This newly established group serves as a community of practice for researchers in fashion, textiles, and design. Drawing on historical practices and emerging technologies, the group investigates the material properties, aesthetics, and cultural heritage of textiles, while prioritising innovative clothing design methodologies to mitigate the fashion and textile industry's negative impacts.
Our research emphasizes a user-centred approach, integrating handcraft, industrial, and digital techniques, and extends to education and industry collaboration to foster sustainable practices and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. The research group is affiliated with the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design.
Head of research group
Members
More about the research group
Fashion, textiles and design are approached as distinct yet interconnected fields. The complex cultural and economic phenomenon that is fashion, is viewed from a futures perspective, where desired futures are investigated in consideration of what actions are needed now, to ensure a sustainable future for both people and planet. In this, we draw inspiration from past practices and technologies that might be reconceptualised to foster sustainability and societal well-being into the future.
Textiles are investigated from multiple perspectives, including their material properties, aesthetic and functional attributes and cultural heritage. Emphasis is placed on sustainable practices, interdisciplinary approaches, and the integration of handcraft, industrial, and digital techniques.
We view design as a powerful agent of change, capable of shaping futures through new material realities. Design practice is pivotal in the textiles sector’s transition to sustainable modes of production and consumption. Thus, our research interests prioritise investigation of innovative design methodologies that aim to mitigate the negative impacts of the textiles industry.
The group recognises that sustainable design in fashion and textiles is not just a technical challenge but also a cultural and social one. Thus, we bring a user-centred perspective to design where the embodied experience of fashion and clothing may be explored through diverse methods from inclusive design and performance to virtual reality.
Through the lenses of 'products and practices' we investigate the know-how, methods and outcomes of the fields of fashion, textiles and design. Products can include both the tangible and intangible artefacts of these disciplines, considered in various contexts. Practices comprise ways of thinking and working on and through fashion, textiles and design, with lifecycle thinking as a priority.
Beyond research, the group is also interested in innovation, education and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. Our research informs our teaching practices to bridge the gap between traditional know-how and modern technological advancements, ensuring their evolution towards a more sustainable and interconnected future. Further, our research expertise extends beyond the academic context to support innovation actions in the industry and community through our engagement in various projects.
Project areas
Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
- Clothing consumption practices
- Clothing design practices
- Cultural heritage of textiles
- Digital design technologies, including AI
- Inclusive design in clothing
- Fashion and textiles studies
- Performative practices
- Sustainability knowledge, capacity development
- Textiles sector policy and regulation
- Textiles sector transition to a circular economy
Current projects
Designed to last: A survey of eco-design practices in Norwegian activewear brands
Focusing on the Norwegian activewear market, this study investigates the relationship between design and product development considerations and long-term use, from a sustainable fashion and textiles perspective. 2024-2025.
Researchers: Jo Cramer, Siv So Hee Steinaa.
This being of erotic history
This project develops a storytelling performance that explores the relationship between eroticism, clothing (dressing and undressing), technology, nature, and humanity through poetic, mythological, ethnographic, and historical perspectives.
By combining various methods, including discourse analysis, conversations, and experimentation, the project aims to illuminate humanity's place in the ecosystem, raise awareness of technology's impact on eroticism, and develop new artistic practices. The project will document the process with a focus on ethical and environmental responsibility.
Researcher: Mimesis Heidi Dahlsveen
Fashion and health
A pilot project in the design and development of clothing for a young wheelchair user. The pilot project was conceived and further developed in a project in collaboration with Sunnaas Hospital.
Researcher: Sissel Isachsen
Circular design and repair centre for clothing and textiles
A project lead by Manufacture Oslo and funded by Handelens Miljøfond to establish an industrial-scale circular design and repair centre for clothing and textiles, focusing on efficient repair processes, training in industrial sewing and development of new design solutions. 2025-2027.
Researchers: Jo Cramer, Siv So Hee Steinaa
Archiving and documenting the legacy of Sigrun Berg: Designer, textile artist, and social entrepreneur
This project aims to document and preserve the work, materials, and history of Sigrun Berg and her weaving studio. It also seeks to trace her biography and, through this process, identify and record the contributions of other forgotten textile artists and designers.
Researcher: Liv Klakegg Dahlin
