Essi Karell

I am a researcher and educator with a strong focus on the future of sustainable and circular fashion businesses and practices. My research is dedicated to generating insights that can support the textile and clothing industry in the transition toward a sufficiency‑oriented circular textile system.

Since 2017, I have been involved in several projects related to the circular economy and textiles, including Trash-2-Cash, Crops4Luxury, Finix and New Cotton. 

In 2021, I completed my doctoral thesis, Closing the Loop through
Clothing Design: Wishful Thinking or Achievable Practice? This dissertation explored the growing trend of advancing closed-loop textile recycling, focusing on what it means from a clothing design perspective and how design practices align with this goal.

I am also a member of Fashion/Textile Futures research group that approaches research in the field of fashion, clothing and textiles in multi-faceted ways. 

In my previous role at another higher education institution, I played an active role in developing fashion and clothing education, teaching courses that addressed various dimensions of sustainability in the context of fashion.