Friday 6 June
10:30 – 13:00
The Studio
Join leading designers and experts to explore how circular design is shaping the future of fashion.
Join us for the day to see how designers and start-ups are channeling their creativity to re-think traditional design systems and innovate the craft of making, as a designer label or larger brand. Through a series of ‘Sofa Stories’ with experts and professionals in their field, we will explore topics such as Circular Design, Social and Ethical Practice and consider how we can produce fabrics more regeneratively. Book your slot for the afternoon Future Fabrics session here.
With the growing awareness of waste in the fashion industry, more designers are adopting circular design principles, integrating sustainable practices into their creative processes. This event brings together key professionals across fashion and textiles to explore the significance of circular design, its challenges and its future role in shaping the industry.
Facilitated by Laetitia Forst, Circular Design Specialist from UAL, the session will focus on how designers and brands are navigating circular design – from extending garment life and reducing waste to creating regenerative systems and materials. Attendees will learn about the importance of designing with longevity, material cyclability and how these approaches contribute to a more sustainable and resilient fashion industry.
Throughout the session, attendees will engage in discussions around real-world applications of circular design, exploring practical steps for adopting circular practices within both small-scale and large-scale operations. The event will also feature case studies and insights from leading designers and sustainability experts, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation; Philly Grogan, Head of Sustainability at Nobody’s Child; Abby Johnson, designer at Nobody’s Child; and renowned designer Patrick McDowell, showcasing actionable frameworks and solutions for scaling circular design principles.
By the end of the session, participants will have gained valuable insights into how they can apply circular design principles in their own work, as well as how to prepare for the future of fashion that embraces sustainability and regeneration at its core.
