Incorporation of Artisnal Skills in ‘Slow Fashion’ Movement is Inevitable
With a natural attraction towards art and culture in general for all countries, particularly with India and North Africa French Textile Designer, Thierry Larcher- Cachemire Passion writes exclusively to Authindia about the significance of heritage textiles and artisans in the nascent sustainable fashion movement. On his last trip to India designer was enthralled by attending a number of workshops taken by craftsmen, in a precarious and vulnerable state.
How important is the role of the demand side in ensuring a sustainable ecosystem in fashion Clothing?
I think luxury companies can adopt a new manufacturing process, with methods much more in line with traditional methods.The slogans (advertising) and all the means of communication of the big companies are proud to brag about these methods, in one way or another.
Of course, not all of them are as virtuous as they claim. But in a spirit that is more “politically correct” than realistic, companies communicate more and more in a spirit, obeying the “the spirit of the times”.
A global consciousness urges us to do so, because the urgency imposes itself on us; This requires a total reconsideration of the mode of production, which is the responsibility of each company or group.
It is difficult to dissociate the gain in production from the methods that accompany them. The big trusts prefer to communicate rather than invest in these modes of production that our civilizations and the urgency impose on us. I think it would be a “win-win” market for them and for consumers.
How can design institutes play a part in the development of innovative and nature friendly products using traditional crafts?
There are two methods which shall coexist in the world of the production of graphic works. “Old style” with paint and brush, which tends (unfortunately) to disappear in favour of digital.One has proven itself for a long time, with natural pigments (in the best of cases).
The other with computer tools, more and more efficient with high energy consumption, which is not compatible with energy-intensive ecological “thought”. However, the method and the result of computer work greatly simplifies the different stages of production, saving a lot of money in the different production methods, unlike classic designs, which involved a lot of intermediate tasks, resulting in production costs. more important, therefore smaller margins.
The balance is debatable, as to whether classical methods (brushes, paint) are more favourable than computer tools. A carbon study can provide an objective point of view that a (simple) draughtsman would find difficult to decide!
How technology and digital marketing can be leveraged both in development and supply chain by the start-ups working towards creating carbon neutral lifestyle products?
It is undeniable that the textile industry is one of the most polluting of all industrial sectors.
We are obliged to take “emergency” measures. The creators and various designers are content to “produce” files that they send to various production companies.
There is the fault on which it is imperative to intervene, on a global and not local, but well within the framework of the country. The largest producers have a very important responsibility for the consequences of production methods.
Today, in the West, but perhaps also in other parts of the world, a movement is being born called “slow fashion” which involves the incorporation of local artisans and the use of environmentally friendly materials, with the aim of preserving craftsmanship and the environment and, ultimately , to provide value to consumers and producers.
Will this nascent sustainable fashion movement satisfy the need of the hour one?
Perhaps this is the premise of “something” that paves the way for sustainable development. However, demand pressure is strong.
I think that the industry is able to follow any movement (in its interest, like that of the globalised community), should it be accompanied by aid and information on the latest innovative technologies on the subject.
I think the decision makers have a big responsibility. Because what impacts us, impacts (also) their environment, their loved ones. For some, the case is acquired in understanding, the biggest remains to be done. There is a need to set the example from the bottom so that it goes back to the “bigger”, with the advantages of opting for these new processes. Bringing these “lost” industries back to various points on the planet is foremost, which would certainly have less impact on fossil fuels and more generally on the carbon footprint?
