An investigation of design features in upcycled fashion

Muhamad Rozali Othman

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the primary design features applied to upcycle fashion. To achieve the goals, a study was carried out on five well-known fashion designers in the upcycled fashion industry to identify what design features they used in their creations and what sustainability philosophy they implemented. This study applies secondary research methods under exploratory research as a method to collect the data needed to answer the objective of the study. The results of this study found that the design concept, material selection, technique/production process, and design philosophy/awareness of sustainability are the primary features in the upcycle designs created by the fashion designers who were analyzed. These characteristics should be incorporated into any upcycle fashion design as they define the notion of fashion sustainability. This study concludes that a fashion design that 'wears' upcycle design name must have at least four main characteristics which are a clear design identity, utilization of used or discarded materials ethically and responsibly, creatively in using and applying techniques that prioritize the environment, and adherence to the sustainability philosophy.

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