Lace Society - Incubation Programme on Circular Economy
Lace Society is an incubation program dedicated to advancing the circular economy in the fashion industry, developed in collaboration with STORE by PolyU Fashion and supported by the Bright Sun Foundation. The program conducts research on sustainable business models, analyzing case studies that apply circular economy principles, and works with Bright Sun to develop innovative solutions for the Lace Bank, a reserve of lace materials, to address social and business needs. A key component of the program is the student entrepreneurship initiative, which provides students with a comprehensive platform to develop and launch their own limited sustainable collection. Under the mentorship of the STORE manager and Ms. Betty Yang, director of Bright Sun, students will design and launch a sustainable product line, with the final products sold at STORE by PolyU Fashion. By combining academic research, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial practice, Lace Society empowers students to create impactful and innovative solutions for a sustainable fashion future.
Project
From Trend to Transformation
"Where lace moves beyond leading fashion—to creating social value."
In fashion, we often hear about “leading trends.” Creating and shaping style has always been at the heart of the industry. From fibre production and textile making to design, manufacturing, retail, and promotion — each stage forms the rhythm of fashion’s ecosystem.
Among textiles, lace stands out as a true expression of visual artistry. It is more than decoration; it is the designer’s language woven into form. Lace weaving demands precision, creativity, and craftsmanship, blending structure with beauty. Yet in an industry driven by seasons, countless exquisite lace designs are left behind each year — not because they’ve lost value, but simply because they’re no longer “in season.”
These laces still carry:
• Unique design narratives
• Exquisite craftsmanship
• Artistic and visual charm
So — how might we give them a new life?
A Shift in the Fashion Era
As awareness of sustainability grows, fashion is evolving from fast fashion to sustainable fashion. In this transformation, upcycling emerges as a key concept.
Upcycling isn’t just recycling — it’s about:
1. Transforming unused or discarded materials into higher-value creations
2. Elevating materials through creativity and reimagined purpose
It’s a design philosophy that honors resources, craftsmanship, and imagination.
The Birth of Lace Society
Lace Society is a student-led innovation initiative that takes lace as its creative medium to explore the possibilities of upcycling and rethink how materials can serve society.
All lace materials used in this project are generously sponsored by Bright Sun Lace, marking not just material support but also an industry commitment to sustainability and responsibility.
Lace Society goes beyond reuse — it redefines lace as:
• A platform for social innovation
• A bridge between design and community
• A creative ground for interdisciplinary collaboration
Here, lace is not merely an accessory — it becomes a medium carrying ideas, values, and transformation.
Our Mission
Lace Society is dedicated to transforming surplus lace into meaningful, eco-conscious, and socially innovative works.
We believe:
• Design doesn’t lose its value when the season ends.
• Beauty doesn’t fade when trends change.
• Materials can be given new life through creativity.
When creativity meets responsibility, and when students collaborate with industry, lace evolves—from a fashion detail into a force for social innovation.
Lace Issue & Solution
Did you know that surplus lace materials often go unused, contributing to significant waste in the fashion industry? At the Lace Society, we see this as a unique opportunity to innovate and redefine sustainability while exploring the potential for social innovation.
How We’re Making an Impact:
• Harnessing the Lace Bank: Utilizing a rich reserve of lace designs to inspire creative repurposing
within the circular economy.
within the circular economy.
• Upcycling Initiatives: Transforming excess lace into beautiful, marketable products—reducing waste
while sparking creativity.
while sparking creativity.
• Fostering Community Engagement: Our hands-on workshops provide artistic expression and
therapeutic benefits through lace creation, while also exploring applications in cultural education, art
therapy, and counseling.
therapeutic benefits through lace creation, while also exploring applications in cultural education, art
therapy, and counseling.
Learn more >