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The future begins with you: Designing sustainable fashion at our Fashion Studio and Textile Lab

The future of fashion is green, and it starts with you. Discover how consumers and creators can reshape the industry for a sustainable tomorrow.

Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, but its environmental impact is hard to ignore. The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater, according to the BBC. While these statistics are alarming, thereā€™s hopeā€”both for consumers ready to make mindful choices and for the next generation of designers being trained to create a more sustainable fashion industry. A perfect example of the latter is IE University’s Fashion Studio and Textile Lab in Segovia. Keep reading to find out more!

What you can do for sustainable fashion as a consumer

Consumer responsability in fashion is very much a thing. The 7 Rā€™s of sustainable fashionā€”Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle and Rotā€”offer a roadmap for adopting more eco-friendly habits.

1. Rethink

Start by reevaluating your relationship with clothing. Do you buy items on impulse or follow fleeting trends promoted by influencers? Fashion doesnā€™t have to mean excess. Embracing outfit repeating and choosing timeless, versatile pieces (also known as having a capsule wardrobe) can reduce your consumption while keeping your wardrobe stylish.

2. Refuse

Say no to unnecessary purchases and fast fashion freebies. If your closet is already brimming with T-shirts youā€™ve worn once, reconsider adding more. Refusing overproduction signals companies to rethink their practices.

3. Reduce

When you do shop, choose quality over quantity. Care for your clothes to extend their lifespanā€”washing less frequently, air drying and mending instead of replacing can significantly reduce waste. Renting outfits for special occasions is another way to enjoy variety without the environmental cost. But donā€™t spill anything that night!

4. Reuse

Donate or sell clothes you no longer need. Better yetā€”aim to wear each item at least 30 times to offset its environmental impact.

5. Repair

Got a torn seam or missing button? Bust out that sewing kit! A little effort goes a long way in reducing textile waste, and many mending techniques are just one tutorial away.

6. Recycle

For clothes that are beyond repair, recycling is a better alternative than sending them to the landfill. Many brands and local centers accept textiles for downcycling into insulation or rags.

7. Rot

If youā€™re working with 100% natural fibers like cotton or linen, composting (or rotting) might be an option. Just ensure all non-biodegradable elements are removed first.

IE Universityā€™s Fashion Studio and Textile Lab: the future of sustainable fashion

But the push for sustainable fashion isnā€™t just happening in consumer spaces. Itā€™s being championed by institutions like IE University, where the Fashion Studio and Textile Lab teaches Bachelor in Fashion Design students to prioritize the planet.

Sustainable fashion designs
Some of our students’ sustainable designs

A hands-on approach to sustainable fashion

At IE University, students dive deep into sustainable design through a combination of traditional and cutting-edge methods. From working with locally sourced wool to experimenting with natural dyeing processes, students develop eco-friendly textiles and learn about the full lifecycle of materials.

The labā€™s facilities also encourage innovation. Students use tools like 3D seamless knitting machines and digital patternmaking software to create zero-waste designs. By combining artistry with technology, theyā€™re redefining whatā€™s possible in sustainable fashion.

Local roots, global impact

IEā€™s focus on sustainability starts close to home. Fiber sourcing prioritizes local materials, such as wool from Castilla, Spain. Thus, minimizing the carbon footprint of transportation. Even the dye garden outside the Textile Lab serves as a living example of sustainability in action, teaching students to work harmoniously with nature.

Preparing future designers for a greener industry

Sustainable fashion students
Working with locally-sourced wool at the Fashion Lab

As they progress, students transition from artisanal techniques to advanced industrial processes, preparing them for careers in a rapidly evolving industry. By the time they graduate, theyā€™ve mastered responsible production methods with the power to challenge the fast fashion status quo.

The power of choice

Sustainable fashion begins with awarenessā€”both as consumers and creators. Whether youā€™re rethinking your shopping habits or dreaming of designing the next green innovation, every decision counts.

At IE University, the message is clear: The future of fashion is in your hands. Will you be part of the change?

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Annie Beasley is a Spanish-American journalist specialized in political journalism and feminist issues. Raised in Galicia, she spent her summers in the US, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Galician.

Her academic journey took her all over Spain. She started at Universidad de Valladolid, where she was a member of a student activist group, then went on to Universidad de ValĆØncia, and finally Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, where sheā€™s currently working and pursuing postgraduate studies in voice acting. Each university offered a unique academic approach, giving her fresh insights into journalistic writing and access to an array of learning opportunities.

During college, she interned as a copywriter at a marketing firm in Madrid and went on to work as a communications specialist at Fractalia, a prestigious cybersecurity company.
Annie currently works at IE University as the editor of Driving Innovation, bringing a fresh, journalistic voice to the blog and focused on delivering insightful, informative content.

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