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Special Interest Group

Research and Innovation in Fashion Education

Student working with notebook open.
Student working with notebook open.
Alena Jarrett, 2023 BA Contemporary Media Cultures. London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

The RIFE group champions research in fashion education through rigorous, practice informed, and evidence-based approaches to learning and teaching. Focusing on pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, educational technology, and creative skills development, the group explores how education can respond to changing industry, cultural, and technological contexts. Through collaborative research and innovation, RIFE supports student success, academic development, and new approaches to excellence in fashion education.

Miniature mannequins in paper dresses.
Beyond the Bin: Weaving a zero-waste mindset into the future of fashion | Centre for Fashion Business | London College of Fashion

Beyond the Bin: Weaving a zero-waste mindset into the future of fashion

This cross-disciplinary project explored how sustainable design can be embedded directly into fashion education by turning material constraints into creative opportunities. Bringing together students and alumni across multiple fashion disciplines, the workshops tested new approaches to pattern cutting and creative practice that reduced fabric waste while encouraging experimentation and innovation. Through collaborative making, research, and evaluation, the project demonstrated that sustainability can enhance rather than limit creativity. Participants developed more thoughtful and holistic design approaches, while findings showed measurable shifts in both waste reduction and creative confidence. By rethinking pedagogy and diversifying design methods, the project highlights how fashion education can equip future designers to create responsibly, collaboratively, and imaginatively.

Research lead

Gintare Jankuniene

Research team

Gintare Jankuniene, Dr Jekatarina Rogaten and Dr Eve Lin

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR