Our project brings to light the controversial topic of fast fashion: the negative consequences it has, and what can be done to reduce its impact. This look is a statement of awareness for consumers, a call to action for companies, and a platform to uplift sustainable brands. The Fashion industry is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions and 20% of water pollution worldwide. Over the last two decades society has become more materialistic as consumers buy low quality clothes at low prices. However these products are not designed to last creating huge textile waste. Even as the shirt falls apart the material persists for hundreds of years in a landfill. Additionally, 1.5 trillion liters of water are used every year in textile factories, releasing toxic chemicals and plastic into rivers and oceans. These microfibers are detrimental to marine life, contributing to the death of entire underwater ecosystems. The final heartbreaking effect of fast fashion is its effect on workers. The average salary of a textile workers is about 15 cents an hour far below livable wage. These exploited workers are exposed dangerous machinery, polluted air, and company abuse. The fashion industry an extremely negative impact on the world and so many of these horrors go unseen. 

The audience is first presented with a frilly dress made from tissue paper, but before they can get too comfortable with its bright colors and light appearance, the dress is set on fire and quickly burned away. This dramatic display is meant to illustrate how materialistic society has become and the short lifespan of poorly made garments. Underneath a second, more disturbing, dress is revealed to the audience. This second dress is made of black wire and small scraps of scorched fabric. Each patch is hand-embroidered with designs depicting how microfibers and other plastics are affecting the oceans' wildlife. While these torn pieces bring awareness to the harmful impacts of the industry, the wire tells the story of sustainability. Logos for companies are sculpted into the dress from wire, the most flame resistant and therefore long lasting material. These are brands that help promote sustainable fashion through their use of natural materials, healthy working conditions, and greatly reduced environmental impact. Their dedication to ethical production is what will save the industry.