Jasmine Bonaccorso: Design, Arts, and Technology Capstone Research

  Problem in Fashion : Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, with 99% of clothes ending up in landfills or being burned. The current cycle of fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental harm, and the earth can’t handle the massive amount of waste generated each year. Solution in Prato, Italy : Prato has mastered a process to recycle old clothes into new garments, particularly knitwear and wool, which helps reduce waste. The recycling process is done with minimal environmental impact, reducing CO2 emissions by more than half compared to creating new clothes. The method eliminates the need for dyes and drastically reduces the stress on animals since less wool is required. 15% of the world’s recycled clothes are processed in this small town, showcasing a successful model for global fashion industries. Key Takeaways from Prato's Success : Instead of halting clothing production altogether, the focus should be on recycling and repurposing materials to ...

My Capstone: Creating a Sustainable Swimwear Brand In my capstone project, I am embarking on a mission to launch a swimwear brand that embraces fashion and transparency but also prioritizes environmental sustainability. Every aspect of the brand, from fabric choices to packaging, is designed with eco-consciousness in mind. Our packaging will be entirely biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. One of the key features I want to include is its subscription model, offering subscribers a "mystery piece" each month. This not only adds excitement but also encourages customers to stay engaged with a brand that values both affordability and environmental responsibility. Hopefully, ideas like these will keep customers buying from us, and away from fast fashion swimwear brands. Progress So Far: As I've begun this exciting project, I've started by conducting extensive research into eco-friendly fabric materials. The goal is to ident...