Summary
Before that, Lassbo had been interested in designing technologically-enhanced clothing, which she had considered to be the future of fashion. A collaborative project with the now-defunct StarLab in Brussels resulted in a surprising new direction for Lassbo when she realized that most of those living hi-tech urban lifestyles were, for the most part, dissatisfied with them. "I visited StarLab at a time when people in Sweden were beginning to cure stress-related disorders with holistic treatments," Lassbo said. "Advances in technology demand much more from people, requiring them to work harder and faster. I was afraid that if I integrated communication technology into my garments I would be contributing to a system that causes stress disorders and burn-out syndromes." Lassbo's design focus quickly shifted toward helping people feel better in their own skin, rather than contributing to their source of unease. "The first Reflective Circle project integrated a lotech system into garments which was positioned alongside acupuncture points and the body's energy meridians," Lassbo explained. "It was intended to bring them closer to their own well-being in ways other than just through the satisfaction of wearing sustainable garments."
As Lassbo put her holistic approach into practice, unseen wheels began to turn. To her surprise, she received a call from the Swedish division of General Motors, asking her to design a clothing line for them. While those around her thought that the hi-speed aspirations of General Motors and the lo-tech approach she promoted would collide, Lassbo already knew that she and GM were moving in the same direction. "GM owns Saab, who is the leading manufacturer of bio cars," Lassbo said, "and I actually drive a BioPower Saab myself. Saab and Reflective Circle share the same respect for environmental issues, and both of us look for innovative solutions so that we can contribute to a cleaner environment." Knut Simonsson, Saab's Executive Director, echoed Lassbo's view, describing their collaboration as "not simply about design or fashion; it's about having the same ambition: pushing an industry forward by innovative solutions."See the full content of this document
Extract
Driving Fashion Forward
Lassbo calls her label Reflective Circle, and her wheel-like logo represents an integrated cycle of design that balances material values alongside ethical and esoteric ones. As Lassbo's work swiftly sheds the stigma of the hemp-heavy garments and bulky brocades associated with eco-fashion, i...
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