assessment 1, 500 word summary

ReThread is a multifaceted digital platform for sustainable fashion. This innovation focuses on reducing overconsumption and the mass production of clothes. The ReThread app has 3 main sections: The Marketplace, where customers can purchase clothing made to order by small designers using ethical materials; the virtual wardrobe, which lets users style and revisit their current wardrobe; and the AI-generated style assistant, which offers users customised styling guidance to help them stay on top of trends while reducing down on waste. Fast fashion ranks second globally in terms of pollution, which has a detrimental impact on the environment and its resources, making it essential to reduce (Papasolomou 2022). Our goal is to provide consumers with an innovative solution that encourages them to make environmentally friendly decisions in addition to encouraging mindful consumption. 

Our innovation aligns with and supports Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development (12), which focuses on fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal emphasises the importance of reducing the use of resources, enhancing energy efficiency, and minimising waste. (Un.org)  Fast fashion, characterised by the rapid production of inexpensive garments to meet the latest trends, emerges as a significant area of concern due to its substantial environmental footprint. The essence of fast fashion lies in prioritizing affordability and speed at the expense of sustainability, leading to considerable environmental and social repercussions. Contributing to an estimated 10% of worldwide CO2 emissions, the fast fashion sector impacts our planet. (Clean up Australia)  ReThread introduces a holistic approach to mitigating the fashion industry's environmental impact. 

ReThread targets unutilised segments within the used clothing market and online stylist marketplaces. With direct competition in the online shopping market, such as Depop, Grailed, and eBay, ReThread takes a separate approach. Like Etsy, ReThread focuses on connecting its users to global artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces instead of buying old fast fashion from others. Another option separate from other platforms is the recycling option, in which the user sends old pieces to be upcycled into new pieces they'll want to wear more. The other market Rethread looks to move into is the wardrobe and styling service market. The most popular service is StitchFix, which connects its users to real stylists, churning out simple and sometimes misguided advice (including buying new pieces you may not like). Re-thread will use its own AI algorithm to learn all about its user's favourite styles and the available pieces to create new outfits out of old pieces. With these two separate marketplaces utilised, ReThread earns its tagline “Your one-stop sustainable shop.”

ReThread uses AI as the foundation of its innovative approach to sustainable fashion. Through its AI style assistant, the app gives individualised styling tips suited to individual user's interests and current wardrobes. ReThread uses machine learning algorithms to assess user data and provide eco-friendly options that are consistent with both sustainability aims and the customer's own fashion preferences. This AI-powered functionality not only empowers users to make ecologically conscious decisions but it also allows them to remain ahead of fashion trends without succumbing to fast fashion tactics. Furthermore, using AI allows ReThread to enhance its marketplace by offering insights into customer behaviour and supporting a more efficient and sustainable supply chain. Overall, AI is a strong tool within the ReThread app, propelling sustainable fashion and improving the user experience.

Assessment 2 

artefact and report