This thesis explores the role of the fashion designer in the contemporary design and production of fashion garments, and seeks to present an argument for the integration of sustainable design strategies across the fashion design process. Existing studies have revealed that within the fashion design process there is often no consideration for the life cycle of a garment, garment end-of-life strategies, or any sense of responsibility for the textile waste generated through pattern making, manufacture or use (Black, Eckert and Eskandarypur 2009; Gwilt &amp;amp; Rissanen 2011). This thesis explores what opportunities are available for the fashion designer to design garments that can lessen the impact on the environment, while balancing economic, social and ethical concerns. Moreover, the thesis proposes that the designer can integrate sustainable design strategies during the fashion design process, which can lead to a change in the way that fashion garments are produced, used and discarded