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How To Design For Deadstock Fabric

7/9/2019

 
source deadstock fabric
Thanks to the success of Reformation, deadstock fabric is a hot topic in the fashion industry right now, and for good reason. Pre-consumer textile waste is at an all time high as is (finally) the conversation around fashion's negative impact on the planet (duh). But there's a MASSIVE problem in deadstock fabric really getting a chance to reduce textile waste and it's this: you are designing wrong for deadstock fabric. We promise you will love this - let's dive in.
Traditional Fashion Design is Outdated
The design process being taught in fashion schools was implemented hundreds of years ago and has been perfected by capitalism over time. 
  1. Design what you want
  2. Source fabric to fit design in quantities large enough to scale sales 
  3. Discard or burn what's left or sell to discount stores
It's the antithesis of circular design because it is the creation of a production without thought for the end of it's life.

How To Design for Deadstock Fabric
If all design is a challenge, then it's time we start exercising that muscle again, because we will not get new results from old systems and thinking. The alternative would be starting from what we have to work with:
  1. Start with deadstock fabric & remnants
  2. Get creative with the fabric options to create a replicable product 

Proof This Process Works : Zero Waste Daniel
The deadstock based brand Zero Waste Daniel has been buzzing here in NYC for some time and we wanted to take a moment to feature this method because we think it'll be valuable as you rethink your design process.

Scalable Aesthetic from Changing Resources
If you view deadstock as a fabric source in an of itself you'll find there actually are patterns that match in order to design and scale. As you can see from Zero Waste Daniel, he's found a way to use deadstock color patterns to create a streetwear collection that has created quite a cult following.
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Image from Behind the Scenes NYC
Work with Remnants
Now onto the smaller remnants that often get tossed aside for landfill. Zero Waste Daniel has created beautiful patchwork from the scraps that create lower priced items to round out his collection, as well as broaden his customer base since these patches can be applied to a number of different style preferences and still be loved.
Picture
Image from Zero Waste Daniel
Take the #deadstockdistrictchallenge
When we stop thinking of design as an established path and instead think of it as it truly is, a creative challenge, we can begin to find new pathways to reduce waste and work with what we have. 
  1. Join Deadstock District today - FOR FREE - and peruse the deadstock options on our Facebook marketplace
  2. Buy deadstock fabric and design a product or collection that fits your brand aesthetic
  3. Post behind the sccenes of your new creation on Instagram and tag @thr3efold #deadstockdistrictchallenge to be featured
Start making change today! Good Luck!
JOIN DEADSTOCK DISTRICT
source deadstock fabric

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