Sustainable fashion is an evolving discourse, its contours expanding with growing information on material sciences, innovations and new questions. Yet, a significant part of such studies and breakthroughs remains within academic circles and laboratory spaces.
With growing awareness of sustainability among consumers, the need to make such information accessible to the public is crucial. This is the goal that drives the Regenerative Fashion Hub, an ongoing showcase in London hosted by Textiles Circularity Centre (TCC) at the Royal College of Art (RCA), UK.
The TCC is a multi-disciplinary research consortium working on a circular textiles economy for the UK SME apparel-fashion industry. In organising the Regenerative Fashion Hub, it aims to “put academic research into sustainable apparel-textiles on the high street”. Over six weeks, the hub—hosted at The LabE20, a community space designed and produced by fashion designer and RCA Fashion alumnus Christopher Raeburn—showcases processes of turning post-consumer textiles and bio-waste into renewable materials.
Along with engaging industry stakeholders, NGOs and policy makers, the event is also open to the public on select days until the end of November. Visitors can participate in research studies, speak to experts, attend seminars and participate in workshops. Orsola de Castro, founder of Fashion Revolution, Ugandan designer Bobby Kolade and British writer John Thackara are among those who have attended the Hub.
Professor Sharon Baurley, Director of the Materials Science Research Centre at the RCA and one of the organisers of the Hub, offers TVOF a virtual tour and speaks on public engagement, the significance of materials circularity, the emotional value of clothing and public policy. Edited excerpts:
