Circular Design Strategy
Circular design: circular economy for fashion
To date, a total of around 90 companies have signed the industry-wide 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment, in which they commit to promoting closed loops in the textile industry, together with HUGO BOSS. The life cycle of the products is extended by returning them to the material cycle at the end of their life, for example, through recycling.
To achieve this goal, the foundation must already be laid in the design phase. This phase determines whether recyclable materials will be used and whether a garment can be broken down into its individual components again at the end of its life. In its Circular Design Strategy, HUGO BOSS is focusing on integrating circular design principles in its collection briefings and train its employees for the design, development, and procurement processes accordingly by 2020.
Targets of the Circular Design Strategy
Circular design principles
By 2020, HUGO BOSS will apply circular design principles based on industry guidance in every HUGO BOSS design brief starting with the Spring/Summer 2020 collection.
Training courses
By 2020, HUGO BOSS will run regular training sessions on circularity, recyclability and the use of sustainable materials, for everyone involved in the design, development and sourcing process.
Digital media library
By 2020, HUGO BOSS will establish a comprehensive digital library, available to all employees, providing information on: Materials and fibers that enable recyclability and circularity, as well as dyeing, treatment and finsihing processes that enable recyclability and circularity.
Information for customers
By 2020, HUGO BOSS customers will have access to more detailed information that will help them care for their products correctly, and in doing so prolong the garments' lifespan.
Circular design for the next generation
Circular design course at the New School’s Parsons School of Design
In collaboration with the renowned New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York, HUGO BOSS held a 16-week seminar on sustainable fashion design and innovation in 2018.
The students were given the assignment of developing a premium circularity concept for BOSS Menswear: Each team was instructed to create an outfit and a prototype, as well as a marketing and sales strategy. To promote exchange between the different disciplines, the project was open to students with a variety of specializations within the school, from fashion design to business administration. In conclusion, the winning teams were selected and awarded scholarships. They also had the opportunity to exhibit their final projects in HUGO BOSS stores in New York.
