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The Viability of Banana Fiber-based Textiles in the Fashion Industry

Abstract Details

2019, MFIS, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Art.
The purpose of the study was to discover whether banana fiber-based textiles are viable in the fashion industry. To understand banana fiber's viability, an exploratory research study was completed through an interview with a fabric retailer, surveys with fashion industry professionals, and generative focus groups with consumers. In the generative focus group, consumers expressed their impression and envisioned application of banana fiber fabric through a visual model. The Interview revealed three themes: Community, Positives for Banana Fiber Viability, and Risks for Banana Fiber Viability. The surveys and focus groups revealed a wide range of applications possible for banana fiber such as sleepwear, casual women's wear, bridal wear, and home decor applications. Banana fiber does have potential in the fashion industry as a sustainable fiber, however, some issues need to be overcome in the material, production process, cost, and care. The three-part qualitative approach in this study can be used as a framework to analyze other new materials for the fashion industry during the `fuzzy front end' of design.
Kim Hahn, Ph.D (Advisor)
Kendra Lapolla, MFA (Advisor)
Willam Perrine, MA (Committee Member)
Pamela Grimm, Ph.D (Committee Chair)
124 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rossol, E. (2019). The Viability of Banana Fiber-based Textiles in the Fashion Industry [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1574248933968539

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rossol, Evelyn. The Viability of Banana Fiber-based Textiles in the Fashion Industry. 2019. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1574248933968539.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rossol, Evelyn. "The Viability of Banana Fiber-based Textiles in the Fashion Industry." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1574248933968539

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)