AgendeR Circular Apparel

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The project ARCA (AgendeR Circular Apparel) experiments with a European transnational co-design and co-creation process to develop the prototype of an Agender Circular Capsule Wardrobe (ACCW) inspired by the three participating European cities, as well as an associated open-source digital tutorial. The project aims to provide high quality education and training programmes in sustainable fashion through a transnational phygital circular training model. By promoting equal access to quality education in the cultural and creative industries, the project aims to equip emerging and established professionals with the conceptual tools and practical knowledge to address issues of sustainability and inclusion in the fashion industry. ARCA project creates a new system of collaboration and knowledge sharing between organisations with complementary skills and scopes, including baumhaus (IT), a social cooperative specialising in the innovation of learning practises in CCIs and targeting disadvantaged people; Studio Lantoki (SPA), a SME founded by slow fashion designers and specialising in online fashion courses; and Circular Berlin (GER), a non-profit organisation promoting the circular economy through knowledge building and practical programmes, with a specific unit on Fashion and Textiles. Work packages include: an open call and mentoring programme for emerging designers; three offline training courses on circular sewing, business modelling, and marketing and communication for inclusive and circular fashion (100 training hours); the creation of a digital tutorial on circular and inclusive fashion (user tested and validated); and an exhibition to showcase the ACCW capsule collection and introduce the tutorial to relevant stakeholders. Through practical and narrative means, the project shows how European creatives and professionals can work together to create a more equitable, sustainable and desirable fashion system and labour market.