Samenvatting

This thesis explores the issue of overconsumption in the fashion industry and investigates how circular design and consumer education can encourage longer garment use. While awareness of sustainability has increased, many consumers still struggle to translate this into action. Through primary research—including a survey and interviews with both consumers and a sustainability professional—it became clear that people are interested in keeping their clothes longer but often lack the knowledge, tools, or confidence to do so. Key factors such as garment quality, personal style relevance, and emotional value emerged as central to increasing clothing longevity.
To address this, the project resulted in an educational exhibition titled Changing Patterns – Unravelling Consumption, hosted at Bomb the Brand’s Amsterdam store. It includes a modular, multifunctional statement piece made from secondhand fabrics and deadstock trimmings, designed to reduce the need for new purchases. The exhibition combines storytelling, data, and hands-on workshops to inspire visitors to rethink their consumption habits in a fun and accessible way. By connecting design, education, and real consumer behavior, this project offers a practical and engaging response to fashion’s overconsumption crisis.