular economy and in homage to its creatives, passionate pioneers on the constant search for reinvention.

15 Dec 2021 | By Dibyajyoti Sarma

Circular design is a mission-led practice of design based on the principles of the circular economy and systems thinking.

The book offers a creative lens through which to discover and develop new products and navigate radical transformation, while addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenges. It has been envisioned as a contribution to a growing global circular design movement.

According to the Foundation, design decisions shape how we interact with the world around us, and creatives across every industry and demographic are embracing their role in reimagining products, services, and systems.

The book contains insights from over 80 early circular design practitioners in fashion. They include established luxury brands Gucci and Vivienne Westwood, independent labels Kevin Germanier and Marine Serre, high-street giants Gap and H&M, pioneers of the virtual fashion experience Alvanon and The Fabricant, and clothing resale and rental specialists thredUP and Vestiaire Collective.

While achieving a completely circular economy will take time, these practitioners have all started their journey. Their perspectives and insights have helped build a rich understanding of circular design and what it means for the fashion industry.

The book seeks to ignite curiosity, giving the inspiration and encouragement to explore, learn, and cultivate a new design mindset. The book is for fearless innovators committed to spearheading the future of fashion.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a UK-based charity that develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. The book is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Design Programme, which aims to empower and equip the world’s designers and creatives in fashion, food, packaging, and beyond, to respond to the circular economy opportunity.