A digital tool to examine the complexities of sustainable fashion production for the Design Museum London.

Commissioned by the Design Museum London, we designed the Garment Lifecycle Map. Developed in close collaboration with textile researcher Laetitia Forst, we transformed the map into a digital tool, which was exhibited in the ‘Tomorrow’s Wardrobe’ exhibition at the Design Museum.

Fashion is widely known as one of the most polluting industries. But where exactly does its outsized carbon footprint come from, and how can this impact be better understood by both the industry and everyday consumers?

Laetitia Forst’s work tackles these questions. Each stage in the lifecycle of clothing – from the materials used to manufacturing processes, garment care, and disposal – carries environmental implications. The Garment Lifecycle Map simplifies this complex system, breaking down each phase of a garment’s life, with each section representing a key stage in production, illustrated by a simple pictogram style animation.

Whether it’s a plain white tee or a sequin party dress, the Garment Lifecycle Map guides visitors through each step of an item’s life. It allows them to pinpoint how decisions made at the start of production impact the garment’s environmental footprint throughout its entire lifecycle.

Demystifying the creation of our clothes is essential for raising consumer awareness, but it’s equally important to hold industry stakeholders accountable. Understanding where the environmental impact is most significant helps identify where research and innovation are most urgently needed.

Tomorrow’s Wardrobe is curated by Future Observatory, the Design Museum’s national research program focused on the green transition. Future Observatory is coordinated by the Design Museum in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The exhibition is free and open to the public until August 2025.