A Study of Wasteland Fashion Style for Sustainable Fashion Design

Abstract

As the global environmental crisis worsens, the fashion industry grapples with issues of resource overconsumption and pollution, leading to a growing emphasis on sustainable fashion design. However, current sustainable fashion often lacks innovation and market appeal. This study seeks to incorporate the aesthetic of post-apocalyptic wasteland style into sustainable design, promoting the reuse of discarded materials and addressing diverse market demands, thereby offering significant research value. Grounded in the principles of sustainable development, the study explores the application of wasteland style in sustainable fashion design through a literature review and case studies. A total of 261 runway images from brands such as Demobaza, Hamcus, No Faith Studios, Acne Studio, and Balenciaga (2018-2024) were analyzed to assess their sustainable design philosophies and the characteristics of wasteland-style clothing, focusing on design techniques, color, and materials. The findings indicate that wasteland style utilizes durable materials, upcycling, deconstruction, and irregular cuts to demonstrate adaptability to resource-scarce environments and a respect for material history. This design approach not only aligns with contemporary aesthetics but also encourages consumers to shift from overconsumption to rational consumption. In doing so, it raises awareness of environmental and resource issues while providing theoretical insights for designers on balancing trend responsiveness with environmental responsibility.