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Design+ Traditional handcrafting and sustainability

increasing carbon emissions, depleting natural resources, It advocates developmental alternatives, often in the
generating large volumes of waste, and exploiting workers, form of communities that integrate elements of both
especially in developing countries. 4-8 “traditional” and “modern” cultures, in opposition to
In response to this trend, and as an effort to counteract the global capitalist economy and dominant scientific
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it, the slow fashion movement has gained prominence rationalities. In the context of slow fashion, this
in recent years. This concept has gained increasing approach translates into strategies that foster social
attention in industry trends and marketing strategies, consciousness and environmental responsibility.
drawing interest from a wide range of scholars, designers, Both degrowth and post-growth share the assumption
companies, and consumers. As part of the broader shift that continued economic growth is not necessary to
toward sustainability, both researchers and professionals achieve environmental integrity and human well-being.
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across all sectors are paying greater attention to this They also share common themes – including a critique
issue, as they face the ongoing challenge of balancing of the modern (Western) cultural model, an emphasis on
environmental priorities with business needs. It is difficult autonomy, and a focus on the solidarity-based economy
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to fully describe the concept of sustainability, as it is a model. Through these concepts, they diverge from the
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complex, multi-layered phenomenon with numerous concept of sustainable development and support slow
aspects and interpretations, and lacks a single, universally fashion from fundamentally different ideological and
accepted definition. According to Hethorn and Ulasewicz, strategic perspectives.
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sustainable fashion means “no harm done to people or the
planet, and that a thing or process, once put into action, In this context, the slow fashion movement has
can enhance the well-being of the people who interact with emerged as a growing response, promoting a more
it and the environment it is developed and used within.” conscious and sustainable approach to clothing
production and consumption. This movement falls under
Sustainable fashion has been examined through several an umbrella category that encompasses a wide range of
theoretical approaches, which can be categorized into the practices, along with other dominant movements in the
following three: field – such as the cradle-to-cradle principle, functional
• Sustainable growth: The concept of sustainable design based on human needs and ecological principles,
development emphasizes the preservation of natural alternative sustainable materials (e.g., eco-friendly fibers,
resources and the reduction of environmental recyclable materials), fiber processing methods (e.g.,
footprints through responsible production environmentally friendly dyeing techniques), sustainable
and consumption methods. According to the production methods (zero-waste patternmaking and
United Nations Environment Programme’s report, textile processes, and handcrafting), social responsibility
Designing for Sustainability: A Step-by-Step Approach, (participatory design, ethical labor practices, activist
sustainability involves the creation of products and movements), resource and energy conservation, and
services that address societal needs while minimizing production transparency (garment traceability). 22,23 Slow
environmental impacts throughout their life cycle. In fashion focuses on the quality and longevity of products,
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slow fashion, this approach supports the use of natural thereby enhancing their emotional durability, while also
and recyclable materials, as well as the preservation of incorporating traditional techniques and handicraft
local traditions, with the goal of ensuring long-term methods that are closely tied to cultural heritage and local
environmental and economic well-being. 12,13 economies. Traditional techniques such as weaving,
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• Degrowth: The theory of degrowth rejects the idea embroidery, and dyeing with natural pigments have deep
of continuous economic growth and advocates for roots in human history and are increasingly coming to the
a radical and fair reduction in global production forefront in response to growing demand and the urgent
and consumption. It seeks to redirect the current need for sustainable and ethical production. 25,26
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unsustainable trajectory toward a model centered on
human well-being and broader visions of alternative These techniques promote an alternative approach
futures. 15,16 In the context of slow fashion, this approach to the fashion value chain, linking production with the
promotes small-scale production and the use of local preservation of cultural identities and the support of
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raw materials while limiting overconsumption and the local economic networks. Many of these techniques
commodification of fashion. 17 originate in countries of the Global South (i.e., the world’s
• Post-growth: The concept of post-growth refers to developing and least developed countries), including
alternative frameworks for understanding development India and various African nations, where local garment
beyond traditional economic indicators, emphasizing production relies on handcrafted work. 28,29 Through the
well-being and sustainable resource management. revival of these techniques, slow fashion contributes to
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Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/DP025190027