In the past 25 years, fashion has changed faster than ever before. Cheap, mass-produced clothing—what we call “fast fashion”—has reshaped the industry, often with devastating consequences. From polluted waterways to unsafe labour practices, from mountains of discarded garments to the erosion of personal creativity, the cost of fast fashion is high. Can we imagine a world where style doesn’t come at the expense of ethics or the environment?
In this discussion-based social science course, we’ll dig into these pressing questions together. How did fast fashion come to dominate? What does it mean for the planet and for people? And most importantly, what can we do about it? We’ll discuss innovative solutions that could reshape the industry: Could 3D printing revolutionize garment production? Can lab-grown materials or fabric recycling save resources? Is hyperlocal manufacturing or “right-shoring” the future? How can technology help us create fashion that is ethical, sustainable, and still inspiring? Join us as we reimagine fashion—not just as something we wear, but as something whose ethical impact we care about. Together, we will explore the possible futures of style and discuss how we might make fashion sustainable, ethical, and full of creativity.
Required Texts:
Participants must obtain a copy of the required texts at the bookstore or library of their choice.
Standard Tuition: $210.00
New Participant Tuition: $150.00
Day: Mondays
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: 3405 Atwater Ave
Course leaders: Kathryn McMorrow, Sara Pistolesi, Moira Rehmer
Please note that in the case of extenuating circumstances (e.g. a snowstorm) an in-person course may be temporarily held on Zoom.
First session: September 14 2026
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
All course participants registering should read and abide by the Thomas More Institute Code of Conduct.
Refund Policy