Walking Distance – Fashion on a Different Route. I wrote the preface of "The otherways[project]"

We understand 'the why' behind a circular economy, but what about 'the how'? Sabine Lettmann takes you across a circular fashion system in her fresh-of-the-press Zine publication. Step by step, she explores 'the how' through a conceptual open source collection based on multiple circular design strategies. I am very honoured to have written the preface for a work that inspires to do more and better. Thanks, Sabine for including me and congratulations on the milestone! Read my preface below the image.

The current momentum for a circular economy is undeniable, with companies and governments from all over the world creating circular economy action plans to transition to a society where 'borrow, make, use, return' is central instead of the linear 'take, make, use, waste' approach. 

We understand 'the why' behind a circular economy, but what about 'the how'? As Sabine Lettmann will mention in her collection catalogue, less than 1% of the materials used in garment production are recycled into new garments. Globally only 8.6% of what we use cycles back into the economy. Two years ago, that number was 9.1%. So, amidst all the circularity pledges, action plans, start-ups, academic papers, transition pathways, educational courses, innovations, experimental product lines, books, roadmaps, and so on, the world is getting less circular. We have not (yet) succeeded in figuring out 'the how' behind a circular economy.

Walking Distance – Fashion on a Different Route takes you across a circular fashion system. Step by step, otherways[project] explores 'the how' through a conceptual open-source collection based on multiple circular design strategies. Sabine questions the current notion of competition in the fashion industry and encourages access over possession through sharing garments. She makes creative decisions in her (locally sourced) materials, collaborates with stakeholders at every level of the value chain, calls on all of us to change our perspective from consumer to citizen, and above all, she shifts from individualistic thinking to we-thinking. 

We face global challenges that, by definition, involve everyone. An equitable transition is necessary to create value for all participants in the value chain. Only with diverse voices and solutions will we be able to tackle these so-called 'wicked' problems. When just, fair and inclusive solutions are developed, the industry needs to be able to use them, build upon them, and improve them. Sabine's open-source approach could unleash the full potential of circular manufacturing through a worldwide network of innovators, designers, and activists. 

This catalogue by Sabine Lettmann will broaden your perspective on 'the how' behind a circular fashion system and inspire you to do more and better. I appraise Sabine and her fellow artist and designers: you are walking the talk on this journey!