Lara van der Poel

Worn Words: slow paper against fast fashion

Lara van der Poel is a socially engaged designer who tackles societal issues, focusing on bridging gaps and fostering collective understanding. For Lara, design extends beyond aesthetics, serving as a tool for social change.

‘Worn Words’ is a collaborative project challenging fast fashion by engaging consumers in papermaking using discarded clothing. This hands-on process transforms old garments into paper and allows visitors to create typewritten letters addressing the industry's harmful practices. The project advocates for brands to disclose production volumes and confront human rights abuses, showcasing the power of art, activism, and community in driving change.

 This project is created in partnership with The Or Foundation's #SpeakVolumes campaign