Creating fashion apparel with the concept of sustainable transformation using the mannequin-based shaping method

With the growing fashion industry, commercial expansion, globalization, and technological advancements, there is an increasing interest in designing more diverse and visually appealing fashion pieces for consumers. One of the key aspects of fashion evolution in the 21st century is creating competitive designs that attract consumers. Fashion design is a crucial component of the global fashion industry (Al-Ghamdi & Al-Subyani, 2019).
As consumer demand for clothing has increased, fast fashion has emerged to meet these needs. However, this has led to significant environmental pollution. Scientific research indicates that clothing ranks second after food in consumer spending. Consequently, environmental concerns have become urgent, prompting Western countries to integrate sustainability into all sectors, particularly fashion and design (Ahmed, 2019).
Sustainable fashion is a new concept in the fashion world (Ahmed & Shaheen, 2020), aiming to produce clothing that maximizes positive impacts while minimizing negative environmental, economic, and social effects (Moon et al., 2013). Transformative fashion focuses on environmental sustainability through innovative designs that require new design practices emphasizing adaptability (Hazel, 2013). This approach enhances the utility, functionality, and aesthetic aspects of designs, allowing consumers to wear the same outfit in different styles to suit their diverse needs and preferences (Ahmed & Shaheen, 2020).
Fashion designers play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of clothing, which has positive environmental implications. Several studies have explored sustainability in clothing, such as Hur, Cassidy, and Thomas (2013), which examined sustainability in the product lifecycle by involving consumers in sustainable fashion solutions. Hur (2014), which empowered designers to explore sustainability as a tool for improving fashion design. Ferrer (2017), explained the relationship between clothing design and sustainability principles related to social, environmental, and behavioural aspects. Mansour (2017), developed women's clothing designs that could be adjusted while worn by integrating modular design systems with dart manipulation techniques to create unique fashion pieces. Moussa & Abdullah (2020), which explored multi-purpose fashion to enhance product competitiveness at lower costs using circular skirts as a design concept to achieve diverse functional and aesthetic values within a single design. Qadi & Faraj (2021), which developed an e-learning program to raise consumer awareness about sustainable fashion.
Given the importance of sustainability, this study focuses on developing transformative sustainable clothing using the draping technique. Draping is a fashion design method that relies on artistic sensibility, aesthetic appreciation, and the designer’s ability to visualize. It involves directly shaping fabrics on a mannequin to create a harmonious relationship between the design, fabric, body shape, and the designer’s artistic vision, allowing complete creative freedom (Al-Harithi, 2020; Mustafa & Abdul Khaleq, 2018).
Research Problem: The research problem arises from the rapidly changing fast fashion industry, which has numerous negative economic, social, and environmental impacts. This leads to the following research questions: What is the feasibility of developing sustainable women's clothing with a transformative concept using the draping technique? What are the expert evaluators' opinions on the functionality and aesthetics of the newly developed transformative designs? How do consumers perceive and accept the newly developed transformative designs?
Research Objectives: To develop sustainable women’s clothing with a transformative concept using the draping technique. To assess expert evaluators’ opinions on the newly developed transformative sustainable designs. To understand consumer perceptions and acceptance of the newly developed designs. To highlight designers and fashion brands that incorporate sustainability into their products.
Research Significance: Contributing to environmental sustainability by increasing the lifespan, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of clothing while improving consumer usage patterns. Enriching the local market with fashion designs aligned with sustainable fashion trends.
Research Methodology: This study employs both the descriptive and quasi-experimental research methods to achieve its objectives. Descriptive Method: It involves analyzing the phenomenon as it exists in reality and expressing it qualitatively or quantitatively (Bouhouch & Al-Dhunaibat, 2007). This method is used to examine the concept of transformative sustainability and highlight fashion designers and brands that prioritize sustainability. Quasi-Experimental Method: It studies the relationship between variables as they naturally occur without manipulating them (BTS Academy, 2022). This method is used to develop transformative sustainable clothing using the draping technique.
Summary of Results: The feasibility of developing sustainable women's clothing with a transformative concept using the draping technique received a 98% approval rate from expert evaluators. The functional and aesthetic dimensions of the newly developed designs were confirmed with a 96% approval rate by the expert evaluators. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in consumer acceptance levels for the newly developed designs at P < 0.001.