The panel of ‘circular’ system advocates will discuss strategies such as localisation, product stewardship, new business models, co-design, and 3D technology.

Hear how designers, start-ups, and industry might become circular and localised in their practice, and create interventions in the local fashion industry towards systems-level change and sustainable fashion futures. Key issues covered will include:

• What does measurable success look like for circular fashion and how do we better engage brands and retailers to go beyond incremental sustainability measures?

• How can localism offer an opportunity for fashion to become restorative and what are the advantages of circular and localised systems for the fashion industry, the environment and people? 

• Is there new system that offers' the 'right to repair' model, and should we look at making purchases on the potential expected shelf life of a product?

• How can we engage the fashion industry to create best practices by harnessing 3D technology towards sustainable fashion futures?

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Nat Stratos (Nat Stratos Design & Consulting, Neo3DT) and moderated by Ben Kaminsky (Textile Recyclers Australia).

Panel speakers:

• John Gertsakis (Director - Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence; Senior Policy Adviser - Design Institute of Australia)
• Nicoletta Stecca (Director - Circular Economy Victoria)
• Camille J Reed (CEO - Australasian Circular Textile Association (ACTA))
• Natalie Johnson (3D Robe)

The first ten registrations will receive a 3D Designed Zero Waste Organic Cotton Tote Bag with The Original Fabric Comb and a repair kit that includes a Gütermann creativ RPET thread, a button and a sewing needle.

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2021, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.

Image designed by Martina Ponzoni , CLO3D, 2021.