Learning Circular Design from within the Fashion Industry: A ReSuit project case study

This paper explores the circular design tools industry-based fashion designers require to transition from linear to circular practices. This research was conducted as part of the research. Project, ReSuit (Recycling Technologies and Sustainable Textile Product Design) together with industry partner and fashion company Bestseller. This research began with the publication of Bestseller’s ‘Circular Design Guidelines’ (CDG), developed to communicate circular design for the designers working in their
various brands. This paper expands this area of research by exploring the needs of brands that are not traditionally associated with sustainable fashion and specifically addressing how a design tool can aid their progress. Data was collected through presentations and online interviews with members of the design teams that actively used the guidelines and was analysed using an annotated portfolio method
to draw out connections and relationships. The results show that the designers who used the CDG were able to make space and time to engage deeply with the design strategies; asked questions of their suppliers they wouldn’t normally; as well as provide inspiration to create circular products. The paper concludes that although the use stage was an entry point for many of the design teams, where they
creatively implemented strategies for longevity from their desks, beyond this there was significantly less engagement to understand user preferences for increased garment use. This paper suggests that industry designers would benefit from additional methods or tools to help them understand how to engage with their users and apply this knowledge to their design towards garment longevity.