Have you ever wondered about the environmental impact of your favorite pair of jeans?
This seemingly simple question, yet one with profound implications, inspired the “Sustainable Jeans Challenge,” an initiative involving the students of H-FARM International School. The challenge invited them to reflect on their consumption choices in the fashion world and to imagine a more sustainable future for the industry, with a specific focus on denim. Developed in collaboration with the textile company Berto, the project posed an ambitious yet necessary challenge to young designers: rethinking the future of sustainable fashion by exploring creative new ways to produce garments and accessories using the much-loved, yet problematic, denim fabric.
Did you know that producing just one pair of jeans requires about 7,500 liters of water?
With the same amount, a person could drink for seven years.
It is well-known that fashion, especially fast fashion, is one of the major contributors to global pollution. However, many may not realize just how impactful the production of jeans is. The dyeing and treatment processes for denim release toxic chemicals into the environment, while the massive use of pesticides for cotton cultivation threatens ecosystems and local communities. This highlights the urgency of creating new, more respectful and sustainable solutions.
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In this effort, Berto proved to be an excellent partner. A historic Italian company specializing in fabric production, Berto has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its production processes. Following an in-depth presentation by the company to educate students on the industry’s key issues and the complexities of garment production, the students delved into designing creative and sustainable proposals using the denim fabric provided by Berto, guided by sketches, technical drawings, and mood boards.
The goal: to propose solutions for a more responsible future.
For instance, to address the damage caused by the rapid turnover of collections and the compulsive consumption of disposable clothing, the winning student of the competition designed a pair of adjustable jeans. Using a system of zippers, the jeans can change in length and pattern, making them versatile for every season and extending their lifespan and usage over time.
Valentino – MYP4 Student
“I really appreciated this competition because it ties into my career aspirations, as I want to become a designer. It gave me the opportunity to think outside the box, especially because I’m a man, and they wanted to create something for women.”
The project proved to be a valuable learning experience. Not only did it allow the students to develop skills in design and project planning, but it also raised their awareness of the environmental consequences of traditional fashion. It encouraged them to reflect on solutions for a more sustainable future.
Flavio Berto, CEO of Berto Industria Tessile
“Seeing young people focus on sustainability as they build their world is truly wonderful.”
This collaboration between H-FARM International School and Berto represents much more than just a school project: it is a seed planted in the fertile soil of innovation, where education and industry come together to cultivate change.
Rethinking the future of fashion is not just one of many options; it is the only acceptable path. Today, our young designers have proven this. Their creations, born from the fusion of environmental awareness and creativity, are proof that change begins in the classroom, where the new generations are already weaving the fabric of a more sustainable tomorrow, one garment at a time.
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