Made in New York: A Collaborative Model to Encourage Slow Fashion

Abstract

Slow fashion is an emerging movement that encourages local and sustainable fashion design as a community-based approach. There are over 470 sheep, alpaca, and goat fiber farms in New York (NY), as well as fiber processing mills to transform raw fibers into final products. A major issue identified by NY farmers is low income due to difficulties reaching their market. This is a four-part research study that involved (a) the development of the NY Regional Yarn Sourcebook with local yarns sourced from farmers, (b) a survey with NY farmers, (c) an analysis of fibers, and (d) the development of Made in NY scarves based on fiber science data. Using actor–network theory, we aim to develop a collaborative slow fashion model with farmers, fiber scientists, and designers for high-quality product development to support the long-term sustainability of small farms, fiber mills, and local design.