Behind

the

LABELS

THE ASK:

Create an eye-catching poster to bring attention to and educate consumers on the unfair labor practices and the consequences of fast fashion.

QUICK FACTS

99%

of fashion brands do not disclose a commitment to reduce the number of items they produce

SIX

MILLION

garments leave Kantamanto market, located in Ghana, EVERY WEEK and the majority are dumped in landfills or make there way into waterways.

THE PROCESS

The initial phase of this project focused on extensive research to understand the global impact of fast fashion, particularly in regions where its consequences are most visible yet least acknowledged. This involved examining international labor reports, environmental studies, and investigative journalism to identify countries facing the greatest strain from exploitative labor conditions and the overwhelming influx of textile waste from Western nations. Through this research, the Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, and the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi, Kenya emerged as critical case studies, each representing a different yet interconnected facet of the problem.

RESEARCH:

Once these locations were selected, the next step was to develop a deeper understanding of how fast-fashion waste accumulation and unfair labor structures shape daily life within these communities. For Ghana, this meant uncovering how secondhand clothing imports, often unsellable or severely damaged, create economic instability for local vendors and contribute to significant environmental pollution. In Kenya, the focus turned to the environmental and social burden placed on communities surrounding the Dandora Dumpsite, where textile waste contributes heavily to toxic air, soil contamination, and unsafe living conditions.

UNDERSTAND:

CREATE:

With this context established, I synthesized the research into a design concept that could translate complex systemic issues into a clear, compelling visual narrative. The final poster integrates data, imagery, and storytelling to draw attention to the human and environmental toll of fast fashion, while encouraging viewers to reflect on the broader global systems that allow these inequities to persist. The goal of the piece is not only to inform, but to provoke a sense of responsibility and awareness around consumption habits and the urgent need for sustainable reform.