Vintage, second-hand, renting and swapping. The fashion world is full of democratic and sustainable consumption practices, which all brands, from niche to luxury blockbusters, seem fascinated by. Recent data show this is a fast-growing market and this course aims to explore the world of sustainable fashion not just from the point of view of eco-couture and medium-high end brands but also through a series of grassroots practices to suit every pocket and taste. 

Vintage, second-hand, rented or swapped clothing and accessories have emerged from tiny, niche markets to become, thanks in part to the internet, an alternative, imaginative way of feeding the circular economy and providing respite to our planet, which is submerged under a glut of overproduction.

Buying and/or selling used garments, swapping them at swap parties, or renting them not only saves money (and allows us to wear a ‘dream’ dress for a special day) but gives back value and a second life to items that still have dignity and, in the case of vintage, the added preciousness arising from the time period or rarity of the piece.

Aimed at those working in creativity, style, communication and marketing at Italian SMEs, brand owners wanting to navigate the latest news, and fashion freelancers looking to learn more about the latest phenomena, the focus provides an organic understanding of the present-day fashion sector through analysis of phenomena and case studies with a focus on sustainable fashion.  

Opting for vintage and second-hand, renting or swapping outfits is good and worthy, and luxury brands and international designers have now got on board, realising that reissuing pieces from previous collections allows them to capitalise on their stock, which is often worth more than current creations, studying data and trends in a bid to acquire new clients.