DECODE.DESIGN
Building Positive Space

Danielle Elsener

About


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DECODE Ideation Runway @ Lectra

A collection designed and developed to be fully Zero Waste, leveraging Lectra’s solutions in digital printing and CNC cutting. Being able to use next generation industrial equipment at Lectras Innovation Center, mixed with my Zero Waste System methodology was a huge breath of fresh air. 

I’m pleased to share some snippets of the patterns and process.


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Zero Waste Scrubs

“THE WORLD IS CHANGING IN REACTION TO THE CURRENT PANDEMIC PUTTING A PAUSE ON OUR LIVES. HOW DO WE CHANGE WITH IT TO MAKE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR OURSELVES? OVER THE PAST WEEK I HAVE DEVELOPED A PATTERN FOR A ZERO WASTE SCRUB SET. THIS IS OPEN SOURCE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO USE IT AND SHARE IT. PLEASE TAKE IT, ADAPT IT, MODIFY IT, TEAR IT APART, AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. PLEASE USE FOR THE GOOD OF THE NHS STAFF AND ALL MEDICAL WORKERS IN NEED OF PROPER EQUIPMENT. IT’S NOT A PERFECT SOLUTION, IT’S SIMPLY AN ACTIVE RESPONSE TO THIS TIME OF NEED.”

    The Zero Waste Scrub set was designed and published in March of 2020 at the start of the pandemic. It was a creative prompt born out of the inability continue my masters work at the Royal College of Art due to the worldwide shutdown. 

    This project allowed me to connect with my international community, develop something open source, and was showcased in the Smithsonian’s Cooper hewit “Design for Change” Exhibition in NYC in 2023. The scrubs are also featured on the conver of the second edition of “Zero Waste Fashion Design” by Timo Rissanen & Holly McQuillan


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    Cone Denim x DECODE // Interconnected

    In today's world, it often feels like we're caught in a never-ending loop. We live in a society that values speed, efficiency, and productivity. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from the constant pressure of productivity to the never-ending stream of information and communication. There is a cultural expectation to constantly be on the go and achieve more in less time.

    This unrealistic pace of modern life can lead to a sense of disconnection from oneself, others, and the natural world, as people become more focused on achieving goals and meeting deadlines than on fostering meaningful relationships and engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

    However, we are all part of a larger narrative, just as pattern pieces are part of a larger picture.

    The "Interconnected" collection embodies the idea of returning to interconnectivity through its use of Zero Waste patterning. Rather than the traditional straight lines associated with Zero Waste Designs, this collection rethinks what's possible and offers a beautiful, warped perspective. We are shifting the narrative to carve out a space to explore, have fun, and create positive space.

    "Interconnected" is more than just a collection of garments - it's a statement about the importance of continuing to iterate sustainably within the fashion industry. As the cycle repeats itself we have the power to change it.


    The Cone Denim x DECODE concept collection is an amazing example of what can be accomplished when all partners in a collaboration put their best foot forward. From the material to the thread and washing, everything was the mmost considered to could possibly be. 


                - Bonzai 100% Post Industrial waste cotton

                - A&E 100% Cotton thread        

                - Jeanologia laser finishing

                - Jeanologia Ozone, Zero Discharge wash

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    Settlemiers x DECODE

    Reinagining the future of sustainable american manufacturing using Zero Waste Design methods, resulting in a product that is a true Settlemiers Varsity Jacket and Truly Zero Waste.

    Settlemier, an iconic American heritage brad, and DECODE, one of todays most up and coming Zero Waste brands, have teamed up to bring you the Zero Waste Varsity Jacket

    This Zero Waste Jacket was engineered to use 100% of material during the creation of the garment. It is constructed with the rawest materials we could find, making it Settlemiers most sustainable jacket to date. 

            Waste: 0%

            Body: 30” x 82”

            Rib: 60”        

            Shell: 100% Natural Virgin Melton Wool

            Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester

            Thread: Coats EcoRegen        

            Trims: 100% Brass

            Location: Portland, OR, USA, Planet Earth

            Made by: Humans


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    PRESS

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    About DECODE

    DECODE is a complete Zero Waste Design System that solves industry problems through practical design, education and production. We take a creative approach to navigating our multifaceted industry and thrive on solving complex problems through hands-on learning, workshops, and innovative play. DECODE exists to aid in the complex transition from existing design models to be one of efficiency, adaptability, and completely free of waste.

    About Danielle

    Danielle Elsener is a Zero Waste System Designer, Educator, Industry Consultant, and Creative Strategist specialising in research and development surrounding the future of sustainability in the fashion industry. For over a decade, Danielle has worked with industry, educational institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures as a consultant and educator to shift the reality of sustainability in fashion. What began as a love for puzzle solving through Zero Waste Pattern Making became a way to fix the fashion industry’s biggest problem. This approach has caught the eye of industry leaders, from Virgil Abloh to Jony Ives. Her design system has won the Evian Activate Movement Grant and iDesign Covid Grant and has recently received accolades in the Smithsonian, Wallpaper Mag, Dezeen, Hypebeast, and Oregon Business Mag.


    Elsener is currently consulting with global fashion brands, co-running Zero Waste Design Collective, and teaching at Fashion Institute of Technology on the MFA programs Pattern Recognition course, educating the next generation of designers on innovative patterning methodology and 3D design. 




    DECODE x Degen Collaboration - Squiggle Pants
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    B05_Button Down

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    Zero Waste Patterns

    In an effort to continue educating and sharing this wonderful world of Zero Waste, here are a few patterns that are available for purchase.













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