Design and Product Development

Community Engagement as an Innovative Teaching Approach to Upcycling Fashion for Seniors  

---

Abstract

This study aims to integrate the design process into a capstone fashion design class through a semester-long community engagement project. Objectives are three-fold: (a) to obtain qualitative data regarding senior clothing needs, (b) to test the design process in the development of upcycled clothing that meets the Functional-Expressive-Aesthetic (FEA) needs, and (c) to develop prototypes of upcycled, fashionable, functional clothing that would be mutually beneficial for fashion design students and the senior community and market. Implementing community engagement teaching and learning strategies is a resourceful way of helping fashion design students facilitate and articulate their experiences working with real-world clients who are likely outside students’ interests and comfort zones. During the time spent together, the students and seniors collaborate positively. The seniors complement the affordability of garments created by students using upcycling methods. As a result, this project generates mutual benefits for the design students, the instructor, and the senior community.

 

Keywords: Community Engagement, Pedagogy, Upcycling, Seniors

How to Cite:

Chae, M., (2025) “Community Engagement as an Innovative Teaching Approach to Upcycling Fashion for Seniors  ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18658