91É«ÇéƬ
Back to
Professor Alison Gwilt

Professor Alison Gwilt

Head of School

Ph.D. - School of Architecture and Design, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Thesis title: 'Integrating sustainable strategies in the fashion design process: A conceptual model of the fashion designer in haute couture.'Ìý

BA (Hons) - Fashion & Textiles Design, Central St Martins College of Art & Design, London, UK

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
iCinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research

Alison Gwilt, Ph.D, is a Professor of Design at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Her research investigates how positive/sustainable design interventions can be used to challenge the current clothing production and consumption paradigm. Currently she is examining how design can help keep textiles in use. Alison’s books include ‘Shaping Sustainable Fashion’ (with Timo Rissanen) Routledge, 2011; ‘Fashion Design for Living’ Routledge, 2015; ‘Global Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion’ (with Alice Payne and Evelise Anicet Ruthschilling) Bloomsbury, 2019; and ‘A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion’ Bloomsbury, 2020 (2nd edition).

Alison holds a PhD from RMIT University, Melbourne and a BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles Design from Central St Martins College of Art in London, and she has worked in academia in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Following her role as Reader in Fashion and Sustainability at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, Alison relocated back to Australia in 2017.
E-mail
a.gwilt@unsw.edu.au
Location
Cnr Oxford St & Greens Rd Paddington, NSW 2021 Australia
  • Books | 2020
    Gwilt A, 2020, A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion (Second Edition), Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London,
    Books | 2019
    Gwilt A; Payne A; Rüthschilling EA, 2019, INTRODUCTION
    Books | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, Shaping sustainable fashion: Changing the way we make and use clothes,
  • Book Chapters | 2025
    Cramer J; Payne A; Gwilt A; Iyer-Raniga U, 2025, 'Circular Clothing and Textiles', in Building a Circular Future in Australia, CRC Press, pp. 157 - 181,
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Barnard M, 2020, 'Fashion Theory', in Barnard M (ed.), , Routledge,
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Gwilt A, 2020, 'Fashion and Sustainability', in Fashion Theory, Taylor & Francis, pp. 188 - 200,
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Gwilt A; James A, 2019, 'Sustainability and Garment Longevity in the UK High Street', in Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA (ed.), Global Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion, Bloomsbury, London, pp. 87 - 96,
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA, 2019, 'GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION CONCLUDING REMARKS', in Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA (ed.), GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION, BLOOMSBURY PUBL INC, pp. 263 - 264
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA, 2019, 'GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION INTRODUCTION', in Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA (ed.), GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION, BLOOMSBURY PUBL INC, pp. XXIV - XXVIII
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Gwilt A; Payne A; Rüthschilling EA, 2019, 'CONCLUDING REMARKS', in Global Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion, pp. 263 - 264
    Book Chapters | 2015
    , 2015, 'Eco-Design/Sustainable Design of Textile Products', in Handbook of Sustainable Apparel Production, Taylor & Francis, pp. 490 - 515,
    Book Chapters | 2015
    Gwilt A, 2015, 'Exploring a Framework for fashion Design for Sustainability', in Handbook of Sustainable Apparel Production, CRC Press, pp. 439 - 452,
    Book Chapters | 2014
    Gwilt A, 2014, 'Fashion and Sustainability: Repairing The Clothes We Wear', in Gwilt A (ed.), Fashion Design for Living, Taylor & Francis / Routledge, London,
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'CASE STUDY: NEW MATERIALS FOR FASHION', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 39
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'CASE STUDY: REUSE IN THE FASHION CYCLE', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 157
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'CASE STUDY: SLOWING FASHION', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 119 - 122
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'CASE STUDY: THE PERFECT SOLUTION', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 79
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'CASE STUDY: THE TAILOR’S CRAFT', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 75
    Book Chapters | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'LAST: INTRODUCTION', in Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 141
    Book Chapters | 2011
    Gwilt A, 2011, 'Producing Sustainable Fashion: The Points for Positive Intervention by the Fashion Designer', in Gwilt A; Rissanen T (ed.), Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way we Make and Use Clothes, Routledge, London, pp. 59 - 74,
  • Edited Books | 2019
    Gwilt A; Payne A; Ruthschilling EA, (eds.), 2019, Global Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion, Bloomsbury, London,
    Edited Books | 2015
    Gwilt A, (ed.), 2015, Fashion Design for Living, Routledge, London,
    Edited Books | 2011
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, (ed.), 2011, Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way we Make and Use Clothes, Routledge, London,
  • Journal articles | 2023
    Retamal M; Brydges T; Sharpe S; Ferrero-Regis T; Fisher D; Gwilt A; Lake L; Holgar M; Khan R; Nay Z; Payne A; Roberts K, 2023, 'State of play in Australian sustainable fashion research: Current and future directions', International Journal of Fashion Studies, 10, pp. 19 - 49,
    Journal articles | 2021
    Gwilt A, 2021, 'Caring for clothes: how and why people maintain garments in regular use', Continuum, 35, pp. 870 - 882,
    Journal articles | 2020
    Niinimäki K; Peters G; Dahlbo H; Perry P; Rissanen T; Gwilt A, 2020, 'The environmental price of fast fashion', Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, 1, pp. 189 - 200,
    Journal articles | 2014
    Gwilt A, 2014, 'The Sustainable Fashion Handbook by Sandy Black', Fashion Practice, 6, pp. 141 - 144,
    Journal articles | 2014
    Gwilt A, 2014, 'What Prevents People Repairing Clothes? An Investigation into Community-based Approaches to Sustainable Product Service Systems for Clothing Repair', Making Futures Journal, 3,
    Journal articles | 2013
    Gwilt A, 2013, 'Valuing the Role of the Wearer in the Creation of Sustainable Fashion', Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, 17, pp. 78 - 86,
    Journal articles | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'INTRODUCTION FROM THE EDITORS', Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 13 - 14
    Journal articles | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'MAKE: INTRODUCTION', Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 57
    Journal articles | 2012
    Gwilt A; Rissanen T, 2012, 'USE: INTRODUCTION', Shaping Sustainable Fashion Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, pp. 99
    Journal articles | 2006
    Gwilt A, 2006, 'Exhibition review: The Cutting Edge: Fashion from Japan', Visual Communication, 5, pp. 367 - 372,
  • Other | 2020
    Moline K; Gwilt A, 2020, Grant: Katherine Moline and Alison Gwilt, Alastair Swayn Foundation, 2020-2021
    Reports | 2017
    Carlsson J; Gwilt A; Larsson J; Mattila H; Pal RP; Torstensson H, 2017, Re:Textiles - Feasibility of Conditional Design: Organizing a circular textile value chain by design principles, University of Boras, Sweden,
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Gwilt A. ; Pal R. , 2017, 'Conditional garment design for longevity', in Research in Design Series, IOS Press,
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Gwilt A; O'Mahony M, 2016, 'Where Does Wearable Technology Fit in the Circular Economy?', in Earley R; Goldsworthy K (ed.), Circular Transitions Proceedings, MISTRA Future Fashion & Chelsea College of Art and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, pp. 303 - 315, presented at Circular Transitions, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, 23 November 2016 - 24 November 2016,
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Gwilt A; Childs C; Sherriff G; Homer C, 2015, 'Community Voices in Design Practice: A Case Study of Understanding Older Adults' Clothing Needs for Keeping Warm at Home', in Britt H; Morgan L; Walton K (eds.), Futurescan 3: Intersecting Identities, Loughborough University, Glasgow School of Art, Scotland, presented at Futurescan 3: Intersecting Identities, Glasgow School of Art, Scotland, 11 November 2015 - 12 November 2015,
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Gwilt A; Childs C; Sherriff G; Homer C, 2015, 'Old and Cold: Challenges in the Design of Personalised Thermal Comfort at Home', in Christer K (ed.), Design4Health Conference Proceedings, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Hallam University, UK, presented at Design4Health European conference, Sheffield Hallam University, UK, 13 July 2015 - 16 July 2015,
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Gwilt A; Leaver J; Young G; Fisher M, 2015, 'Understanding the Caring Practices of Users', in Cooper T; Braithwaite N; Moreno M; Salvia G (eds.), Product Lifetimes and the Environment, EPrints Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Trent University, presented at Product Lifetimes and the Environment, Nottingham Trent University, 17 June 2015 - 19 June 2015,
  • Media | 2013
    Sinha P, 2013, Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, BERG PUBL,
    Media | 2012
    Gordon B, 2012, Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, BERG PUBL,

My Research Supervision

Emma Peters, PhD candidate: Designing new circular pathways for post-consumer textile waste in the bedlinen industries.

Alia Parker, Scientia PhD candidate: Critical bio-textiles: Reconceptualising human-centred design through collaboration with Mycelium.

Nicole Crouch, PhD candidate: A cultural ethical design framework for commercial textile print designers

Monica Cvitanovic, PhD candidate: Crafting time to care: Sloppy stitching as a method of reclamation of the embodied history of women’s craft-based knowledge within a regenerative textile practice

Changrui He, PhD candidate:ÌýExploring the relationship between modular design and upcycling for textiles in a circular economy

Megan Hanson, PhD candidate: Woven-Textile-Garment: weaving textile and garment as oneÌý

Benjamin Chevalier, MFA candidate:ÌýRethinking knitting

Leah Giblin, MFA candidate:ÌýRe-imagining textile waste for aesthetically durable garments

Ìý

Complete:

Joanna Fowles, MFA candidate: Plant Chroma Codes: A changemaker approach to colour sourced from urban foraged materials and waste.

Ìý

* Alison received the 2022 Arc PGC ResearchÌýSupervisorÌýAwardÌýfor the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture.

Ìý

External Examiner

PhD examiner (in the UK, Australia, Finland, New Zealand) for 6 candidates

Ìý

My Teaching

I am a convenor for Textiles and Fashion courses at 91É«ÇéƬ Art & Design.

2025-2028Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Australian Research Council / Linkage projects, "Redesigning Clothing Waste Using a Circular Design Framework". Role: Lead CI

2021-2022ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 91É«ÇéƬ ADA Research Fellowship scheme award.

2016-2018ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Re:Textile – new business models and design solutions that support a circular economy’ University of Boras / Swedish School of Textiles & Marketplace Boras Funder: Västra Gotaland Regional Government. Role: Reference Group Member and Co-Investigator (Design for Longevity).

2016ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Rhode Island School of Design and the Transdisciplinary Aesthetics Foundation (USA). Visiting Researcher.

2015ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Brazilian Association of Studies and Research in Fashion (ABEPEM) 11th Coloquio de moda conference. Visiting Fellow.

2014ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Research Design Service, South Yorkshire and Humber Public Involvement grant. ‘Body First, Body Warm’ preparatory study. Role: Co-I.

2013-14ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Make, Do and Mend’. EPSRC IMAGINE program (Sheffield Hallam University, UK). Role: CI.

2012-13ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Textile Toolbox’ MISTRA (Sweden) / Chelsea College of Art and Design (Holder). Role: Phase 1 Associate Researcher.

2009-11ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Fashioning Now: changing the way we make and use clothes’ NSW Environmental Trust, Environmental Education Program. Role: CI.

2009ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý UTS DEST Research Infrastructure Block Grant for new textiles resources in Design. Role: Co-I

2009ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Japanese Ministry of Textiles: Organization of Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. Shinmai Creators Project / Japan Fashion Week. Visiting Fellow.

2005-08ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Lancôme Colour Design Awards’. Three year project contract. Role: UTS Design project lead.

2004ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ‘Seafolly swimwear’ UTS Student Scholarship (full fees and costs). Supported by Jumbunna House of Learning. Role: Design project lead.