Author: goldsmithsdesign

Gender Identity and Design at Whitechapel Gallery

What gender have designed objects, design disciplines or even design itself? How can we open up for a design and a world that is less gender polarised? These were questions Dr Mathilda Tham, co-convenor of MA Design Futures and Metadesign and PhD supervisor, explored in her talk during an event chaired by acclaimed design critic Alice Rawsthorne, author of Hello World. Gabriel Ann Maher, of Eindhoven Academy, shared her insights and work in the remit of gender identity and design and transgender.

Routledge Handbook for Sustainability and Fashion, which Dr Mathilda Tham, co-convenor of MA Design Futures and Metadesign and PhD supervisor, has co-edited with Kate Fletcher, is now out. With the bold ambition of setting the research agenda for fashion and sustainability for the next ten years, the book comprises chapters from a broad range of key scholars and practitioners in the field of sustainability/fashion, including John Thackara, John Ehrenfeldt, Lynda Grose, Ann Thorpe, Otto von Busch and Joanne Entwistle. Mathilda Tham’s chapter “Futures of futures studies in fashion” draws on a framework for peace building to explore new pathways for sustainability endeavours in fashion.

‘Sustainable Fashion has in the past often seemed gestural, borrowing from the discourse of Sustainable Design to only ever slightly lessen a massive problem. This selection proves that Sustainable Fashion Design is now a conceptually mature field with much to teach other disciplines of design.’ –Cameron Tonkinwise, Carnegie Mellon University, USA

‘Containing the work of leading thinkers and activists, this Handbook is a much-needed volume, which broadens and deepens our understanding of the complexities of the conjoining of sustainability and fashion. A truly collaborative initiative, in its content and method it provides guidance, challenges, but also a positive way forward for sustainability and fashion to co-exist, despite what sometimes seem to be overwhelming odds.’ –Hazel Clark, Parsons The New School for Design, USA