Networking Roundtable: Fast Fashion vs. Slow Fashion vs. Recycling/Upcycling- A Spectrum Conversation on Fashion

August 26, 2025

Join WARP for our new monthly members program! In January, we began a series of Networking Roundtable online discussion groups for members on Zoom. The goal is to give members an opportunity to network and discuss topics of interest that advance WARP’s overall mission.

Fast Fashion and Slow Fashion are two contrasting approaches that have emerged in the fashion industry. Fast fashion, with some degree of disposability, was predominant for many years; but a movement towards Slow Fashion, with an emphasis on a more mindful and sustainable approach to clothing, has started to gain a foothold. Compare these movements with the concept of Recycling, the idea of reusing the same material in its current form to be made into something new, vs Upcycling, which presents the concept of repurposing something at the supposed end of its use.

Please note that if you would like to attend but are unavailable at the time listed, register anyway and you will receive a link to the recording as soon as it is available.

Facilitator:

Professor Karl Aspelund completed a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Material Culture in 2011 from Boston University. His dissertation, examining the creation of national identity through dress in Iceland, was awarded the University Professors Edmonds Prize as the best dissertation of the academic year 2010-2011. After graduating from the Wimbledon School of Art in London in 1986 with a degree in 3d design for theater, Karl worked as an artist and designer for 20 years, in theater, films, exhibits, and public art, with numerous commissions for sets and costumes, couture, exhibitions, graphic design, murals, lighting, installations, art direction, and production design. Karl has taught art, design theory, apparel design, the history of dress, and CAD since 1991. Karl is an associate professor of textiles, fashion merchandising, and design at the University of Rhode Island and the associate director of URI’s Honors Program.

The video recording of this event is available to logged-in WARP members only.