Highlander Podcast Charles Ross | Lecturer @ Royal College of Art | Outdoor Product Design & Development
Jun 17, 2024
Charles Ross, a Lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London, dives into the critical interplay between sustainability and aesthetics in outdoor apparel. He discusses the rise of resale culture and its role in reducing textile waste, while critiquing the fashion industry's trend-driven mindset. Ross emphasizes the importance of quality over affordability, particularly for Gen Z buyers, and shares insights on the need for a circular economy to combat environmental impacts. His engaging perspective inspires a new generation of designers toward innovative and ethical practices.
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Aesthetics Drives Purchases; Tech Sells The Story
- Customers buy apparel primarily for aesthetics while brands sell technicality; the split creates opportunity for those who join both.
- Technical advances in yarns mean many everyday fabrics now perform much better than consumers expect.
Use Resale Platforms To Reduce Consumption
- Use and promote resale platforms like Vinted to reduce consumption and extend garment life.
- Encourage students and brands to value secondhand channels as a practical sustainability lever.
Compound Growth Hides Consumption Impact
- Even modest compound growth (3% annually) doubles production over a generation and drives unsustainable consumption.
- Designers must consider degrowth principles alongside product innovation.
