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Design+ Traditional handcrafting and sustainability

Figure 6. Absorption and scattering coefficients, along with colorimetric values of dyed cotton fabrics
Notes: CIELab color coordinates: L* indicates lightness value; a* represents lum- and tin-mordanted dyed fabrics support redness; b* signifies lum- and
tin-mordanted dyed fabrics support slight yellowness; C* refers to Chroma (color intensity or saturation); H* represents Hue angle (the type of color – red,
yellow, green, etc.); and ΔE indicates color difference (the perceived difference between two colors). Data were extracted from Kumbhar et al. 52
Abbreviations: K: Absorption coefficient; S: Scattering coefficient.

idea that product quality and longevity are more important • Handmade garment construction: Techniques such as
than overconsumption. The use of fabrics that foster traditional hand sewing remain integral to garment-
collaboration and solidarity contributes to community making in countries like India and Morocco 58,59
building. 53 • Knitting: Knitting continues to be a widely practiced
Ethical consumption is also central to this discussion. craft associated with sustainable fashion, especially
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Brown and Vacca analyzed how traditional production within the slow fashion movement. Small-scale
techniques can contribute to sustainability by combining producers employing this technique – both in
cultural heritage with contemporary fashion practices. developed and developing countries – often promote
The importance of consumer participation in supporting local production, material reuse, and the use of natural
60-62
sustainable practices is also highlighted by Karaosman fibers such as organic cotton and recycled wool.
et al., who examined how localized production systems These practices not only support the economic
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can enhance sustainability through conscious consumption. sustainability of local communities but also integrate
traditional values into the modern fashion industry
Frater and Hawley emphasize the importance of • Felting: Wool felting remains particularly important
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collaboration between designers and traditional artisans, in regions such as Central Asia and the Alps and is
demonstrating how such partnerships can create new recognized for its ecological benefits. This technique
products that respect cultural heritage while supporting has re-emerged in sustainable fashion, emphasizing
environmental sustainability. the use of natural raw materials while avoiding
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Moreover, international literature highlights the chemical processes in textile production. In addition,
growing integration of traditional clothing techniques into designers now use felted fabrics to create products with
contemporary fashion practices as a means of promoting high esthetic and cultural value, thereby enhancing
ethical consumption. Gwilt and Rissanen report cases sustainability and authenticity. 64,65
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in which international designers collaborate with local The fashion value chain refers to the process that a
artisans, combining creative design with cultural heritage product undergoes from production to consumer sale. It
to produce unique products that appeal to sustainability- includes steps such as design, production, distribution,
conscious consumers. and retail. A well-organized value chain can enhance
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4.2. Traditional techniques and the fashion value economic sustainability by identifying ways in which
chain traditional techniques can be integrated into contemporary
practices (Figure 7).
Traditional techniques and crafts in fashion are 67
key components of cultural heritage and economic According to Bassett, the production of cotton
sustainability. These include: fabric through traditional methods in West Africa not
• Weaving art: Techniques such as ikat, in which yarn only promotes the local economy but also reinforces
is dyed before weaving, are well-established in many the cultural identity of the producers. These techniques
cultures, including Indonesian traditions 55 create unique products that embody the collective voice
• Embroidery: Traditional kantha embroidery from of communities, strengthening the emotional connection
Bengal is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship 56 between consumers and the products.
• Natural dyeing: Techniques such as shibori, widely Similarly, Andorfer and Liebe examined how ethical
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practiced in Japan, use natural dyes and reflect region- consumer practices are influenced by both product
specific methods of textile coloring 57 information and the ethical dimensions of production.

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/DP025190027