Old Wine in new Bottles - an Alternative Didactic Approach to Tools used in Fashion Design

Design disciplines in general are challenged to foster alternative solutions towards a green transition ofthe industry. This naturally effects the design educations where the majority of curriculums includevarious learning objectives regarding sustainability, circular economy, re-cycling, etc. However, in thispaper, we argue that many of the traditional tools and skills already inherent in the curriculums have thepotential to promote a green transition provided they are introduced differently. Using well-known toolsand skills in alternative ways is however challenging as the way in which their use is articulated andpresented by lecturers determine the way in which the student implements and makes use of the tools.This article explores whether and how an alternative use of well-known tools in a fashion design contextcan beneficially contribute to increased product awareness among students and thereby support asustainable development of the fashion industry. We suggest using the professional tools “line-up” and“collection plan” as anti-poles for the creation of a space for critical reflection. The anti-polesrespectively address fashion as dreams and fashion as products. Fashion is a very visible part ofconsumption. As a concept that involves planned obsolescence, it is a major sinner in polluting theenvironment. Consequently, fashion design provides a relevant case to explore whether well-knowntools and skills submitted through an alternative didactic approach, predominantly through articulation,can contribute to foster design students’ ability to contribute to sustainable development in design andengineering education in general.