In the context of the Circular Transition conference Dr. Kate Goldsworthy and Prof. Rebecca Earley presented their paper “Circular speeds: towards a new understanding of designing for fashion textile rhythms”, which is the results of an academic review of literature conducted during 2015/2016. With focus upon “speed of cycle”, the aim is to better understand the challenges this may bring to design and to prepare for the following action research phase, which includes workshops and the development of design research prototypes. The intention is to develop the discourse from simply fast and slow, to a level where multiple and proportionate speeds can be both understood, tested via LCA and ultimately engineered, to improve the circular efficiency of a product. The paper bring forward “how ideas and theories to reduce the damage connected to production use and disposal of fashion must be translated into garments with features, which allow them to serve the wide range of needs and purposes required”.
The result shows, among other things how the circle of speed may either be acquired by clothes becoming ´quality agents´, with their value increasing along with age connected to our memories. On the other hand, the garment may be designed to be durable and connected with a system for example repair and renewal – as the whole, or parts, can be replaced and designed. In the case of mass production, Goldsworthy and Earley examine a positive form of ‘planned obsolescence’ as the material is recovered for re-manufacture after a short time in use. Continuing forward with the research, the mentioned themes will be tested during 2017, ultimately leading to a set of guidelines for circular fashion design which is to be published in 2018.
