The Death of Clothes
Raina Kang
Every year, billions of clothes are being produced, many of which are worn only a few times before being discarded. The fast fashion industry, driven by rapid trend cycles and mass production of cheap, disposable clothing, perpetuates unsustainable consumption and overflowing landfills. This constant turnover of trends encourages consumers to buy more than they need, leading to an overabundance of clothing that quickly becomes obsolete. As a result, large quantities of garments are discarded, contributing to the environmental crisis through textile waste, plastic pollution, and resource exhaustion.
The Death of Clothes is a project that seeks to explore the growing issue of textile waste and overconsumption through a personal lens. By reflecting on 42 pieces of clothing that go unworn in my own closet—items purchased impulsively, worn only a few times, or abandoned after brief excitement—the project sheds light on the broader implications of our consumption habits. Each piece of clothing represents a moment of impulse and temporary desire, highlighting how fashion has become disposable in both practice and mindset. By transforming unused clothes from thrift stores and donated garments from people around me into statement pieces, this approach challenges conventional perceptions of value and disposability in fashion. Through this examination, The Death of Clothes encourages a deeper reflection on the consequences of our actions, urging a reconsideration of how we perceive clothing, consumption, and sustainability.