Thoughtful threads: If LS:N Global made… a fashion collection

Flamboyant silhouettes, fairy-tale looks and experimental materials are all very well, but the starting point of our collection would be to build ecological benefits into the production cycle.

To begin with, we would follow in the steps of G-Star RAW and build a team of experts and collaborators to help us develop a manufacturing process that works with the eco-system. From conceptual designers working on bio-synthetic materials to brands pushing the definition of eco-friendliness, we would cast the net wide to find the right materials for our collection.

Each stage of the manufacturing process would be carefully considered and thoroughly explained – full transparency would be our key principle. Following the lead of ethical retailer Zady, we would take a Whole-chain Thinking approach, showcasing every step of the production process and making sure that it is both engaging and beautifully executed, much like the short film explaining a technology developed by fashion house Issey Miyake.

The story of our process and the original materials, be they plastic bags collected from the ocean or home-grown bacterial cellulose, would translate into the tactile and visual qualities of the fabrics, creating a new visual language that fuses natural textures with highly synthetic finishes and treatments. We would create fantastical accessories inspired by flora and fauna, and combine earthy tones with off-beat faux colour accents inspired by the Anti-Materials design direction.

And, finally, our show would captivate the audience with multi-sensory experiences and a surprising narrative. We would go beyond the catwalk routine and stage a satirical play like Opening Ceremony’s 100% Lost Cotton event that would gradually evolve into a visceral and immersive performance inspired by Gareth Pugh’s spring/summer 2015 dance spectacle.

If LS:N Global made… 2014 is a series of reports reflecting the LS:N Global team’s pick of the best innovations of the year, and those that will be most relevant for consumers in the coming year.