American School of Milan ASM Welcomes Artists Nathalie Dionne & Jennifer Clair!

Designing a Sustainable Future

The American School of Milan (ASM) is committed to promoting environmental responsibility in future generations by integrating sustainable practices into education. We want to encourage sustainability in students by fostering meaningful discussions on eco-conscious innovation across industries, including fashion.

Exploring Sustainability in Fashion at ASM

Last week, the American School of Milan (ASM) had the incredible opportunity of welcoming sustainability designers Jennifer Claire and Nathalie Dionne, who collaborated with Upper School students in science and art classes across various grade levels. Their stimulating keynote presentation and engaging workshops brought forth meaningful discussions on critical issues existing in fast fashion, such as textile waste, microplastics, and groundbreaking innovations that could redefine the fashion industry.

Redefining Haute Couture with Sustainability

Jennifer Clair is a London-based haute couture designer and the founder of her own Haute Couture fashion house. A pioneer in sustainable fashion, she is redefining luxury by incorporating recycled and natural materials into her designs.

During her two-day residency at ASM, Jennifer engaged with students through:

Embroidery workshops exploring intricate design techniques
Ethical business insights on running a sustainable fashion brand
Discussions on breaking industry norms to merge high fashion and sustainability

Through her workshop, Jennifer not only proves to students that eco-conscious fashion and haute couture can coexist but also empowers them to rethink traditional design processes. By sharing her expertise and passion for sustainability, she inspires students to understand how to create with purpose and responsibility.

Revolutionizing Luxury with Eco-Materials

As the Founder & CEO of Thalie Paris, Nathalie Dionne is leading the way in eco-luxury by integrating bio-based materials and upcycled leathers into her handbag designs. Through her workshop with ASM students, she was able to show them the unconventional materials she utilizes that reduce the carbon footprint of the leather industry and minimize the use of important resources such as water. The unconventional materials she uses are:

Salmon skin leather – a byproduct of the fishing industry
Cactus leather – a plant-based alternative to traditional leather
Water-conscious design – reducing the environmental impact of fashion production

Nathalie’s work challenges the notion that luxury fashion must come at an environmental cost. Through her hands-on sessions, students explored how innovative materials can reshape the industry and provide sustainable alternatives without sacrificing style.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Sustainable Designers

Jennifer and Nathalie’s visit to ASM left a lasting impression on students as they were able to rethink how sustainability plays a role in innovation and design- particularly within the fashion industry. As the next generation of creative designers and conscious consumers, it is important for students to be equipped to understand their environmental impact.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Supporters

Hosting Jennifer and Nathalie would not be possible without the generous support of ASM’s Fund for Excellence. Their funding enabled this enriching experience, allowing students to engage with industry leaders and gain invaluable insights into sustainable fashion. We are grateful for their commitment to fostering educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of creative and conscious innovators.