Slow Clothes

Sustainability activity represented through architecture.

“Slow Clothes” represents a closed-loop system aimed at increasing the sustainability of fashion.  Bespoke clothes are generally expensive and highly-valued, and Lochlan has taken this principle and expanded it to create a large-scale venue and eco-destination.  The project is interesting because it has created a specific site for the making of the garments.

The system integrates the process, the makers, the clients and the site.  Materials arrive in raw form to be spun, woven, designed and made to order in a ongoing relationship with the consumer.  Consumers can be involved in any or all stages of the process.  This is quite different from the current models of production and consumption which most often have no contact between the maker and the consumer.

The architecture has been designed to enable and represent the flow of the clothes, the processes and the consumers through the building.

It is interesting that such an ancient craft has been housed in such a modern building.  This contributes to the perception-shift of the value of the garments, from self-made to hand-made to bespoke, or tailored. These definitions are all true but carry different connotations of value, and the goal of reintroducing preciousness and therefore preservtion and longevity into the fashion industry is perhaps best assisted by the highest perception of value.

Designer

Mikael Teh

Domain

Architecture

Studio

Consuming 2032

Studio Leader

Rexroth Mannasmann Collective
Kirsty Fletcher and Brenton Weisert