Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology

Department

Fashion Business

First Advisor

Amanda Casarez

Second Advisor

Ameli Skoglund Blaser

Third Advisor

Chajuana Trawick Ferguson

Abstract

This thesis explores how slow fashion principles contribute to the longevity and cultural significance of iconic garments. Using qualitative research methods, including historical analysis, literature review, and practice-based design research, this project analyzes and recreates six iconic garments: the little black dress, trench coat, wrap dress, shift dress, wide-leg trouser, and women’s suit. The research investigates couture-level construction techniques, sustainable materials, and timeless silhouettes, demonstrating how these strategies can extend garment lifespan and foster emotional attachment between consumers and clothing. Ultimately, the research concludes that slow fashion provides a practical framework for creating durable, meaningful garments that support both environmental sustainability and long-term cultural relevance within the fashion industry.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: Fast fashion creates significant environmental and ethical consequences, including excessive textile waste, high water consumption, and worker exploitation, while promoting a "take, make, dispose" linear economic model. 

  • The Method: Qualitative research integrating historical analysis of six iconic garments, literature review of slow fashion pillars, and practice-based design research involving the creation of a six-look sustainable collection. 

  • Quantitative Finding: The project analyzes and recreates 6 specific iconic garments; the fast fashion model translates runway trends to retail in weeks rather than months; synthetic materials in landfills can take up to 300 years to decompose compared to 3–5 years for chemically treated biodegradable alternatives. 

  • Qualitative Finding: Slow fashion longevity is driven by three pillars of sustainability, ethical production, and timeless design; iconic status is achieved through adaptability, couture-level craftsmanship, and cultural resonance; consumer adoption is hindered by an "attitude-behavior gap" and price perception. 

  • Finding: Iconic garments like the little black dress and trench coat provide a practical framework for sustainable design by fostering emotional attachment and maintaining structural integrity across decades. 

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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