Frances Brunner

“I believe one of the core questions we must ask in regards to sustainability is: “Can we actually sustain this?” As a core personal value, I find it appropriate to ask this question, as it applies to all areas of my life. With a holistic perspective, I consider sustainability as a designer from the design, production, consumer value, and life cycle of a garment, but more importantly, how my designs impact individuals body, mind and soul. I truly seek to create and practice sustainable systems that support this evolution of positive transformation in the fashion industry and all those involved, from creator to consumer. Sustainable fashion for me is non-negotiable respect for the planet we call home and all those who live there. I want to be a sustainable fashion designer because I believe it is possible. I believe in innovative minds and collaboration across the global community to help reframe how we create, relate, and retire products. To me, the journey towards sustainable fashion involves a deeper transformation beyond fashion but also that of humanity.”

In 2023, Frances was a finalist for the Redress Design Award. Here’s what she said about her designs:

“I explore how the ego is expressed in fashion and how we can rewrite the exploitative narrative through sustainable textile development made from reprocessed jeans. The ego, fueled by the exploitation of workers and the planet’s natural resources, is the constant influence that drives our decisions, responses, and creations. Understanding this ego, we build a more sustainable industry fueled by the holistic wellness of people and the planet. “Deniim” was developed by needle-felting denim shoddy (reprocessed denim fibers) to second-hand patchworked denim. This innovative, sustainable material adds aesthetic value, aids in noise-pollution reduction, and thermal retention. Incorporating “Deniim” with sustainable production techniques like zero-waste patterns, upcycling, and reconstruction, I created a 4-look collection, showcased at the 2023 Redress Design Awards in Hong Kong.”

Read more about Frances and the Redress Design Award.