In a significant step towards fostering eco-consciousness in fashion, Eastman’s Naia partnered with ESDI Escola Superior de Disseny in Sabadell, Barcelona, for an educational project. This collaboration enabled students to design garments using Naiafibers for a fashion competition inspired by Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy."
The event, held on July 1, 2024, at Alliance Francaise in Sabadell, featured a jury of renowned fashion and textile industry leaders, including Abel Ortiz of Textiles Ortiz, SitaMurt of Montserrat Figueras, designer Claudia Ligari, and Eastman's Carolina Wilches. The project aimed to enhance students' understanding of sustainable practices and the fashion industry's dynamics.
Eastman supplied Naia Renew fibers, made from 60 per cent sustainably sourced pulp and 40 per cent certified recycled content. The recycled component is created using Eastman’s patented carbon renewal technology, which converts hard-to-recycle waste into molecular building blocks. These fibers are biodegradable and compostable, promoting a circular economy in textiles.
The resulting fashion collection, EKOS, was created by ten third-year ESDI students. EKOS explores themes of inner struggle and emotional balance, reflecting the complexity of existence and the search for clarity and peace. The collection was curated by students Mariona Garcia, Ines Borrego, AndraCriado, Julia Escudero, Aurora Gallardo, Claudia Gomez, Ingrid Sala, Sila Sanchez, QueraltTurull, and Aina Vila.
This initiative aligns with Naia's commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing leadership in reducing environmental impact through advanced recycling technologies. Carolina Wilches highlighted Eastman's belief in the power of education to foster sustainability, emphasizing the importance of equipping future designers with tools for responsible innovation. Jorge Zuazo, head of ESDI’s Fashion Design Department, praised the collaboration for providing students with a professional, team-based project experience.
