THE WARDROBE OF
THE FUTURE
If we can imagine a fashion revolution,
we can make it happen!
What will we be wearing in the future? Clothes made of flowers, fungi or seaweed? Highly personalized, made-to-measure garments? Digital collections for our online personas only?
We can’t predict the future, but we do have the power to shape it. And it’s clear that the time has come for the textiles, clothing and fashion industry to completely reinvent itself. At the moment, the global fashion industry is a source of negative social and environmental impacts. But what if we could change fashion into a force for good?
Transitioning from an outdated fashion system towards something new means influencing a multitude of dynamic components. The first step, however, is to free our minds.
In this exhibition, the Aalto University community is reimagining fashion for a sustainable future. We’ve pinpointed some of the critical components of the fashion ecosystem and value chain, and curated a collection of innovations for display. These novelties aren't design science fiction: they’re already well on their way to becoming reality!
Step inside the Wardrobe of the Future and explore some fashion scenarios real enough to feel possible!
The textiles and fashion industry is not something that happens far away from everyday life — we’re all tangled up in it!
A true fashion revolution calls for innovation, tougher regulation and attractive incentives for sustainable business. But its success is also dependent on a wider cultural change. A shift in our collective values will push the industry to do things differently.
Therefore, we want to invite you to join us in taking action. To get the ball rolling, we are sharing some practical tips on how to create a healthy, ecologically and ethically sound wardrobe. How could a sustainable lifestyle manifest itself in your own personal lifestyle?
Go to @aaltoarts on Instagram for tips, tricks, and inspiration!
We are Aalto University, a community and network of academics, designers, artists, scientists, engineers, writers, doers, thinkers, innovators, businesses, brands, consumers and citizens. We believe that if we can imagine radical, revolutionary change, we can make it happen, too.
Interested in collaboration? Contact Aalto University: communications@aalto.fi
Photos:
Sofia Ilmonen's green and cochineal red modular dresses. Photo: Sofia Okkonen
Dyer's woad blue jacket designed by Arttu Åfeldt and Kirsi Niinimäki. Photo: Eeva Suorlahti
Shimmering Wood sneaker by Noora Yau & Konrad Klockars, photo: Kalle Kataila
The Wardrobe of the Future
Concept, curation, production:
Aalto ARTS Communications / Sini Koskimies, Enni Grundström & Krista Kinnunen
Visual identity & graphic design: Milja Komulainen
Physical exhibition architecture & woodwork: Saara Kantele, Studio Kantele
Original exhibition design concept: VISA Interiors / Isa Niiranen, Vivi Sundquist
The physical exhibition structure utilises demolition and construction waste materials, a poorly-utilised waste stream we have plenty of. A big thank you to Purkupiha Group for the recycled wooden construction materials and to Laattapiste & Interface for the carbon negative (cradle-to-gate) The Embodied Beauty™ carpet tiles!
A warmhearted thank you to all creators, collaborators and facilitators:
FINIX: Kirsi Niinimäki, Minna Halme, Sini Suomalainen
Ushnah Amjad, Kirsti Cura, Janne Halme, Sofia Ilmonen, Markus Joutsela, Katariina Järvinen, Pirjo Kääriäinen, Julia Lohmann, Marimekko, Riikka Olli, Nina Pulkkis & Geza Szilvay, Irene Purasachit, Niko Rintala & LAB University of Applied Sciences, Marja Rissanen, Sini Saavala, Emilia Ståhlhammar, Hannu Tanner & VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Noora Yau & Konrad Klockars, Paul Mesarcik, Mikko Ristimäki, Jari Simanainen, Enni Äijälä & Designs for a Cooler Planet
English proofreading by Liisa Muinonen
Built with Shorthand