laurenmallorysmith
sustainability
In my design work, I always try to source materials consciously. Whether that be buying second-hand curtains to use as fabric, or supporting a smaller fabric supplier, I try to be as sustainable and ethical as possible if I can afford to.
This passion for sustainability extends into my career path as well. Throughout my internship opportunities, I have focused on different ways that sustainability can work in fashion on a larger scale than in my design work. Below are some of the experiences in sustainable fashion initiatives that have given me a lot of insight into where fashion is headed.
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trash to treasure
I have 2 years of experience as co-lead for UT's Trash to Treasure, a project that works to divert students' gently-used items from the landfill and redistributing them into the campus community.
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We conduct a large-scale dorm donation drive during freshman move-out where we receive thousands of pounds of donations, mainly textile-based. Then, during the semester, we host a series of pop-up thrift sales where we sell all of the donation inventory for $1 a piece. The money we bring in goes toward funding sustainability projects sponsored by the Campus Environmental Center.
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Below is a recap of some highlights of the Trash to Treasure from the Fall 2022 semester in which we hosted 3 sales and completely sold out of our inventory from the summer donation drive.
Biomaterial Research
In the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to conduct biomaterial research at The Copenhagen School of Design and Technology(KEA) in Copenhagen, Denmark with four fellow UT students.
Over the course of six weeks, my team and I explored the subject of bioplastics for potential use in textiles and apparel.
We were supervised and mentored by Professor Anke Pasold, who allowed us to utilize the KEA Material's Lab to perform our experiments. Our team sourced our ingredients locally from Danish stores and the local environment.
During our experimentation, our team researched and created available biomaterial recipes, altered the recipes according to desired properties, and identified bioplastics that would best suit a textile sample.
Futher, we experimented extruding bioplastics from a syringe, setting bioplastics in 3D printed molds for buttons and beads, and laser-cutting designs into sheets of bioplastic to produce "bio-lace". Below are photos of our research and process.
Charcoal bioplastic buttons formed through 3D printed button molds
2-piece 3D printed resin mold for beads rendered via Fusion 360.
PLA bead mold filled with charcoal bioplastic in the process of dehydrating
"Bio-lace" collar made through laser cutting a lace design into charcoal bioplastic sheet
At the end of our time at KEA, we collaboratively designed and created a look inspired by our experience within the Copenhagen culture. We used our developed psyllium husk bioplastic as the base sheet. Then, we laser cut a pattern into the sheet to allow for breathability and functionality with the garment. Lastly, we formed appliques from the circles cut from the sheet, and we hand-sewed them on.
Muslin prototype of zero-waste garment design
Psyllium husk bioplastic sheet with laser cut design
The beginning stages of the applique development and hand-sewing process
Final zero-waste garment made using a combination of bioplastics and methods.
Lastly, our team created an exhibit, entitled "Dimensional" in the library of KEA to showcase our work, research, and developed products.
I am immensely appreciative of this experience and would not have been able to participate in this without the help of many people, including but not limited to: Professor Jessica Ciarla who spearheaded this internship; Claire, Sienna, Oriana, and Vincent for being an amazing cohort; and Professor Anke Pasold for dedicating her time and resources to helping further our research.
future plans
I look forward to continuing my career in a space that is prioritizes the cross-section of fashion and sustainability. If you are interested in hearing more about my experience or would like to discuss potential opportunities within sustainable fashion, please do not hesitate to reach out!