The fashion industry is one of the top 5 polluting industries. In Hong Kong alone, an average of 110,000 tonnes of disposed garments are collected annually, which equals to 1,400 T shirts per minute. EDIT THE BRAND, our fashion business has successfully gained global traction. However it comes at a cost of rounds of sampling, over purchasing and defectives resulting in tonnes of excess and off cut fabrics.
This project in creating the EDIT MAHJONG sets that are made out of upcycled fabrics is part of our research and development in seeking sustainable ways of recycling used clothing as well as upcycling fabrics that would have otherwise gone to landfill. The Ode to Mahjong Installation marries both the skills and expertise of EDIT THE BRAND and EDITECTURE. The design of the mahjong set and furniture is a nod to EDITECTURE’s design aesthetic whilst the remnants of fabrics is a tribute to the collections launched by EDIT THE BRAND. EDIT has made a conscious effort and is committed to adhering to sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of our planet.
FASHION INDUSTRY TEXTILE PROBLEM
Over the years, our in house fashion brand has gathered tonnes of excess and off cut fabrics due to various reasons such as quality control standards to the inevitable wastage that comes from pattern cutting. These excess and off cut fabrics usually end up in landfill.
MAKING PROCESS DESIGN AND DEVLEOPMENT
We gathered all of our otherwise wasted fabrics and sort them out according to the color / design aesthetic we envision for each mahjong set. These fabrics were then shredded down further.
PRODUCTION
The end process involves expert processes in cutting down the fabrics and merging them with 100% biodegradable materials before they are then moulded together to create our exclusive mahjong tiles. Each set is made out of 28% excess and off cut fabrics from EDIT the brand and is 100% biodegradable.
From off-cut fabrics to cultural respect
From traditional culture to modern sustainable methodology
An ode to mahjong also pays tribute to the game that has been passed down from generations; with the younger generation fondly recalling memories of their older family members’ teaching them the game.
Mahjong tiles carving is now a rare trade, with many Masters of the craft retiring or feeling that their role is soon to be made redundant with technological advancements. The Ode to Mahjong pays homage to the craftsmanship of these Masters who have dedicated their lives to preserving the craft, beauty and culture of the game.
