Fashion systems of earth logic and transition for this time and place
Time and place are central concepts to the dynamic system and phenomenon of fashion. Yet, perhaps for the first time in history, fashion seems to be out of sync with the values, mindsets and wisdom of this time and this place. Despite fashion’s claim to be situated in the ‘now’ or an idealized future, much of what we think and know about clothing from production, design, aesthetics, use and disposal speaks to, and is from, another time and place ‐ the past ‐ when our relationship with and understanding of our place in nature and the earth was markedly different. Western exceptionalism has led to a superiority of thought and action, as we have deemed ourselves to be above and apart from nature. We behave like the planet’s resources and capacity are infinite and limitless, ours for the taking. An anthropocentric, reductionist, modernist, colonial, capitalist, materialistic growth logic has ruled our thinking, actions and conception of time and place. It is clear that the construction of this ‘place’ or system does not consider planetary boundaries or a multiplicity of voices, particularly Indigenous voices. This exploratory design article was conducted through the lens and methodology of Transition Design, and builds on the work of the Earth Logic Fashion Action Research Plan, to acquire new insights to develop a roadmap for change through recommendations for new models, methods and mindsets. As the models of the past have abruptly stopped or been put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article seizes this moment and this place to open new entry points for change. It asks us to deeply examine and reimagine the fashion system as part of nature, a ‘whole place’ that honours and is conscious of all worldviews and different modalities of time.