Jo
Cramer

Jo Cramer works at the intersection of design, education, creative practice, research, and fashion. Her PhD, titled “The Living Wardrobe,” integrates these fields into a transformative sustainable fashion practice that questions the inherent disposability of clothing. By creating garments that can be ‘re-fashioned’ by future owners, she advocates for sustainability in fashion through design that promotes extended use and re-circulation. For her, ‘slow fashion’ refers to clothing that is durable, adaptable, and transitions through multiple wardrobes until it can no longer be worn.

Cramer’s approach to designing slow fashion necessitates a reevaluation of the fashion industry’s business models and practices. With 15 years of experience in university education, she excels at breaking down complex concepts, engaging both novices and seasoned professionals, and supporting diverse adult learners in developing and implementing innovative projects. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in ‘flow theory,’ employing experiential and learner-centered methods that balance challenges with rewards to encourage deep learning.

Her leadership style reflects similar principles. With extensive experience managing small to medium-sized teams, including recruitment and line management, Cramer adopts a supportive and adaptive leadership approach. She aims to achieve optimal outcomes by fostering a collaborative team culture that values diverse perspectives and varying levels of experience.

Cramer holds a PhD from RMIT University in Melbourne, as well as a BA (Hons) in Art History and Curatorship from ANU in Canberra and a BA in Fashion Design from RMIT University.