Designer (Consulting)

Redress will embark on a new project funded by the VF Foundation from June 1, 2025, to May 30, 2026. The objective of the project is to delve deeper into recycling options in and around Hong Kong that can serve the needs of both Redress and the broader community, bringing systems change to deal with Hong Kong’s post-consumer clothing waste. This aims to outline practical guidelines for local clothing waste recycling, stimulate the local economy, and ultimately reduce clothing to landfill.

We hope to demonstrate that Hong Kong has the potential to be a frontrunner in Asia for closing the loop on unwearable clothing into new textiles or products in advance of inevitable legislation.

The approach includes

• Research on recycling options for clothing in the region and pilots to test
• Continuation of collaboration with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textile and Apparel (HKRITA) to prototype various products from recycled yarn
• Industry engagement and collaboration with independent designers to develop product prototypes from waste streams, fostering local small-scale closed-loop solutions and testing market viability

This will also explore and demonstrate creative approaches to problematic textile waste streams, supporting our efforts to keep unwanted or unfit-for-use clothing in local circulation/reuse.

JOIN US for a brief informational call designed for interested candidates to learn more before submitting their applications. Sign Up via the Apply button.

The Brief We are calling out to passionate, sustainably minded designers interested in joining us in this exciting project spanning over 7 months. If selected, you will need to deliver a minimum of 3 prototypes made by Asia-based manufacturers using post-consumer clothing from Hong Kong. The detailed design, manufacturing techniques, cost, and environmental impact of your prototypes will be included in a published case study to support retailers and other organizations with easy-to-implement solutions for their clothing waste.

Redress will evaluate 5 to 10 different prototype variants before narrowing down to the final three prototypes. A concise report detailing the development of the prototypes, including challenges encountered and reasons for final selection, is required from the designer.

The prototypes can be made using various downcycling/upcycling techniques. As post-consumer clothing is a mix of various fibers, colors, and clothing categories, priority should be given to products that can be made with mixed fibers and various colors.

There are no specific restrictions regarding the type of product you’ll design; it does not need to be fashion-related. The requirement is that it should be a useful product that can be manufactured on a small scale (i.e., 1000 pieces).

Redress will handle the outreach to manufacturers/recyclers and support you in communicating with them for prototyping. If you have your own that you can work with, that will be taken into consideration.

Redress will provide input materials (mixed post-consumer clothing, not in wearable condition) and handle its shipment to manufacturers for prototyping. Regular progress review meetings will be held monthly with the designer to assess prototype development status. These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss milestones achieved, address challenges, and align on next steps to ensure the project remains on track.

The selected designer will receive compensation of up to HK$48,000. A separate budget has been set aside for manufacturing. This project doesn’t require the designer to physically be in Hong Kong but is preferred to be based in Asia.

TIMELINE

• Open for application until deadline 27th July 2025
• Information call for interested candidates 17th July 2025 (1 PM)
• Notification of shortlisted candidates:1st August 2025
• Calls with shortlisted candidates Early August 2025
• Project dates:
• • Designer development of products: 1st September 2025 to 28th November 2025
  • Designer produces prototypes with manufacturers in Asia/HK: 1st December 2025 to 20th March 2026

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Product designers with a demonstrated interest in sustainable and circular design.
2. A strong portfolio showcasing creativity, originality, and a commitment to sustainability.
3. Critical thinkers with experience in taking a design from an idea to a prototype.
4. Comfortable working in an English-speaking environment.
5. Preference will be given to candidates located in Asia for easier communication and management of prototypes manufacturing.

HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants are invited to submit an initial concept fitting the above brief. We are not looking for a fully fledged idea, but will be selecting designers based on their concept, which you will then refine and develop along with further concepts.

Please refer to our latest report for an idea of the types of garments that fit the criteria of unwearable from p37 onwards: Redress Report.

Please send your submission here. You will need to include:

• At least 1 product design - your idea, initial sketches, explanatory paragraphs as needed
• Some work samples: products/models, photographs, or other pictures of your recent product design work (website, catalogue, portfolio, etc.)
• Your updated CV
• Your current location (city, country)

Submission deadline 27th July 2025

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable fashion. We look forward to hearing from you!

View additional career opportunities on the Redress page. Please cite Calibre Careers as your referral source.