Upcycle Fashion Product Development: A Case Study of Products from Waste Fabric In Watthana Nakhon Distric, Sa Kaeo Province

Abstract

The research, “Upcycled fashion product development: a case study of products from fabric waste in Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province”, aims to help develop community products from the upcycle concept in order to create jobs, generate income, reduce inequality in society and promote awareness of environmental conservation. Data were collected by field work to visit and study the villagers’ skills and abilities. Primary and secondary data were collected as a guideline for product design and development. Brainstorming sessions took place to define the concepts and style of the new product to design a prototype to meet the needs of the target group. Data were also collected from a survey of the target group to find popular fashion products possible for manufacturing in the community and meet the demand both in style and price before producing the prototype with the technique of upcycling the waste fabric from factories. This research yields a prototype of upcycled fashion products from industrial waste fabrics. The results are 10 outfits of menswear and womenswear suitable for the lifestyle and taste of the Gen Y group that can be worn daily. The products are of street wear style which is easy to wear. It is a solution to the waste fabric production problem. Another outcome is a guideline to present the products via online and offline media to reach the target group directly. This research is consistent with the Circular Economy trend that is environmentally friendly, reduces waste, creates value, presents another option for the fashion industry and generate sustainable income for the community.