Creative Design: Undergraduate

Marine Debris

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Abstract

"Marine Debris" is a wearable art piece that embodies the devastation that has been brought upon our oceans due to human waste. Inspired by how pollution affects the ocean's ecosystems, marine life, and our prosperity, this garment brings awareness to the augmentation of marine pollution in recent years. Only remnant fabric was used to construct this garment to promote sustainable practices and provide motivation toward a waste-reduced future. Representative spirals hang in abundance throughout the piece to depict the overwhelming amount of pollution to which the ocean is subject. Wrapping the garment's sleeve, the ruffle piece depicts marine life being trapped in various debris. The puff sleeve imitates a tied trash bag at the shoulder, and miniature plastic bag replicas hang at the side seams. The purpose of this design was to advocate for the change to save and protect aquatic ecosystems considering the fashion industry's large contribution to the issue.

Keywords: Pollution, Ecosystem, Ocean, Marine Waste

How to Cite:

Bushong, E. & Bernardoni, J. M., (2025) “Marine Debris”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18795