UPCYCLING
Given the current state of our planet and the impact of climate change, there are numerous simple ways we as individuals can make a difference. Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle in our daily routines and fashion choices is a key aspect. The fashion industry, increasingly aware of its environmental impact, has highlighted some eye-opening statistics on Instagram by The Business of Fashion. Each year, the industry produces 53 million tons of fibers.
One effective way for consumers to address the issue of clothing ending up in landfills is to donate items that no longer serve them to online platforms like Depop and TheRealReal, or to local charity and thrift stores. Another option is upcycling—transforming old clothes into new pieces. Brands such as Re/done are leading the way in this trend.
For more information on sustainability and upcycling, useful links will be provided. I also had the opportunity to speak with a designer about her perspective on upcycling and her journey into this creative process. Below are some of the pieces she has designed and sewn.
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photos by: samsocorro
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Lauryn, a 17-year-old designer, shares her admiration for iconic fashion brands like Prada, Issey Miyake, Jacquemus, Comme des Garçons, and Maison Margiela. Alongside these well-known labels, she has a passion for vintage clothing and unique finds from thrift stores.
Fashion wasn’t always her focus. Although she started sewing as a child, it wasn’t until she faced early struggles that she took a break. Her renewed interest emerged in 8th grade when she began seeking out unique clothing that was not readily available. The solution was to create these pieces herself.
Lauryn began with simple patterns, making items like a plaid crop top and a t-shirt dress with butterfly sleeves. Her journey into designing her own clothes truly began three years ago. Comfortable with assembling basic garments, she started pattern drafting and designing with guidance from YouTube tutorials. This led to some of her favorite creations, including the Air Puffer Vest, Dior-Inspired Prom Dress, Shirt of Shirts, and an SS20 Collection inspired by fisherman’s attire.
Her SS20 collection, titled “No More Fish Left in the Sea,” critiques the fast fashion industry’s impact on our oceans and water sources. Her interest in sustainable fashion has grown over the years, leading her to collect fabric scraps to reduce waste. Last summer, she used these scraps to create and sell unique tube tops, with all profits supporting the Pacific Links Foundation, which combats sex trafficking in Vietnam and neighboring countries.
Lauryn aspires to deepen her commitment to sustainable fashion. As it gains popularity, she believes it must become more accessible and affordable. She also values alternatives like thrifting and buying second-hand clothing from platforms like Depop, appreciating their environmental benefits.
For Lauryn, fashion is a creative outlet where she can fully express herself and experiment with various fabrics and designs. Despite the challenges and learning curves, she is excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to be more sustainable in her work.
Lauryn, a 17-year-old designer, shares her admiration for iconic fashion brands like Prada, Issey Miyake, Jacquemus, Comme des Garçons, and Maison Margiela. Alongside these well-known labels, she has a passion for vintage clothing and unique finds from thrift stores.
Fashion wasn’t always her focus. Although she started sewing as a child, it wasn’t until she faced early struggles that she took a break. Her renewed interest emerged in 8th grade when she began seeking out unique clothing that was not readily available. The solution was to create these pieces herself.
Lauryn began with simple patterns, making items like a plaid crop top and a t-shirt dress with butterfly sleeves. Her journey into designing her own clothes truly began three years ago. Comfortable with assembling basic garments, she started pattern drafting and designing with guidance from YouTube tutorials. This led to some of her favorite creations, including the Air Puffer Vest, Dior-Inspired Prom Dress, Shirt of Shirts, and an SS20 Collection inspired by fisherman’s attire.
Her SS20 collection, titled “No More Fish Left in the Sea,” critiques the fast fashion industry’s impact on our oceans and water sources. Her interest in sustainable fashion has grown over the years, leading her to collect fabric scraps to reduce waste. Last summer, she used these scraps to create and sell unique tube tops, with all profits supporting the Pacific Links Foundation, which combats sex trafficking in Vietnam and neighboring countries.
Lauryn aspires to deepen her commitment to sustainable fashion. As it gains popularity, she believes it must become more accessible and affordable. She also values alternatives like thrifting and buying second-hand clothing from platforms like Depop, appreciating their environmental benefits.
For Lauryn, fashion is a creative outlet where she can fully express herself and experiment with various fabrics and designs. Despite the challenges and learning curves, she is excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to be more sustainable in her work.