Emotionally Durable Design
- Partner(s): ArtEZ Centre of Expertise (CoE) Future Makers in Fashion & Design, Vlisco, Simone Post, Zinzi de Brouwer, Saxion Universities of Applied Sciences, Modint
- Financier(s): SIA KIEM-Creatief
- Started in: January 2018
- Finished in: December 2019
The project Emotionally Durable Design aims to reframe and rethink the notion of ‘emotional durability’ in debates on sustainability in fashion discourse by exploring the emotional value of the textiles of the company Vlisco as a case study.
The discussion about the transition to a circular fashion system usually focuses on the sustainability of materials and production processes. However, it is of great importance to highlight the emotional value and cultural significance of fashion, consumer behaviour and thus the social aspects of sustainability in research into sustainable textile and fashion.
We explore the role of design in creating an emotional connection with fashion objects. It is about creating a deeper, more sustainable bond and long-lasting relationship between people and objects. This is based on the idea that people will take better care of and hold on longer to their clothes, instead of rapidly throwing them away, as we often do.
This project highlights the importance of taking into account a value-based approach focused on wellbeing when aiming to instigate more sustainable design strategies and consumer behavior. Our aim is to create emotionally durable design strategies that can help fashion to move beyond its obsession with growth.
Emotionally Durable Design from ArtEZ Fashion Professorship on Vimeo.
