RECYCLED & SEXY : Plastic in The Ocean

For this Project I addressed the issue of plastic pollution found in the water and the part the consumer, producer and designer play in the consumption and production of garments. I developed my own business plan for the production of several models of clothes made with recycled plastic bottles and I also worked in the development of my own personal language and aesthetic to make the clothes appealing to the young consumer who for me is the most influential actor after the designer.

I focused on the pollution that starts in our homes and that consists on the billions of invisible microfibers that are released in the washing process of most of our plastic-based clothes. The traveling of this microfibers and its release of toxic content through our washing machines all the way to the ocean and into the diets of our sea creatures has had a destructive effect on sea life and well-being. Trying to approach an easy solution to the consumer and make him be engaged, I created a few designs of garments that a young audience can find appealing and “cool” and design their constructions in a way that these garments will include filtering material that can become a bag for when washing the clothes with it and that can prevent further pollution.

This project involved me researching other designers and companies that are addressing the problem of microfibers in the water. I was highly inspired by the creation of the GUPPYFRIEND™ Washing Bag which filters microfibers during the washing process. I took a lot of inspiration also in the work of Parley for the Oceans and other important actors like surfer champion Kelly Slater who have been advocating for the cleaning of the water in the last years.

I designed then a jacket that would include a lining inside attached by snaps that would close with zippers and transform into a filtering bag to wash your clothes. I want to also create a small bridge with packaging and find a way to avoid that step, saving material and using the same garment to package itself. 

I then developed other shapes and a whole language of illustrations and prints that would transmit a positive and conscious message to the consumer with the goal to advertise and showcase this mission.