The Matter of Matters

The current fashion system, which has developed through the last decades, is characterized by producing cheap, indifferent products with planned obsolescence, devalued almost before they reach a user. There is no doubt that the fashions system has a massive negative impact on our nature and environment. To correct the current imbalance between fashion and nature, a radical paradigm shift appears to be crucial. This paper presents two cases that from different perspectives challenge and explore ontologies related to clothing with the intention of challenging current perceptions and understandings of what clothes are and thus contribute to establish an alternative fashion paradigm. The cases suggest alternatives to the current ontologies of clothes and suggest what clothes should become to contribute to an alternative fashion paradigm that might pave the way for a green transition of the industry. The cases, and therefore also this paper, do not provide answers or solutions but an urgent request that the fashion and textile field points at alternatives to the existing system. Moreover,
there is a need for our professions to keep challenging the field and develop methodologies that can
shatter perceptions, behavior and approaches. That by using our design experience and craftsmanship,
knowledge, and skills we will continue to constantly ask critical questions and challenge the way fashion
is perceived, used and produced today.