Sustainable fashion: Students show creative solutions for the future!

Sustainable fashion: Students show creative solutions for the future!

The fashion world is facing profound change as more and more people are thinking about sustainability and responsibility. These themes will be particularly visible at Bangkok International Fashion Week 2025 (BIFW 2025). Here, talented student Angkana Panyadee from Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon presents her new collections that reflect the concept of circular economy.  Siamrath reports that Panyadee uses fashion waste in her designs and incorporates recycled materials to create fresh and innovative clothing.

Behind her collection is not only a creative approach, but also the belief that each individual can contribute to a sustainable fashion industry. For example, she uses techniques such as upcycling and fabric slashing to transform old materials into novel, unique designs. With hand-painted details, she gives each piece an individual touch. In an industry often characterized by overproduction and harmful environmental impacts, this is an important step in the right direction.

A look at the challenges of the fashion industry

Although the fashion industry is growing rapidly, it brings with it significant challenges. The industry produces an impressive 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, 73% of which ends up in landfills or is incinerated. This makes it clear that a rethink is necessary. According to that WWF It is crucial to rethink production and consumption habits in order to reduce the impact on our environment. This includes selecting materials responsibly and valuing existing resources.

Another exciting event that fits into this discussion is Upcycle Fashion Week 2025, organized by the Sizzle Arts Foundation. This event, taking place on February 8, 2025, encourages designers and consumers to transform old, unwanted clothing into new, high-quality pieces. Goals include promoting creative design, supporting independent designers and raising awareness of ethical fashion choices. Upcycling is the key to breaking the harmful cycle of fast fashion.

Sustainability in Fashion: A Shared Endeavor

The combination of art and sustainability is also reflected in the mission of Upcycle Fashion Week, which aims to set new standards in the fashion world. By promoting various creative approaches, the event aims to help lower the carbon footprint and reduce the amount of textile waste.  Here Opportunities to support upcycling are presented, including upgrading old clothing, swapping clothing or supporting sustainable brands. These approaches help steer the textile industry in a circular direction.

In order to effectively overcome the challenges in the fashion industry, all actors – from politicians to producers to consumers – must work together. It's time to prioritize sustainable, long-lasting textiles and question your own consumer behavior. Only together can we give the fashion world a positive turn and ensure that it is in harmony with the environment and people.