NE_PH_SDF Sustainable Design and Fashion

NEWTON University
summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: graded credit.
Teacher(s)
Ing. Ludmila Hruban, Ph.D., MSc. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Ing. Ludmila Hruban, Ph.D., MSc.
Centre for International Programmes – International programmes – NEWTON University
Timetable
each even Wednesday 11:20–12:50 PH Učebna 03
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
NE_PH_SDF/01: Thu 5. 3. 13:30–16:40 BR Meeting room M01, Thu 2. 4. 13:30–16:40 PH Meeting room, Thu 30. 4. 13:30–16:40 PH Učebna 12, L. Hruban
Prerequisites
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Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
  • Analyze circular economy models and their economic impact within the global fashion industry.
  • Evaluate ethical supply chain management and transparent sourcing strategies for sustainable brands.
  • Apply theoretical sustainability concepts to real-world scenarios during intensive workshop days.
  • Develop actionable business solutions that balance environmental responsibility with corporate profitability.
  • Collaborate with brands / industry professionals and peers to finalize a comprehensive course closing project.
Learning outcomes
  • Synthesize theoretical sustainability principles with practical industry applications. 
  • Critique the economic viability of circular business models.
  • Execute site-specific sustainability audits and strategic proposals during workshop days.
  • Demonstrate professional mastery of sustainable management by presenting a final course-closing project.
Syllabus

Lecture 1: Sustainable Design & Fashion introduction

·       Definition of course conditions, objectives, and outcomes

·       Students expectations of the course

·       Introduction to the topic of self-reflection in consumer behavior

·       Presentation of lectures content

·       Presentation of workshop seminar content

·       Practical exercises

Lecture 2: Environmental Impact & Material Literacy

·       The Lifecycle of a Garment: Analyzing the "Cradle to Grave" footprint of textiles, from water consumption to chemical runoff.

·       Fiber Breakdown: Comparing natural fibers (organic cotton, linen) vs. synthetics (polyester, nylon) and next-gen innovations like mycelium or recycled ocean plastics.

·       Certifications & Standards: Understanding how to verify claims using labels such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and BlueSign.

Lecture 3: Circular Design Strategies

·       Design for Longevity: Engineering garments for durability, repairability, and emotional attachment to discourage "throwaway" culture.

·       Zero-Waste Patterns: Practical techniques for design that eliminates textile waste during the cutting process.

·       Mono-Materiality: Designing products from a single fiber type to simplify the end-of-life recycling process.

Lecture 4: Supply Chain Transparency & Ethics

·       The Human Cost: Investigating labor rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions in global garment hubs.

·       Traceability Tools: How brands use Blockchain and Digital Product Passports to provide "farm-to-closet" transparency.

·       Legislative Shifts: Analyzing the "When the rules change" aspect of the industry, including new EU regulations on textile waste and greenwashing.

Lecture 5: Sustainable Business Models & Marketing

·       Moving Beyond Ownership: Exploring the sharing economy through clothing rental, subscription services, and the booming resale market (Re-commerce).

·       The Greenwashing Trap: How to identify and avoid deceptive marketing practices while authentically communicating brand values.

·       Value-Based Marketing: Shifting the narrative from "buying more" to "investing better."

Lecture 6: Future Trends & Systemic Change

·       Technology in Sustainability: The role of AI in demand forecasting to reduce overproduction and the use of 3D virtual sampling.

·       Regenerative Fashion: How the industry can move beyond "doing less harm" to actively restoring ecosystems through regenerative agriculture.

·       Course Synthesis: Final review of how economics and management drive sustainable transitions in the fashion world.

Literature
    required literature
  • Gwilt, A. (2020) A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion. 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts. ISBN 978-1350067042.
    recommended literature
  • Thomas, D. (2019) Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes. New York: Penguin Press. ISBN: 978-0735224018.
  • De Castro, O. (2021). Loved Clothes Last: How the Joy of Rewearing and Repairing Your Clothes Can Be a Revolutionary Act. London: Penguin Life. ISBN 978-0241461150.
    not specified
  • Business of Fashion & McKinsey: The State of Fashion (2026). Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion
  • The True Cost (2015) Directed by Andrew Morgan [Documentary]. USA: Untold Creative. Available at: https://lifeismymovie.com/projects/the-true-cost/
  • Good On You (2018) Brand Rating System. Available at: https://goodonyou.eco/
  • European Commission: EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2022). Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52022DC0141
  • Fashion Revolution: Fashion Transparency Index 2025. Available at: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/
  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Circular econonomy books, reports & publications (2026). Available at: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications
  • Common Objective (2026) CO Platform. Available at: https://www.commonobjective.co/
Teaching methods
  • blended expert lectures topics
  • experiential learning in WS days
  • collaborative block seminars
  • solve industry-specific case studies / exercises
  • best practices of sustainable brands
  • experts guest lecturers
  • field-based project work
  • discussions
  • consultations
Assessment methods

Active participation in classes (individual/group work, discussions) – lectures are optional but highly recommended, if online camera on only
Regular (self)reflection on the lecture topic* – opening/closing lectures
Extra points (lectures attendance + reflection): 3 p. x 6 lectures = 18 p.

Participation in workshop seminars (for PFS students; DFS students are very welcome to attend WS, otherwise substitute work)
Attendance (seminars): 6 p. x 3 seminars = 15 p.

Case study of a selected brand on the topic of Sustainable Design & Fashion => article for the media (NEWTON.Today)
Case study => article: 25 p.

Digital presentation of the case study at the last seminar
-   video for social media
-   pictures for social media
-   the video will include visits to design & fashion studios + (self)reflection on the lecture topic (or choose another sustainable brand)
High quality video: 30 p.
High quality pictures: 10 p.

5-10 min presentation of the main points of (self)reflection at the last seminar, form ups to you
Presentation: 20 p.

Total: 100 p. + 18 extra p.
=> all activities = practical examination form
=> evaluation according to ECTS classification

Language of instruction
English
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