In the recently published Christian Science Monitor article "Trendy Threads from Waste," contributing writer Micheal Benanav turned to CCA Fashion Design Program assistant professor Lynda Grose and alumna Karina Michel (BFA 2009) for their expertise in designing with sustainability and economy of resources in mind.

Linda Grose: Industry Specialist & Sustainable Design Consultant

Grose is the coauthor of Sustainable Textiles: Life Cycle and Environmental Impact, an industry expert in eco-conscious fashion design, and a sustainability consultant to retailers such as The Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. She cautions, "The fashion industry needs a major makeover—from the farms to the factories. . . . The prevailing business model, which is dependent on producing high volumes of merchandise and pushing it through to retail each season, is inherently unsustainable."

As part of Grose's commitment to global outreach, she will attend the KEA - Københavns Erhvervsakademi international conference Towards Sustainability in the Fashion and Textiles Industry, April 26–27, in Copenhagen. Her program presentation, part of KEA's design/business division, is titled "New Roles for Designers: Making the Links." Learn more »

Karina Michel: An International Alumni Success Story

Michel is the head of nascent design and innovation at Pratibha Syntex, a 4,000-employee textile manufacturer outside Indore, India, that produces organic cotton yarn, fabric, and garments for export and local markets. The eco-conscious company, which specializes in prêt-à-porter, makes garments for Nike, Hanes, Wal-Mart, and Ralph Lauren.

Michel's innovative approach is to redefine textile waste as raw material that can be repurposed, a strategy reflected in LOOP, Pratibha Syntex's latest branding effort of recycled fabric. Since LOOP emerged, the company has reduced specific waste by more than half . . . and forecasts zero waste within two years.

CCA Inspires Sustainable Practices

Teaching its students to design with sustainability in mind, inspiring boundary-pushing design practices that reduce waste—while offering bold and business-savvy work models, and reaching out globally are all inherent goals among students, staff, faculty, and alumni here at California College of the Arts.

It's no surprise that such notable publications as The Christian Science Monitor and Mother Jones have recently targeted CCA's Fashion Design Program to highlight what we've done, what we're doing, and what we've committed ourselves to doing in the future.

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Read Sustainable Fashion a Good Fit for Mother Jones and Fashion Design Faculty Lynda Grose
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Read CCA's recent Media Hits