Tackling Fast Fashion in Year 9 Foundations of Design

As part of Jo Lombardo’s Year 9 Foundations of Design class, students dove into one of today’s most pressing environmental issues: fast fashion. This hands-on project not only sparked creativity but also educated students about the significant impact of their choices on the planet. Through research, design, and action, the class demonstrated how fashion and sustainability can intersect in powerful ways.

Exploring Fast Fashion and Its Impact

The Year 9 Foundations of Design student began by researching fast fashion, looking at its root causes, environmental footprint, and the effects of oil and soft plastic waste. This deep dive into the fashion industry’s environmental impact highlighted just how much it contributes to pollution. Armed with this knowledge, the students were ready to take action. Inspired by War on Waste, they explored innovative ways to address these concerns, from recycling to redesigning old items.

Breathing New Life Into Old Barbie Dolls

In an effort to combat the problem of waste, the students collected old Barbie dolls that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. With these dolls in hand, they were tasked with redesigning outfits using only soft plastics. The project became a unique fusion of creativity and environmental awareness. The students were encouraged to think outside the box, experimenting with materials and design while considering their impact on the planet.

From Inspiration to Design

After conducting their research and exploring new ways to repurpose waste, the students set to work designing their Barbie outfits. Inspired by pop culture icons like Frozen and The Hunger Games, as well as the iconic blue and yellow Ikea colour scheme, each student crafted a design that was as imaginative as it was environmentally conscious. This project not only taught them about design but also gave them the opportunity to engage with critical issues like sustainability and waste management.

Reflecting on the Learning Journey of Fast Fashion

We spoke with some of the students about their design journey and what they learned from this project. Their reflections revealed how the class encouraged them to think critically about the world around them and their role in it. Jo Lombardo’s teaching approach, which always connects lessons to real-world issues, resonated deeply with the students. Through this project, they discovered how their creativity could have a direct positive impact on the environment.

Promoting a Culture of Sustainability

The final step in this project was a Clothes ‘Swap’ Shop, held during the annual Big Day In event, where Korowa raises funds for our sister school in Bangladesh. The Year 9 class used this opportunity to educate the school community about the dangers of fast fashion and to encourage the practice of giving clothes a second life. Students collected donated clothes, which were sold for tokens, promoting the idea of recycling and reusing garments instead of contributing to landfill waste.

Year 9 Foundations of Design: Movement for the Future

The class’s efforts have sparked a conversation that goes beyond their classroom. By showcasing how fashion can be repurposed and recycled, the Year 9 students have set the foundation for a culture of sustainability at Korowa. The hope is to inspire the wider community to adopt practices like clothing swaps and donations, which can help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

At Korowa, we’re proud of our students for leading the charge in tackling fast fashion head-on. Their creativity, dedication, and passion for the environment will continue to inspire others to think more critically about the choices they make. The impact of these actions will extend far beyond the classroom, into the future of both our students and the planet.