The fashion industry has a crucial role to play in combating Australia's soaring skin cancer rates. Despite Australian teens having the highest rates of melanoma in the world, fashionable sun-protective clothing remains an overlooked aspect of prevention. Adolescents, are at particular risk due to their significant sun exposure and sub-optimal sun protection behaviours, compounded by societal norms that prioritise fashion over sun safety.
Cancer Council WA and Curtin University's SunSmart Fashion Project aims to increase knowledge on the impact of clothing on UV radiation overexposure, promote sun safe design of fashion garments and learn about fabric construction and treatments. The project requires students to design a SunSmart garment, with the winning garment manufactured and launched for sale in a local boutique. Operating on an annual budget below $2000, the Project empowers students to merge fashion with functionality, fostering creativity and sun safety awareness among peers.
Beginning in 2011, the Project is incorporated in Curtin University’s Fashion and Textiles degrees, specifically the “Garment and the Body” unit, which engages with approximately 35 second-year students each year.
This cost-effective project effectively targets hard-to-reach audiences, made possible through a strong collaboration and partnership with Curtin University and Ruck Rover Boutique providing in-kind services. While formal evaluation has been restricted by budgetary limitations, the high level of engagement from students and staff is a promising indicator of success. Furthermore, student testimonials and local media coverage provide additional evidence of the project's impact.