SUSTAINABLE FASHION & UPCYCLING

 Overview:

This week introduces the environmental, ethical, and cultural importance of sustainable fashion. Students explore the current issues caused by fast fashion and the potential of circular and ethical alternatives. They also gain an understanding of the basics of upcycling as a sustainable practice.

Key Learnings:

• Environmental and social impact of the fashion industry
  
• Lifecycle of clothing and the problem with fast fashion
  
• Ethical labor practices and sustainability certifications
  
• Introduction to eco-friendly fabrics and production methods
  
• Core concepts and history of upcycling in fashion
  

End Result:

Students will be able to analyze fashion products critically, explain sustainability challenges, and identify opportunities for upcycling.

 Overview:

Students gain hands-on skills in transforming old clothes into functional or fashionable items. Focus is on practical upcycling techniques, sourcing discarded materials, and using basic sewing methods creatively.

Key Learnings:

• Basic upcycling techniques: cutting, stitching, repurposing
  
• Sourcing old garments and household textiles
  
• Customization: dyeing, patchwork, embroidery, appliqué
  
• Reworking items like jeans, shirts, scarves, curtains into new pieces
  
• Sewing essentials for DIY upcycled projects
  

End Result:

Each student will create at least one small upcycled fashion item (e.g., tote bag, headband, patchwork accessory) and demonstrate an understanding of creative reuse.

 Overview:

This week bridges creativity with entrepreneurship. Students learn to design upcycled fashion thoughtfully, understand current trends, and explore the business and technological side of sustainable fashion.

Key Learnings:

• Fashion design process for upcycled clothing
  
• Trend analysis and how upcycled fashion fits in globally
  
• Business models for sustainable brands
  
• Role of technology: fabric innovation, digital design, virtual fashion
  
• Activism and global sustainable fashion movements
  

End Result:

Students will develop a concept board for a mini upcycled collection or brand idea, aligning their vision with sustainability values and market relevance.

 Overview:

The final week is about execution, styling, and showcasing. Students complete their final upcycled garment or fashion item and present their creations with a story behind the design, sourcing, and transformation.

Key Learnings:

• Personal styling with upcycled pieces
  
• Principles of circular fashion and long-term sustainability
  
• Final garment creation: cutting, sewing, finishing
  
• Presentation and storytelling of upcycled fashion
  
• Peer feedback, reflection, and course wrap-up
  

End Result:

Each student will complete a final upcycled garment or accessory, styled and presented with a short explanation. They receive feedback and a certificate of completion.