“Our University and Colin’s Forge Strong Partnership for Sustainable Denim”

A sustainable denim collection, developed in collaboration between our University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Textile and Fashion Design, and Colin’s, was unveiled to the public through an exhibition. The project, reflecting a shared vision between academia and industry, drew attention with its approach that places sustainability at the center of design.

During the exhibition, students reimagined denim from various sustainability perspectives. The collection was grounded in recycling practices, natural dyeing techniques, material efficiency, re-evaluation of production processes, and conscious design approaches. Each student advanced their work based on a unique concept, developing original, research-driven designs.

Prof. Dr. Peyami Çelikcan, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, emphasized that the university’s sustainability vision is a priority across all disciplines, highlighting that design education should not only produce aesthetics but also responsibility. Dr. Çiğdem Ertikin, Head of the Department of Textile and Fashion Design, noted that sustainability is not just a theme but a holistic educational approach at the university, describing this collaboration between academia and industry as a transformative bridge.

Prof. Zeki Alpan and Prof. Dilek Alpan, who contributed academically to the project, highlighted that young designers’ vision is reshaping sustainable fashion and stressed that collaborations with industry are critical for students’ professional development.

On the Colin’s side, sustainability is a key priority in the brand’s global strategy. Gülendam Bal, Global Denim Category Group Manager at Colin’s, stated that this project with young designers aligns with the brand’s sustainable production vision, emphasizing that the conscious approach of the new generation of designers is decisive in the industry’s transformation. Colin’s Women’s Denim Design Manager, Seda Ömür Fırıncı, worked closely with students throughout the process, contributing to the development of the designs.

By bringing together our university’s institutional commitment to sustainability and Colin’s environmentally and production-focused vision, the project created a shared platform. The resulting collection demonstrates that denim design can be approached not only aesthetically but also with a conscious, research-based, and responsible production mindset. The exhibition stands as a strong example of academia-industry collaboration and marks a significant step toward the future of sustainable fashion.