WSU Student Transforms Textile Waste into Eco-Friendly Fashion

Kiah Conway, a junior at Washington State University (WSU), has turned textile waste into wearable art. Conway, studying both apparel design and merchandising, found her interest in sustainable fashion in a WSU storage room filled with unused fabrics and sewing materials. This room, which stores leftovers from student projects, inspired her commitment to sustainability.

During her studies at WSU, Conway has crafted two garments—a dress and a jacket—from these recycled materials. These projects showcase her design skills and her focus on reducing fashion's environmental impact. The materials, destined for landfill, were repurposed through her efforts.

In her design process, Conway explores and experiments extensively. She designed the jacket inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s 'The Starry Night,' applying new layering techniques to achieve an impressionist look. The dress reflects the influence of designer Vivienne Westwood, with Conway adapting her design to the materials at hand.

Conway displayed these garments at WSU’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA), where her work highlighted the possibilities of upcycled fashion. Her designs drew significant attention, emphasizing the role of sustainability in fashion.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.