Fashion Waste Illustrated exhibition
Singapore Design Week
21 September - 1 October 2023
Raffles City Mall
Fashion Waste Illustrated was an exhibition organized by Graphite Studio & Nextevo to shed light on Singapore’s alarming textile waste statistics while showcasing sustainable fibers, yarns, and the works of local textile artists. Through data visualization using pre-owned clothing, we brought attention to the country’s growing waste problem in a visually compelling way.
From the start, we were committed to minimizing resource use and waste generation. 90% of the exhibition elements were either recycled, repurposed, eco-friendly, or set to be recycled again after the event. The distinctive blue stands, originally designed by Atelier IF, were reconfigured for this exhibition. Other sustainable elements included recycled carpets, display materials, clothing, and weaving yarns, all thoughtfully repurposed. Our goal was to create an immersive, engaging, and inspiring experience for visitors.
At the heart of the exhibition was the question: “How long will you love it?”—a thought-provoking prompt woven, quite literally, into the installation. Using recycled yarns, we hand-wove a striking ceiling grid, despite the tight timeline.. This detail not only added a personal touch but also caught the attention of visitors from upper levels, drawing them in for a closer look.
The entire exhibition was installed in just six hours (12am to 6am) with our dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure everything was ready before the final check & when the mall opened. Bringing this vision to life was a collective effort, made possible through collaboration with multiple partners, each playing a crucial role in the execution of this meaningful showcase.
Those who made this exhibition a reality;
- Design Singapore Council
- Nextevo
- Rehla Design
- Atelier IF
- Jeslyn Low
- Bulletproof
- Tarkus Interiors Pte Ltd
- Luxspace
- PepyPress
- Cloop
- Textile Artist - Natalie Tan, Cheryl Tan (Kaijuu Fibers), Claudia Yong (Re-store SG)
- Brands (Muji, Genuine & Muta.wear)
The Office, Disrupted Exhibition 2021
Graphite’s Year End Greeting Cards
Reflections
When I heard we had an exhibition design project to do, I was both excited and intrigued. It was a new and refreshing challenge for me, and more importantly, it was the first project I managed in Graphite Studio. This opportunity allowed me to take on a leadership role, coordinating with multiple teams to bring the project to life.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned through this experience was the importance of effective project management. Balancing communication, timelines, and creative direction required a great deal of organization and adaptability. I quickly realized that clear and open communication was key to ensuring everyone was aligned with the project's vision. Managing different perspectives and working styles taught me how to navigate challenges while keeping the team's motivation and collaboration strong.
Being in charge of coordinating with everyone also gave me the opportunity to refine my problem-solving and decision-making skills. There were moments when unexpected obstacles arose—whether it was last-minute design changes, logistical challenges, or differing opinions— finding solutions and making sure the design, vision, and ideas came to life was incredibly fulfilling.
Looking back, this project not only helped me develop my leadership and management skills but also reinforced my passion for design and teamwork. Seeing the final exhibition come together was a rewarding experience, and I feel more confident in handling future projects with greater efficiency and creativity.
The festival theme "Better by Design" is a thought-provoking statement that challenges designers like me to reflect on our skills, the causes we care about, and the impact we can create through design. It is a reminder that design is not just about aesthetics but about meaningful contributions, problem-solving, and shaping experiences that connect with people.
Bringing creative ideas to life, especially in exhibition design, has revealed the complexities of turning vision into reality. The process is rarely linear; it requires constant negotiation between imagination and constraints. I often dream of ambitious installations, only to be met with the realities of budgets, materials, and structural integrity. Each challenge sparks difficult but necessary conversations about what can be achieved and what must evolve.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that constraints are not barriers but catalysts for innovation. Some of my most inspired solutions have emerged from limitations that forced me to rethink and adapt. Early engagement with contractors and fabricators has reinforced the importance of foresight—designing with execution in mind rather than as an afterthought.
More than anything, this experience has deepened my appreciation for collaboration. Artists, designers, and contractors bring unique perspectives, often balancing artistic vision with technical feasibility and efficiency. Navigating these differences requires communication, humility, and openness. Prototyping and iteration are not just design tools; they are mindsets that help refine ideas and bridge the gap between concept and execution.
Ultimately, this journey from concept to reality has reinforced my belief that great design is a balance of vision, strategy, and adaptability. It has deepened my understanding of the process, allowing me to approach challenges with greater intentionality and insight. I now see design not just as a means of creating, but as a dynamic conversation—one that evolves through exploration, critique, and collaboration.
