Sustainable Design
Sustainable design is integral to Otis College's Fashion Design program, encouraging students to create environmentally responsible fashion. Through upcycling, students transform existing garments into innovative pieces, while the use of eco-friendly fibers like hemp and organic cotton reduces environmental impact. Zero-waste techniques, such as efficient pattern markers, minimize fabric waste during production. Additionally, students are encouraged to design heirloom-quality garments, promoting longevity and reducing the need for fast-fashion replacements. By incorporating these sustainable practices, the program empowers future designers to develop creative solutions that contribute to reducing fashion's footprint on the environment.
Maggie Sottero Sustainable Bridal Collection
Otis College's junior and senior Fashion Design students have partnered with Maggie Sottero to create an innovative bridal collection inspired by nature. Led by Maggie Sottero’s CEO Kelly Midgley, Sustainability Director Patricia DeLaunay (Otis '04 alumna), and Lead Designer Edric Woo, students were tasked to upcycle discontinued stock gowns to create imaginative new bridal designs. Juniors redesigned dresses for the bridal party, whereas Seniors transformed Maggie Sottero wedding dresses into stunning contemporary bridal gowns.
Beyond Sustainability, a Lecture by Dr. Cindy J. Lin
Dr. Cindy J Lin, an ecologist, environmental engineer, CEO and Co-Founder of Hey Social Good, leads a tech company using data analytics to verify the environmental impact of businesses on the environment. The platform helps companies adopt sustainable practices and consumers make informed, ethical choices. Dr. Lin shares her experience with students in the fashion design program, educating them on the ecological impact of “fast fashion,” and how to adopt alternative sustainable practices to help mitigate these environmental challenges.
Sustainability Alliance
Mission
In 2013, Fashion Design Chair Rosemary Brantley founded the Otis Sustainability Alliance, a group of creative leaders from the fields of fashion, design, art, and higher education who are committed to advancing the environmental, social, educational, and economic dimensions of sustainability through our work as artists, designers, and educators. It was launched with inaugural members Nike, Patagonia, Disney, Eddie Bauer, Quiksilver, and Todd Oldham at the 2013 Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show. In 2014, Under Armour joined the Alliance, and Prairie Underground joined in 2017.
Benefits
- Learn: Share information and engage in dialogue with the Otis community about sustainability practices, and priorities as well as the challenges facing your industry or company.
- Explore: Opportunities abound to make use of Otis students and faculty as a think-tank and testing ground for new ideas, methods, materials, and equipment where creativity, innovation, and environmental concerns merge.
- Collaborate: Help build Otis’ talent-rich pipeline of cutting-edge designers who have the training and vision to create the best products for environmentally-conscious and socially-enlightened consumers.
- Influence: Work together to educate consumers on evolving sustainability issues in fashion, art, and design.
- Lead: Participate in the Otis Sustainability Alliance and put your company at the forefront of environmental education and consumer recognition of sustainability leadership.
For more information contact Jill Zeleznik, Chair, Fashion Design, 310-665-6875.
Mentor Project: Claire Pettibone, Sustainable Lingerie
Junior students in the Fashion Design program were challenged to create a luxurious bridal lingerie collection using hemp textiles and recycled lace trims donated by designer Claire Pettibone. This project emphasizes sustainability while exploring innovative design in intimate apparel.
Mentor Project: Prairie Underground
Direction: Design a collection of innovative, women's bridge suiting separates, grounded in various weight and finishes based on the inspiration "Lunar Eclipse" using sustainable hemp and organic cotton.