Wardrobe Stories
1-3 hours
Individual / Group / Artefact- / material-driven
Comprehend
Description
The wardrobe method is suggested as a way for the fashion designer to gain insights of the use phase. The methods can be used as various approaches to make a so-called wardrobe study. Making a study of somebody’s wardrobe can give an understanding of use perspectives. For the fashion designer this may spark ideas of alternative consumption patterns and design solutions directed at longevity and active use.
The activity focuses on personal experiences and preferences with one’s own clothes. It is intended to bring awareness to use practice. Insights gained from the activity can be used as a source of inspiration to design for caring use relations.
What is your favourite garment? And why is it a favourite piece?
Links to Pillar(s)
Cultural - Economic - Environmental - Social
Delivery
STEP 1: INTRODUCTION
The video from TED’s Ten 8 – Design to Reduce the Need to Consume can be used to introduce the need for alternative use patterns.
STEP 2: INDIVIDUVAL
Ask students to categorise the garments in their wardrobe. The categories can be made after the students’ own choosing. Ask the students to select 8 pieces from their favourite category, and make a visual documentation of the garments, e.g. photos, sketches.
STEP 3: GROUPS (2 students)
Present the selected garments to each other by using the following questions:
Where do you have the clothes from?
What do you like/dislike about it?
STEP 4: CLASS
Ask students to prepare a visual presentation of findings and insights to share with the rest of the class.
This Activity Links To
Visual presentation of findings and insights
Suggested Readings
Fletcher, K., & Klepp, I. 2017. Opening up the Wardrobe: A Methods Book. Oslo: Novus.
Niinimäki, K. & Koskinen, I. 2011. “I Love this Dress, It Makes Me Feel Beautiful! Empathic Knowledge in Sustainable Design”. The Design Journal, nr. Vol 14, issue 2, pp. 16
Fletcher, K. 2016. Craft of use: post-growth fashion. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.