GREENING THE FASHION LANDSCAPE: PRODUCTION OF ECO-FASHION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The fashion industry is well-known to be an extremely environmentally degrading one. Rising environmental concerns by both consumers and producers have resulted in the emergence of eco-fashion; fashion that is designed and produced to maximize societal benefits while minimizing or eliminating environmental impact. Yet, eco-fashion in Singapore remains a niche industry, with a lack of academic research on it. This thesis uses the global production network theory to explore the production of eco-fashion in Singapore. In order to better understand the intricacies of eco-fashion production, preliminary content analysis as well as qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 local eco-fashion brands. This research study analysed each individual brand’s environmentally-friendly practices, the extent to which such practices can enhance the value of the product, and the geographies of production networks employed by local eco-fashion brands. The reasons for choosing certain places for raw materials or eco-fashion production have also been listed, with specific focus on the need for geographical proximity. In addition, the role of various stakeholders – consumers, governmental organizations as well as community based environmental groups in the production of eco-fashion will be explored. This study thus seeks to bridge up the academic gap of eco-fashion within the local context, with an in-depth analysis on its production. This thesis seeks to present the differences between disparate geographical spaces when it comes to the intricacies of eco-fashion production and the relevance of certain stakeholders in encouraging eco-fashion.