Wellington
NZ
The Dowse
26 Mar – June
2011
New York
US
T. A. C.
10 Sept –
2 Dec
2011
Curators
Exhibition Design
Graphic Design
Digital Design
Approximately fifteen percent of the fabric used to create a piece of clothing ends up in a landfill, but the zero waste fashion design movement aims to change this. In Yield, we see the work of passionate New Zealand and international fashion designers who have a radical ambition – to make fashion without making waste. Zero waste fashion focuses on creating clothes that look good, but leave little or no waste. Historically, all clothes were designed to minimise waste. Left over fabric was never thrown out and patterns were designed like a puzzle, as seen in the Japanese kimono. The industrial revolution changed this approach as cloth became cheaper and seemingly easier to throw away. Zero waste clothing began reappearing in the first half of the 20th century. Contemporary pioneers such as Zandra Rhodes emerged in the 1970s and since then, more designers have started experimenting with designs and smart techniques to eliminate waste - without sacrificing style. One such technique is to create a garment pattern, with gussets, pockets, collars and trims, that fits together like a puzzle. Another is to not cut the fabric, but drape it onto a mannequin, then tuck, layer and sew. Today, zero waste has become a focus for top fashion schools and an inspiration of the truly fashion forward.
