Griffith College Fashion Students Collaborate with Human Collective on Sustainable Circular Fashion Project
Our Fashion Design students recently partnered with sustainable leisurewear brand Human Collective on a live industry project focused on circular fashion design.
As part of their professional practice portfolio, students were challenged to develop a diffusion line using surplus Human Collective garments, responding to real industry conversations around sustainability, reuse, and circular design. The project was framed by the EU’s Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy and Extended Producer Responsibility.
Designing for a Circular Fashion Industry
The project involved research into circular fashion principles, design development, garment reconstruction, and presentations to Human Collective founder Conor Buckley.
Fashion Design Programme Director Jane Leavey described the project as “a wonderful opportunity for our design students to be involved in a live industry project,” adding that it allowed students to “explore circular design-led reuse and reconstructing garments to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.”
Liana Krieger Selected as Winning Student
Fashion Design student Liana Krieger was selected as the winning project, with Conor Buckley praising her ability to combine sustainability with strong wearable design.
“What stood out in Liana’s work was the balance between strong, wearable design and a deep understanding of sustainability,” he said. “Liana’s design stood out as the clear choice, as it is both easy to market and versatile to style.”
Reflecting on the project, Liana said working with Human Collective gave her valuable insight into sustainable fashion within a real brand context.
“It was exciting to see a brand approach materials differently, not as waste, but as something worth reimagining and transforming,” she said. “Developing a diffusion line based on circular principles meant that every design choice needed to be intentional.”
See the Projects on Display at Creative Show 2026
The students’ projects will be exhibited as part of Griffith Creative 2026 at Griffith College Dublin from the 22nd of May to the 28th of May on the South Circular Road campus.
Conor Buckley will also present Liana with her award during the Creative Show launch event on the 21st of May at 6pm in room A004. All are welcome to attend. For more information on Griffith Creative 2026, read our event listing here: https://www.griffith.ie/about-griffith/events/griffith-creative-2026
