An investigation into how to make designer fashion in Thailand more ethical and sustainable

Many fashion brands issue multiple collections per year instead of the traditional two. This has resulted in the fashion industry creating over twice the amount of clothing that it did two decades ago, and generating around 8-10% of all global CO2 emissions. It is predicted that the negative environmental impacts of the industry will escalate substantially by 2050.The exceptional popularity for fast fashion has led to many local brands constantly competing with each other to meet high demand. This trend is unsustainable and substantially uses up precious resources, including high quantities of water. A better alternative that still taps into people’s desire to dress stylishly and take pride in their appearance is needed to address such issues.This thesis investigates how to create a slow fashion brand that leads by example on how to make fashion more sustainable and ethical, and how its approaches could be adopted by others to spread this initiative. It is worthy of note that members of the public are increasingly interested in the concept of slow fashion and being seen to do the right thing, suggesting that there is a real opportunity to successfully develop such an initiative.Making high-quality slow fashion that is designed to timelessly retain its style over a prolonged period of use can greatly enhance the green credentials of the fashion industry. Such fashion can create a sense of pride in its wearers, who actively demonstrate by the clothing they wear with pride that they care for the planet and its future.With slow fashion, high emphasis is placed on quality over quantity, where frequently worn designs can be paired with existing outfits and timeless design. It is suggested that is fits in with the late King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and should find a place in the hearts of Thais.