Uniform Utilization

Incorporating sustainability in design is a way to make a statement. Those who embrace it are sending a message to the world that they are creative, resourceful, and most of all conscious of the future. One individual has found a unique way to send a sustainable message to the world with the use of style. The approach---also a woman’s wardrobe staple—is the little black dress. The innovative individual demonstrating this fashion statement is Sheena Matheiken. Sheena has made a commitment to wear the same little black dress every day for a year. What exactly is the motive behind such madness? Sheena has decided to exercise sustainable fashion by promoting a yearlong fund-raiser called the Uniform Project. The Uniform Project raises money for the Akanksha Foundation, which is opening schools for children in India’s slums. By wearing her dress for 365 days, Sheena has gained attention worldwide. This international interest has not only highlighted the importance of sustainability but also the importance global issues.

            This new spin on fashion design teaches a lesson in working with what you have. Sheena’s inspiration was initiated by constraints. Sheena grew up in India where uniforms were mandated in most public schools. The requirement of such limited wardrobe choices encouraged both her and fellow classmates to spice up their ensembles with accessories. However, little did these school systems know that such a design restriction would arouse a future crusade for educational provision in India.

            Sheena’s efforts are inspiring. Though we may not all have a little black dress to don each day for a year, we can surely do our best to follow her example. Anyone can promote sustainability or better yet, combine such efforts with charitable donations. As much as the environment needs to be nourished, so does our society, and design provides the assets to do so.

            A little black dress can be accessorized and reused over and over again. Sheena’s efforts are the perfect illustration of design salvage. Design is a key element in sustainability and can be used to make a statement or support a cause, as seen in the Uniform Project. Just like Sheena’s little black dress, design is applied 365 days a year. But the question is, just how much do we actually utilize design? Design possesses infinite possibilities, but it is up to us to take advantage of its prospects.

 

Image Source: http://theuniformproject.com/home/daily/t-g-i-f-.html?outfit=529&month=October

 

Blog Source: http://theuniformproject.com/