‘a common label’ is a test case and a sample collection for ‘FIXING FASHION’. Before and throughout Dutch Design Week 2019, I tested the first techniques of the collection through a series of interventions and workshops that connected clothing owners to cultivate cultural, ecological, and economic change. This test case enabled us to build the eventual platform ‘FIXING FASHION’ as a mosaic of perspectives and insights. 

We know our current model needs to change. Most of the garments produced now will never be worn or will be worn only a few times. There is more clothing now in landfills than what we wear. The life of garments exists in three general phases: origin, use, and end. Many sustainable fashion efforts focus on the origin of garments. They promote solutions to be purchased, but this has left a gap in methods for the conscious use and end of clothing ownership. ‘a common label’ is for clothing owners, a tool to prolong the use of clothing and alter their end into renewed use. Eventually, ‘a common label’ can cultivate global cooperation in the service of local clothing economies. This is translated into an open-source collection that is not for sale and tutorials on how to care for, repair, and upgrade.

Photography: Louisa Stickelbruck
Styling: Danny Chambers
Art direction and Fashion Design: Alicia Minnaard