[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#5aa31a” background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n This section covers the whole process of costume for a production. If you want to jump to a section click here: Ideas<\/a>| Realisation<\/a> | Sourcing<\/a> | Making and Materials<\/a> | Use and Maintenance<\/a> | End of Use<\/a> | Evaluation<\/a> | Suppliers<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”ideas” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sustainability in costume focuses, in conjunction with other endeavours within the entertainment industry, on restoring the balance between humans and the planet. Sustainable transformation in costume involves widening our current approaches to costume work and performance to include life-cycle thinking. Life-cycle thinking explores the loops in a costume\u2019s life, from concept to disposal. Sustainability requires that we question our work conditions, and the materials used to create and maintain\u00a0 costumes, and the effects our actions have on humans and the Earth’s ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n Life cycle thinking includes:<\/span><\/p>\n Life cycle thinking in costume is giving equal priority to all phases of costume making through conscious decisions about materials and processes.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][dipl_image_card title=”Fig 01″ image=”https:\/\/www.theatregreenbook.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1.-NEW-Costume-Lifecycle-Diagram.png” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The life cycle of a costume in a production spans from concept to disposal, potentially influencing new costume designs \u00a9Urs Dierker<\/span><\/p>\n [\/dipl_image_card][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The early days of a design process are vital to sustainability. It is said that 80% of the environmental impact of products is determined in the design phase, from concept to production. During the concept phase, the costume designer collaborates with the costume departments and workshops, as well as the artistic team. Working sustainably requires defining what life cycle thinking and sustainability means for you, your workshops and productions, to create clear boundaries and achievable goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Change making involves identifying your individual and collaborative entry points into sustainable work. Everyone should take ownership of their responsibilities, and collaborate with peers and others in your networks.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|7px|7px|7px|7px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#8CC63E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sustainability should be embedded in the design process from the start, fostering collaboration among makers, suppliers, directors, and designers. Ultimately, achieving sustainability depends on the collective commitment of the entire team. Anyone at any stage of the costume process has influence, and the ability to reduce the negative impact of costumes on a production. Please see the Detailed Guidance for Productions in the Theatre Green Book for more details.<\/span><\/p>\n Design:<\/b><\/p>\n Time (Schedule):<\/b><\/p>\n Budgets:<\/b><\/p>\n Things to consider before beginning:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”realisation” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Are there digital tools t<\/b>hat can help to make your work or process more efficient?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n In each step of a costume life-cycle, digital technology finds its ways in, from creating costume concepts in 3D modelling software or as digital illustrations, to 3D printing costume details or creating digital costume lists. Some of these platforms and tools are common to most practice, like the way we communicate via chat or email, <\/span>while others, such as rendering digital costume patterns, require specialised knowledge.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These tools raise questions, particularly regarding sustainability. Do they help us use materials more efficiently, or do they contribute to environmental damage due to the growing number of data centres heating the planet’s atmosphere?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although most of these questions lack definitive answers, they are crucial to consider. It’s clear that we are only at the beginning of digital development in costume design. It’s also up to us to determine when and how digital tools benefit or hinder sustainable transformation in costume design. Below is a non-inclusive list of digital tools and their impact on costume design:<\/span><\/p>\n Concept and Research<\/b><\/p>\n are the common digital research tools used to create costume concepts and mood boards. Prototyping and testing in the initial stages could potentially happen in VR saving some material costs.<\/span><\/p>\n Design<\/b><\/p>\n are important tools to create individual costume designs. There are plenty of digital hardware tools for digital illustrations (Apple Ipad, Wacom, etc.). Finding the right materials is an important task during the design phase. Digital material platforms (Materiom, etc.) can help to get ideas on sustainable materials.<\/span><\/p>\n Production & Making<\/b><\/p>\n There are plenty of digital tools from 3D printing to laser cutting to pattern drafting software available for costume production. Hybrid costume designs that cross over between analog and digital worlds are becoming more common in film, video and game productions, just as much as in immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences during a performance. When time or labour is in short supply, adding a digital element to your workflow can help streamline a process. Theatre design often involves the transformation of materials, skillfully made to look like something altogether different. Techniques such as digital printing can be part of that tradition of artifice.<\/span><\/p>\n Re-Use<\/b><\/p>\n Digital tools are commonly used in the costume use phase to keep track of costumes, whether during a performance or in costume stock. Employing digital technology to create online access to costume collections and networks is essential for promoting the reuse of costumes and materials.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”sourcing” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Reuse of costumes is an important sustainability practice. Theatre costume stores, hire companies and second-hand retailers should be the first ports of call for finding costumes if appropriate for the design.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Budgeting for the appropriate amount and type of work is one way to create more sustainable productions. This can allow for more time to find the right materials, to purchase natural and green solutions, and to save money by reusing materials.<\/span><\/p>\n Budgets are typically allocated in the concept phase for the costume production. The d<\/span>esig<\/span>n phase presents a reality check for the budget, as this is when it comes time to use the funds to find the right materials and processes to create greener costumes. Be transparent about <\/span>alternative solutions and flag any possible solutions that will require extra funds.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Change takes time. Change is about learning new ways of life-cycle thinking and expanding your network of collaborators to succeed in your tasks. In the design phase, you use the time allocated in the concept phase to carry out the production’s sustainability goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Effective time management involves communication. Be clear in regard to your aims and share\u00a0 progress and discoveries with other stakeholders in your direct and extended line of work.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”making” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Reuse is a well-established practice in costume productions, but they also rely on acquiring new materials. The important question is, how can we increase reuse and make our procurement more sustainable?<\/span><\/p>\n Making costumes requires two kinds of materials,<\/span>\u00a0visible and hidden,<\/b> and these are most often chosen by two different stakeholder groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/em><\/p>\nIdeas<\/b><\/h1>\n
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Concept<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What is already happening<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Embed sustainability into the design process from the start<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Realisation<\/b><\/h1>\n
Design<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Digital Tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Sourcing<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Budget<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Time\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Making<\/b><\/h2>\n
Materials<\/b><\/h3>\n
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