• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.125-138
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a step-by-step upcycling fashion education program that can be utilized within the local community. This program aims to provide basic data by analyzing the current state of community-based upcycling projects and upcycling center programs. To achieve this, the study first examined the meaning and value of upcycling in fashion through literature research and explored upcycling projects and programs in connection with local communities. Subsequently, an upcycling fashion education program platform was developed and applied using the design thinking process. The program involved students from nine high schools in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Depending on the school's circumstances, the time and difficulty level of the upcycling education program were adjusted accordingly. A unique eco-bag making kit, using jeans developed in this study, was employed. Following the completion of the program, a satisfaction survey was conducted among 167 participating students from the high school community class. The findings indicated that the majority of students experienced an increased appreciation, attraction, and interest in upcycling products. They also demonstrated an understanding of the environmental impact of upcycling products and the distinction between upcycling and recycling. It is believed that the educational program developed in this study can promote ethical fashion and foster a sense of value-based consumption. This program can be customized and flexibly adapted to different educational levels and institutional characteristics, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.98-112
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to provide basic information on the development of local governments and upcycling industries that want to establish centers in the future. The study investigated the current situation and programs of domestic upcycling centers for regional sustainable growth. As a result of comparing and analyzing the programs operated by the upcycling centers by region, they could be classified into culture and arts experience programs, resource circulation experience programs, and environmental culture education programs according to the nature of the operation programs that are more focused on in addition to the experience and education programs reflected by each center. Among the upcycling materials and items used in the operation program, fashion-related education was being operated in a more diverse manner in the area of culture and arts experience programs. As a result of the analysis, it was found that it was necessary to establish a smooth material supply network, develop an in-depth step-by-step upcycling fashion education program, and strengthen the upcycling center program using regional characteristics. The results of this study are significant in that they provide the local governments with basic information for the establishment of upcycling centers in areas where the upcycling centers have not been established. In addition, this study presents the types and directions of programs necessary for establishing upcycling centers in the future.