THE UPCYCLING SPACE NEVER LOOKED BETTER
Who knew that trash could be so much fun. It should be celebrated that one of the ways that we are seeing changes within the fashion industry towards a more responsible ecosystem, is the use of recycle/upcycled material, repurposed to produce some of the most exquisite and coveted designs. And while debate continues amongst environmental pundits on whether or not the repurposing of overproduced materials can be deemed a sustainable approach to responsible fashion, we laud the innovative, avant-gardes of the fashion industry with a vision towards sustainability.
Image credit: @tabitharingwood
Upcycling is the process of using existing materials for a new purpose. Here we take a look at a few of the smaller brands who are taking on this issue by utilizing innovative designs, giving a second life to deadstock, scraps and other discarded materials otherwise slated for incineration in a landfill.
Over-production of products and materials within the fashion industry is a going concern that needs to be addressed. However, it is quite exhilarating to see so many emerging brands choosing to avoid new production of materials to produce their collections and instead are looking to what is already here. You must admit that it takes a special mind to see beauty and potential in trash. The designers who engage in this business are in a rarefied air, as they can take old, discarded waste and create beautiful, desirable pieces.
Luxury brands like Tabitha Ringwood, el/if, Charlotte Knowles (KNWLS), Marine Serre, Chopova Lowena, Sami Miro Vintage and Bettter (only to name a few), recycle deadstock materials or repurpose scraps and waste to produce some of the most unique and exquisite designs. Mitigating our carbon footprint by repurposing materials once slated for a landfill. Putting aside the positive environmental impact for a moment, the upcycling of materials not only extends the life of products, but if done right, can be recycled into something quite desirable and in great demand.
Image credit: @chopovalowena
While the fashion industry continues to struggle with ways to stem their negative impact on the environment, brands operating in this space not only use recycled materials, their collections are handmade and made-to-order. So one can argue that the problem of overproduction on one end, is corrected with the equilibrium of supply and demand with brands in this space producing only what is needed.
This sector of the fashion industry is still in its infancy. But as we continue as audience members to some of the most ingenious ways to repurpose discarded materials, there will come a moment not too far in the future, where we will see a welcomed explosion in this sector.
Society is now woke to how our fashion impacts our environment. We can now make informed choices for where and what we buy. As the industry continues to struggle with a response to the metamorphosis needed to be more ethical and responsible, we look forward to seeing more brands in this space.
The way forward is to find innovative ways to use and repurposing our waste. Finding ways to save more waste from landfills and discovering ways to give our trash a second and third life. One of the many ways fashion can reverse and stem its toxic relationship with our environment.