Design and Product Development

Design and Evaluation of Modular Wedding Dresses: Towards Circularity in the Bridalwear Industry

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Abstract

The wedding dress is a cherished and expensive wedding symbol, yet it also represents a wasteful and unsustainable practice due to its single-use nature and waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions associated with the production processes. Modular design can help extend the usability and relevance of wedding dresses, minimize the environmental footprint of bridalwear, and contribute to sustainable consumption and circularity in the apparel industry. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of modular design in bridalwear development with the objective of extending the usable lifespan of the garments by enabling their transformation to be used in multiple ways and multiple occasions during and beyond the wedding. Guided by Human-centered Design, four modular bridal looks were designed. Pre- and post-design interviews with consumers and industry professionals provided insight for the design process and potential consumer acceptance and marketability.

Keywords: Bridalwear, wedding dress, modular apparel design, circular fashion, sustainable apparel, circular design strategy

How to Cite:

Phan, H. & Ghalachyan, A., (2025) “Design and Evaluation of Modular Wedding Dresses: Towards Circularity in the Bridalwear Industry”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18560