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Rehla Design collaborated with Graphite Studio, Nextevo™, PYPR and Tarkus Interiors to create an interactive exhibition titled Fashion Waste Illustrated. Presented at Raffles City Shopping Mall during Singapore Design Week 2023 (21 September – 01 October), the exhibition explored the urgent issue of textile waste through design, data, and storytelling.
At the heart of the installation was a striking data visualisation using recycled clothing. T‑shirts were suspended on bamboo poles, each representing a year of Singapore’s textile and leather waste statistics. Viewed collectively, the rows of garments revealed the dramatic rise in textile consumption over the past two decades, offering visitors a tangible perspective on the scale of the problem.
Beyond visual impact, the exhibition posed critical questions: How can we extend the lifespan of our textiles? What role do rewearing, recycling, and swapping play in reducing waste? To address these, the showcase introduced audiences to sustainable textile innovations and provided accessible insights into the lifecycle of fabrics. A curated glossary highlighted natural, regenerated, recycled, and organic fibres, helping visitors understand the materials shaping a more responsible fashion industry.
Interactivity was central to the experience. Visitors were invited to engage directly with the exhibition by trying on and photographing themselves in playful hats crafted by textile artists using eco‑friendly fibres. This participatory element transformed the exhibition from a passive display into a memorable, hands‑on encounter with sustainable design.
Through collaboration and creativity, Fashion Waste Illustrated successfully combined education, engagement, and design innovation. By visualising data with recycled materials and encouraging public interaction, the exhibition not only raised awareness of Singapore’s growing textile waste but also inspired audiences to rethink their relationship with clothing and embrace more sustainable practices.