Why We Need to Rethink Fashion (w/ Diarra Bousso) | How to Be a Better Human | TED

Overview

This episode explores the intersection of sustainability, technology, and culture in the fashion industry through the lens of Diarra Bousso, founder of the sustainable fashion brand Diarrablu. Diarra shares how her Senegalese heritage, background in mathematics, and innovative use of technology have shaped her approach to creating emotionally durable, waste-reducing clothing. The conversation also delves into the hidden costs of fast fashion, the impact of textile waste on local economies, and the importance of rethinking consumption habits.

Notable Quotes

- If you love something, you protect it. — Diarra Bousso, on the cultural roots of sustainability in Senegal.

- In fashion, we've trained ourselves for convenience, but convenience doesn't mean better. — Diarra Bousso, on challenging the norms of fast fashion.

- Everything you purchase is a vote. What are you voting for? — Diarra Bousso, on mindful consumption.

🌍 Sustainable Fashion and Cultural Roots

- Diarra grew up in Senegal in an artisan family where nothing went to waste—leather, food, and even clothing were designed to last generations.

- In Senegalese culture, sustainability is not a buzzword but a way of life, rooted in love and respect for resources.

- Traditional Senegalese clothing is size-inclusive and adjustable, designed to be passed down through families.

📐 The Intersection of Math and Design

- Diarra’s journey from Wall Street to teaching math led her to discover the creative potential of mathematics in textile design.

- She uses mathematical equations to create patterns, blending art and science to produce unique, geometry-inspired prints.

- Technology, including AI, helps her prototype designs quickly, reducing waste and ensuring only the most-loved patterns go into production.

♻️ Rethinking Fast Fashion and Waste

- Diarra critiques the wasteful practices of the fashion industry, where overproduction is the norm, leading to massive environmental and financial waste.

- Her business model operates like a restaurant: garments are made-to-order, eliminating inventory waste.

- She highlights the harm caused by secondhand clothing donations to countries like Senegal, which disrupt local economies and flood markets with unwanted items.

👗 Emotional Sustainability in Clothing

- Diarra designs clothes that adapt to changing bodies, emphasizing emotional durability. Clothes that embrace you foster a positive relationship with fashion.

- Many of her pieces are convertible, offering multiple ways to wear them, which extends their usability and reduces the need for frequent purchases.

- Her designs celebrate bold Senegalese prints and colors, aiming to make wearers feel confident and joyful.

🤖 Technology as a Tool for Human-Centered Design

- Diarra uses AI and generative tools to test designs quickly, ensuring artisans focus only on producing what customers love.

- She emphasizes that technology should enhance human creativity, not replace it, and sees it as a means to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

- Her approach blends the old and the new, preserving artisan craftsmanship while leveraging modern tools to scale sustainably.