• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.59-69
• /
• 2010

Green or an environmental consciousness has been a major issue for businesses and government offices, as well as consumers, worldwide. In response to this movement, the Korean government announced, in the early 2000s, the era of "Green Growth" as a way to encourage green-related business activities. The Korean fashion industry, in various levels of involvement, presents diverse eco-friendly products as a part of the green movement. These apparel products include organic products and recycled clothing. For these companies to be successful, they need information about who are the consumers who consider green issues (e.g., environmental sustainability) as part of their personal values when making a decision for product purchase, use, and disposal. These consumers can be considered as eco-sumers. Previous studies have examined consumers' purchase intention for or with eco-friendly products. In addition, studies have examined influential factors used to identify the eco-sumers or green consumers. However, limited attention was paid to eco-sumers' disposal or recycling behavior of clothes in comparison with their green product purchases. Clothing disposal behaviors are ways that consumer can get rid of unused clothing and in clue temporarily lending the item or permanently eliminating the item by "handing down" (e.g., giving it to a younger sibling), donating, exchanging, selling, or simply throwing it away. Accordingly, examining purchasing behaviors of eco-friendly fashion items in conjunction with clothing disposal behaviors should improve understanding of a consumer's clothing consumption behavior from the environmental perspective. The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide descriptive information about Korean eco-sumers who have ecologically-favorable lifestyles and behaviors when buying and disposing of clothes. The objectives of this study are to (a) categorize Koreans on the basis of clothing disposal behaviors; (b) investigate the differences in demographics, lifestyles, and clothing consumption values among segments; and (c) compare the purchase intention of eco-friendly fashion items and influential factors among segments. A self-administered questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. The questionnaire included 10 items of clothing disposal behavior, 22 items of LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) characteristics, and 19 items of consumption values, measured by five-point Likert-type scales. In addition, the purchase intention of two eco-friendly fashion items and 11 attributes of each item were measured by seven-point Likert type scales. Two polyester fleece pullovers, made from fabric created from recycled bottles with the PET identification code, were selected from one Korean brand and one US imported brand among outdoor sportswear brands. A brief description of each product with a color picture was provided in the survey. Demographic variables (i.e., gender, age, marital status, education level, income, occupation) were also included. The data were collected through a professional web survey agency during May 2009. A total of 600 final usable questionnaires were analyzed. The age of respondents ranged from 20 to 49 years old with a mean age of 34 years. Fifty percent of the respondents were males and about 58% were married, and 62% reported having earned university degrees. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify the underlying dimensions of the clothing disposal behavior scale, and three factors were generated (i.e., reselling behavior, donating behavior, non-recycling behavior). To categorize the respondents on the basis of clothing disposal behaviors, k-mean cluster analysis was used, and three segments were obtained. These consumer segments were labeled as 'Resale Group', 'Donation Group', and 'Non-Recycling Group.' The classification results indicated approximately 98 percent of the original cases were correctly classified. With respect to demographic characteristics among the three segments, significant differences were found in gender, marital status, occupation, and age. LOHAS characteristics were reduced into the following five factors: self-satisfaction, family orientation, health concern, environmental concern, and voluntary service. Significant differences were found in the LOHAS factors among the three clusters. Resale Group and Donation Group showed a similar predisposition to LOHAS issues while the Non-Recycling Group presented the lowest mean scores on the LOHAS factors compared to the other segments. The Resale and Donation Groups described themselves as enjoying or being satisfied with their lives and spending spare-time with family. In addition, these two groups cared about health and organic foods, and tried to conserve energy and resources. Principal components factor analysis generated clothing consumption values into the following three factors: personal values, social value, and practical value. The ANOVA test with the factors showed differences primarily between the Resale Group and the other two groups. The Resale Group was more concerned about personal value and social value than the other segments. In contrast, the Non-Recycling Group presented the higher level of social value than did Donation Group. In a comparison of the intention to purchase eco-friendly products, the Resale Group showed the highest mean score on intent to purchase Product A. On the other hand, the Donation Group presented the highest intention to purchase for Product B among segments. In addition, the mean scores indicated that the Korean product (Product B) was more preferable for purchase than the U.S. product (Product A). Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify the influence of product attributes on the purchase intention of eco product. With respect to Product A, design, price and contribution to environmental preservation were significant to predict purchase intention for the Resale Group, while price and compatibility with my image factors were significant for the Donation Group. For the Non-Recycling Group, design, price compatibility with the factors of my image, participation to eco campaign, and contribution to environmental preservation were significant. Price appropriateness was significant for each of the three clusters. With respect to Product B, design, price and compatibility with my image factors were important, but different attributes were associated significantly with purchase intention for each of the three groups. The influence of LOHAS characteristics and clothing consumption values on intention to purchase Products A and B were also examined. The LOHAS factor of health concern and the personal value factor were significant in the relationships with the purchase intention; however, the explanatory powers were low in the three segments. Findings showed that each group as classified by clothing disposal behaviors showed differences in the attributes of a product, personal values, and the LOHAS characteristics that influenced their purchase intention of eco-friendly products. Findings would enable organizations to understand eco-friendly behavior and to design appropriate strategic decisions to appeal eco-sumers.

• Journal of Fashion Business
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.125-138
• /
• 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 the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.165-175
• /
• 2011

In this study, document research on Jogakbo and Tosi were carried out and textile designs were developed by applying Jogakbo and Tosi together for motives. The purposes of this study were to develop a unique textile design, and then to enhance the competitiveness of Korean textile industry in the world market and pass down a Korean traditional fiber art cultural legacy. The results are as follows; First, the title of textile design was decided to "innocence of childhood" and the concepts are "sim ple heart ed, pure heart, sweet", in order to develop textile design for the young generation Second, Motives were chosen Jogakbo and Tosi to reflect Korean traditionality and identity and textile designs were expressed on ground fashion trends for modernity. Third, developed textile designs were printed with digital printing method for eco-friendly and productivity, and various articles clothing, nectie, shoes, bag, bedings were producted with developed fabrics for multipurpose. Forth, the developed textile designs were evaluated highly in point of Korean traditionality and identity, felling of simplehearted, pure hear and sweet, modernity and fashion trend, and preference by a sensory test of developed test design.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.107-125
• /
• 2007

In human history, scarf has acted not only as a protection for body but also as a symbolization of class. Today, scarf has become a whole field in fashion and an important accessory to express individuality in fashion. Hence, like other fashion item, it is very important to develop exclusive design for scarf by analyzing the current fashion trend. In this research, we have designed a scarf textile, accordance with the contemporary design trend, applying the floral pattern, designed by William Morris who was an artist considered as the founder of the 1800s arts and crafts movement. We selected four trend themes, "Salon de Archives", "Eco Tech", "Profound Nature", and "Neo Aristo" for the design of 2007/2008 Fall/Winter. The flower motifs in Pimpernel Wallpaper, Honeysuckle textile design, Acanthus Wallpaper, Garden tulip wallpaper, Evenlode printed cotton, Trellis Wallpaper, and Chrysanthemum Wallpaper, by William Morris who expressed an image of environment friendly and nature reversion, applied to develop new creative scarf through design after modifying and rearranging these flower patterns. After the pattern was drawn by hand, adjusting of color and repeating of the design was done with DTP (Digital Textile Printing). Through this research, the researchers hopes to be of assistance to the development of national scarf brand design, and to the recapturing of textile industry that once played a important role in Koreans economic development.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.11 no.5
• /
• pp.818-826
• /
• 2009

Dyeability of microbial violacein produced from Chromobacterum violaceum CV107 on to multifiber fabrics has been studied. The bluish-purple colourants were produced by cultivation of Chromobacterum violaceum using LB liquid medium for 2 days. The colourant was extracted with 80% acetone and identified as violacein by LC/MS analysis. The violacein could be dyed on not only natural fibers such as Cotton, Silk and Wool but also synthetic fibers such as Diacetate, Triacetate, Creslan 61 and Nylon 66. Maximum K/S values were shown at 540-580 nm according to different fiber with color appearance of purple or blue. An optimum pH and temperature under dyeing condition were 10 and $70^{\circ}C$, respectively. Any mordants were not improved colour density and quality on various fabrics. From this studies, pigments produced microbe have a high potentials for natural dyeing on fabrics. Finally, development of new colourants from microbe has made a possible change for new dyeing field in respects of eco-friend and repeatability of natural dyeing for apparels.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.129-133
• /
• 2006

To develope a high value-added fiber products which is useful in the human body physiology, the Macban stone was deposited on the PET fabric by sputtering and its effects were investigated. Then, a Macban stone target was prepared for sputtering treatment and treated on the PET fabric by RF sputtering process. After treatment, surface observation by SEM, far-infrared emissivity and emissive power, the fastness to washing and light, bacteriostatic rate, electrostatic, drape stiffness, and breaking strength of PET fabric were investigated. From these investigation, the following conclusions were obtained. 1) The Macban stone was able to deposit on the PET fabric, by the RF sputtering treatment which is eco-friendly dry textile finishing. 2) The far-infrared emissivity and emissive power of sputtered PET fabrics were increased. 3) When PET fabric was treated by sputtering with Macban stone, the amount of deposited Macban stone increased with increasing treatment time and it was deposited on the fabric surface firmly. 4) The bacteriostatic rate of sputtered PET fabrics was about 20%. 5) The electrostatic charge of fiber surface was reduced by sputtering. 6) The fastness washing to light of dyed fabric were improved by the deposition of Macban stone, but the breaking strength was not changed by sputtering. 7) The drape stiffness of sputtered PET fabrics increased with increasing treatment time.

• Journal of Fashion Business
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.46-69
• /
• 2021

This research aimed to analyze the features of convertible accessories, develop sustainable accessory designs using convertible techniques, and evaluate the designs developed through a consumer satisfaction survey and in anticipation of commercialization. Through a review of literature and design cases, convertible accessories were classified; and six convertible accessory designs were developed into practical products. A survey on the convertible designs was conducted to evaluate their aesthetic, functional, and symbolic aspects, ease of use, usefulness, and the intention of consumers to purchase and use the products. In addition, a survey was performed to understand the differences in fashion leadership and eco commitment and behavior. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods, a series of t-test, and ANOVA using the SPSS 25.0 software. There were 335 participants; mostly adult women aged between 20 and 60 years and living in China, one of the world's largest accessory markets. The participants showed high interest to use and purchase the developed designs. There were significant differences in aesthetics, functionality, symbolism, attitude, ease of use, usefulness, usage, and purchase intention for the developed convertible accessories among people with different levels of fashion leadership, environmental commitment, and behavior. The results of this study will help designers develop convertible accessories with a better understanding of consumer perceptions and attitudes towards convertible accessories.

• Journal of Fashion Business
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.66-84
• /
• 2023

Handbags are a part of fashion and while their significance and value are increasing, research on this topic is lacking. This study defines handbags and categorizes the materials used for making handbags, sewing methods, expression techniques, and terminologies related to accessories. A total of 1,743 handbags that were released from the Spring 2020 to Fall 2023, Ready-to-Wear collections by 8 selected brands (Hermes, Dior, Fendi, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Alexander McQueen), were analyzed. Out of these, 732 unique designs, excluding those with only color variations, were studied. The most common sewing methods were 'Cut, sewing, and edge painting', 'Cylinder arm sewing', 'Cut, edge painting, and sewing', and 'Inverted seam', in that order. Slim strap designs primarily used the 'Cut, sewing, and edge painting' method, whereas the body, especially with narrow and hard leather, was best suited for the 'Cylinder arm sewing machine'. For expression techniques, the most frequently used methods were 'Quilting', 'Metal Eyelet', 'Embossing', 'Printing', 'Punching', and 'Weaving', respectively. The characteristics of each brand's production methods, expression techniques, and accessories were as follows: First, the exposure of logos and monograms is prominent. Unlike clothing, handbags often prominently feature the brand's logo or monogram. Second, signature quilting is a prominent feature. Quilting effectively conveys the brand's signature style, providing cushioning, volume, and pattern effects. Third, sustainable development is a growing trend. Brands are increasingly applying eco-friendly and socially responsible designs.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.14 no.7
• /
• pp.83-91
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of environmental consciousness and its influence on the eco-friendly products purchase intention by the undergraduates' lifestyle patterns. The results of this analysis are as follows. First, the health orientation lifestyle of the undergraduates showed the high significant level to both cognition of environmental performance and environmental protection. However, both self pursuit and positive action lifestyle showing the low significant level were rejected. Second, the high environmental protection lifestyle of the undergraduates showed high significant level. This study shows that the health orientation lifestyle undergraduates are high environmental consciousness, and also they show high purchase intention of eco-friendly products.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.61-71
• /
• 2020

This study looks at 'Corporate Social Responsibility' which is required for the fashion industry and brands in modern times. The American fashion brand known for its corporate social responsibility activities, 'Patagonia' is the case study for this research. The purpose of this study is to make suggestions to eco-friendly, outdoor and casual apparel fashion brands that want to introduce corporate social responsibility programs by considering the case of Patagonia's "Worn Wear" campaign. The method of this study was to review corporate social responsibility, previous studies on Patagonia, and literature, such as domestic and foreign media, Patagonia's official homepage, specialty publications, and media. The study concerning corporate social responsibility is focused on Patagonia's "Worn Wear". Worn Wear is Patagonia's system that repurchases and repairs products from Patagonia's own consumers. The study found that the well known corporate social responsibility led to increased sales. Patagonia's social responsibility activities are thought to be part of the brand identity that goes beyond marketing. In the Worn Ware case, repurchasing products from consumers and reselling them or reprocessing them resulted in increased sales, increased consumer engagement, and higher brand attention. The suggestion for a fashion company or brand in a category similar to Patagonia that is looking to engage in corporate social responsibilbty is to adopt and continue a campaign that 'consists of a successful marketing image, connecting memories and new experiences, separated shopping channels while diversifying the creation of distribution and contact channels'.