Andria Crescioni denim; Andria Crescioni toile; Loomstate tag, Zero Waste Fashion, Parsons

Parsons The New School for Design and Loomstate have collaborated on a student project to create zero waste denim. On show at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons until February 23, the project is visually explained through pattern pieces, calico toiles, videos and photographs. The project’s winning entry is by Andria Crescioni, whose anorak will be produced as part of Loomstate’s autumn 2011 collection. The duo behind the eco-friendly label, founded in 2004, are Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, who acted as mentors to the students taking this new Parsons’ course, run by Timo Rissanen, assistant professor of Fashion Design and Sustainability and an expert in zero waste fashion.

Designer Andria Crescioni, with Scott Mackinlay Hahn, Simon Collins & Rogan Gregory, Zero Waste Fashion, Parsons

“Zero waste fashion is an innovative design process that produces no fabric waste. In effect, patternmaking becomes an integral part of the process, creating a richer, more sustainable design practice,” said Simon Collins, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons.

Over a 15-week period, Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn helped to educate students on the basics of eco-denim, such as sourcing, dyeing, finishing, and energy consumption with respect to organic denim. They will also continue to mentor Andria Crescioni in the making of her garment from design to final production.

Calico toile; sketches, Zero Waste Fashion, Parsons

“Parsons produces some of the top talent in the industry, and we were impressed with its commitment to challenging students to rethink the design and manufacturing process within the context of sustainability,” said Hahn of Loomstate “We founded Loomstate in 2004 to raise awareness and create demand for certified organic cotton produced through socially and environmentally responsible methods.”

The School of Fashion at Parsons is also involved with other sustainable design projects. The MFA Fashion Design and Society program is researching methods of extending the life-cycle of a garment in collaboration with industry, while the school’s AAS Fashion Marketing and its Communications Design and Technology programs are collaborating with Droga 5 advertising agency to develop a global branding campaign called Wash Cold, which focuses on the benefits of washing garments in cold water to save energy.

School of Fashion, Parsons The New School for Design