Speculative Stuff
2023 - 2024 Student Works
* The intellectual property rights of each work are owned by each student.

Fashion Trends 2040; One LAST Piece















KAYEONG LEE







 It is widely known that the fashion industry has a crucial influence on the environment. According to a news article, the UN reported that the fashion industry accounts for about 8-10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater. The side effect of the industry is not limited to the environment. To produce large amount of clothing in a short time with low production cost, fast fashion is dependent on the exploited labor force in developing countries where working condition is not safe and the laborers’ rights are not protected. However, there are still numerous people who do not care about the seriousness of problems that comes from consumption of fast fashion, or even do not know the issues that fast fashion industry causes.

In 2040, the environmental issues caused by the fashion industry get worse. C-island, which is an island of clothing debris, has been growing its size in a rapid speed than ever before. The Fashion Issue Research(FIR) announced a report that there would be no resources left for the essential textile industry in a few decades because of numerous amount of clothing produced newly every year. The Paris Agreement 2038 was adopted by 201 Parties at the United Nation Fashion Industry Conference (UNFIC) in Paris, France on 13 January 2038. According to this agreement, a policy that limits individuals’ purchase of clothing is conducted in each country. Because of this policy, individuals cannot buy more clothing if they have already bought the number of garments that is determined by the government. If a customer goes to a store and wants to buy garments, he or she should be checked by a clerk whether available to buy clothing before the purchase by using a customer information system installed in the cashier. 

As many fashion lovers are frustrated at this reality, because they cannot try various styles, the new trend that can satisfying their requirements has appeared. Especially, one piece that can be worn in various ways are popular among fashionistas. It is different from reversible clothing existed before, in that ‘a’ dress can be worn in more than 90 styles. This type of garment was first designed by Korean fashion brand named ‘LeeHan’, which was established by two young designers, Kelly Lee and Jonathan Han. Kelly Lee interviewed in VOGUE that “As ‘One LAST Piece’ did, we want to continuously figure out the ways both fashionistas and Earth can be happy with our clothing.”





2023



Speculative Stuff



Speculative Stuff documents the design works of Yonsei University's Integrated Design undergraduate students, showcasing South Korea's first speculative design course. Led by Hyunjae Daniel Shin (Assistant Professor) and Eun Sun Park (Lecturer), our 16-week program blends theoretical lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises.

This course aims to foster the ability to understand and speculate about macro and micro changes in technology, culture, society, and the environment through everyday products and services in future contexts. By using future scenarios, comedy techniques, and preposterous worldbuilding, students develop a critical perspective on alternative futures.