Importance of design collaborations in clothing practices

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of design collaborations that allow common action, sharing and development in clothing practices that are collaboratively carried out by different designers. For this purpose, the study is carried out at two stages. The first stage of the study involves a literature review that allows the understanding of the topic from a theoretical and conceptual perspective, source interviews and personal photography archives. At the second stage, a ‘capsule collection’ where the designers conducting the study use their independent ideas in design-related processes but act collaboratively in the process of design decision-making is prepared. Three authentic clothing designs included in the collection are discussed in a manner where art acts as a source for fashion, and the theme of the study is structured on the topic of “sustainability”. The traditional fabric called ‘Şile bezi’ is used as the material in the collection, and thus, the sustainability aspect of this weave is also examined. Based on the implementation results where the common conclusions of the designers who participate in the study, it is observed that design collaborations enrich the elements that are used in the design, new and unique ideas emerge, and by sharing the professional knowledge that is gained, existing talents are effectively used, and potential design risks are minimized. According to the result emerging from the design processes of the collection and the common opinions of the designers conducting the study, it is emphasized that new collections may be developed by expanding the scope of the study with new collaborations in which different designers will participate with regional-local brands.