THREAD

Born out of dissertation research, the project is the work of Isolde Jaspard Mandy and Josie Warden, two Textile Design students at University College Falmouth.

THREAD is an initiative which aims to improve understanding and communication between emerging fashion and textile designers in the UK and manufacturers in the major Asian production hubs of India and Sri Lanka.

Design education prepares students to fulfill their creative potential but we have found a need for a bridge in understanding between the designs we create and their production abroad. To produce functional, fulfilling and viable designs in the future students need, as part of their education, an insight into the methods, conditions and impacts of production. With growing concerns surrounding sustainable and ethical practice this link is increasingly important. Working to increase awareness and understanding in the new generation of designers will ensure an improvement in communication for the future.

THREAD is a preliminary research trip to visit factories, NGOs and co-operatives throughout the three countries and will result in an online educational resource following the journey.