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Design+ Traditional handcrafting and sustainability

related to traditional textile techniques and their role 4.1. Sustainability and ethics in fashion
in sustainable fashion systems and the we-economy The connection between traditional handicrafts and
(ii) The analysis is restricted to English-language sources sustainable, ethical fashion has been highlighted in
published between 2000 and 2024, potentially numerous studies as an effective approach to achieving
excluding relevant regional publications and non- a more responsible and socially equitable production
academic perspectives
(iii) While a wide range of case examples is reviewed, the model. Traditional techniques – which often involve the
use of local, natural materials and handmade production
study does not include original fieldwork or empirical – offer alternative solutions to the dominant industrialized
data and, as such, cannot offer generalized conclusions production system, promoting the concept of slow fashion.
beyond the scope of the reviewed literature.
According to Brown and Vacca, traditional techniques
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4. Content analysis and materials contribute to reducing overconsumption and waste, as
evaluation results production is based on quality and the long-term use of
products rather than rapid consumption and disposal
The content analysis conducted in this review focuses on (Figure 5).
the categorization and interpretation of the main themes
that emerge from the examined sources. Traditional Many traditional practices embody ethical values – such
handicrafts – such as weaving, embroidery, and dyeing as the use of local raw materials and handmade production
with natural pigments – are identified as key elements – which contribute to minimizing ecological impact. The
associated with sustainability in the fashion industry. research conducted by Karaosman et al. notes that dyeing
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Quantitative data from the analysis confirm that with natural colors and using renewable materials – such as
traditional techniques significantly influence fashion cotton and linen – promote environmental sustainability.
For example, the traditional art of fabric dyeing in India
sustainability, not only from an environmental
perspective but also as instruments of social and using natural dyes not only respects the environment but
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economic empowerment. The presence of these themes also supports local communities (Figure 6).
in the literature demonstrates that sustainable fashion is Sustainability and ethics in fashion are critical issues
intrinsically linked to local communities and their cultural in the modern industry, as consumers increasingly seek
traditions, serving as a mechanism for preserving these options that respect both the environment and local
elements within the global market. communities. The slow fashion movement promotes the

Figure 5. Cultural sustainability through craft: An interpretative model. Adapted from Brown and Vacca 49

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/DP025190027