I was inspired by the technical metabolism due to the repetitive pattern of the same textile that eliminates the concept of waste, while providing significant savings for manufacturers and nourishing our planet in thoughtful, creative way. Technical metabolism is about having longevity, along with the capability of use for multipurpose functions, beyond the original creation of an object.
In the Cradle to Cradle article, the authors mentioned the reusability of car parts, such as steel, being dismantled in an appropriate manner to recapture and transform previously used material into a new product. Breaking down the interior of an automobile and using its complex materials as food for new fashion product extends the life cycle. Retrieving parts of service products prevents these items from resting in ever-piling landfills and potentially, remove non-biodegradable car material presently in there, since upcycling causes the parts to be worth more than previously before. After such non –hazardous material has been used to create jewelry pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, these things can then be recycled (by Lexus or any other company) and designed into shoes, trench coats, or even fashionable head wear.
In this scenario, there is a mutually-beneficial relationship created amongst the automotive company, the fashion designer that created the master piece from the disassembled car, and the customer. Through the understanding of the article, Lexus would be enhancing the customers’ quality of life for many decades and enriching the industry through expanding the perception of car-branded jewelry, or perhaps, reaping some of the profits from a fashion designer’s line, if they choose to license out their brand name or brand equipment. Remember, the car material could still be circulated back into the industry, if the innovative fashion design was deemed unsuccessful, for salvaging of valuable technical nutrients.
(photos from Lexus Unveils The Lexus Fashion Workshop with Four Original Designs Made of Recyclable Lexus CT Hybrid Parts article; used parts from dismantled Lexus CT hybrid vehicle w/ 90 percent recyclable)
Hi, Jasmine;
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous idea! How will you make this idea your own?
This is a great idea. Since it has already been started how do you think you can make this concept better than what it already is?
ReplyDeleteJasmine,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I think this is a great way for car parts to be re-used. To clarify, did you say that after consumers tire of the jewelry pieces, the pieces will go back into production for car parts? Or will they be used in other fashionable ways?
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ReplyDeleteHonestly, when I read the Cradle to Cradle article it sparked the idea of doing something else with car parts that's innovative and contributes to the apparel industry. I was surprised to see that Lexus car brand had already taken the initiative to proceed with creative idea! The bottom half of my last paragraph shares how I would make the idea my own a little. Many luxury car brands also carry a clothing line and other branded items. However, I think it's pretty obvious that these are not huge sellers, otherwise, we would see more people wearing them outside of the dealership. High and low-end automotive companies alike could start selling these apparel and accesory pieces in retail shops through partnering up with already established credible fashion brands/designers. Or maybe, car companies could set-up a formal restoration or retrieval process of car parts, then sell it to manufacturers to be sold to retailers wanting to cut financial and environmental cost. To Kelsey, the car company has the option of keeping the car parts for future production or licensing out their car parts for fashion
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