Lately in the fashion industry it seems that a new sustainable trend is emerging among designers.That is upcycling.
Now, what is upcycling, you ask?
Upcycling is reusing discarded objects or materials to create a product of higher quality or perceived value than the original.
Also known as creative reuse, it consists on techniques that aim to transform waste materials, deadstock or by-products into new products in order to reduce waste and create new pieces which are unique and limited.
With this technique, clothes are made in this way:
- First, materials are sourced from factories, waste materials, unwanted fabrics or by-products of several industries.
- Second, these materials are washed.
- Third, the collections are designed and patrons for the future clothes are made
- Fourth, the pieces are sewed using innovative and sustainable techniques.
So, now that you are a pro and know how this works, here are some examples of brands who are killing it with innovative upcycling techniques.
LES RÉCUPÉRABLES
Les Récupérables is a Paris-based fashion brand founded by Anaïs Dautais in 2015 that is a pioneer in France for its sustainable ways of doing based on upcycling techniques. They focus their business on a circular economy by recycling textile. Also, they offer unique limited editions which are designed using innovative methods in the processes of sourcing, production and distribution and have almost no impact on the environment. Apart from that, they also lead several collaborations and projects on social insertion, such as 13 A’TIPIK in Marseille and Concept Insertion in Calais.
They describe their “Manifesto” as being based on 4 concepts: Innovation, Disobedience, Optimism and Inclusion.
Main characteristics: optimist, upcycling, recycling, social, inclusion, innovation, classy
VETTA
Vetta is an American fashion brand that stands out from any other label by the fact that they sell capsule collections that are versatile enough to be mixed and matched to create a month’s worth of outfits. You can buy the entire capsule or shop individual pieces and each garment can be worn in multiple ways, so you will never get bored from your new, highly-curated closet.
They put their attention on sustainable fabrics (recycled, organic, FSC-certified and dead stock materials) and responsible factories (which include everyone and offer a safe, respectful and stable working environment.
Main characteristics: capsule, recycling, upcycling, deadstock, social, respect, local, sustainable, curated
DORSU
Dorsu is a Cambodia-based fashion brand that makes “wardrobe essentials that are anything but basic”. They do not follow trends, but make affordable lasting pieces that will last for years in small batches and limited runs.
They get their materials from the remnants of fast-fashion factories in the area, upcycling in this way textiles that would otherwise be discarded. Also, they produce the clothes on site, so that everything they make is local and carefully made.
Main characteristics: long-lasting, upcycling, local, sustainable, limited, timeless, affordable
STUDIO ALCH
Studio ALCH is a explorative menswear label, founded by Australian designer Alexandra Hackett. Now based inLondon, the label focuses on exploring the process of deconstruction and reconstruction, to extend the lifespan of pre-existing products.
ALCH has worked with various artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy, Young Thug and Frank Ocean, and regularly collaborates with streetwear label Patta and Nike.
Main characteristics: practicality, functionality, innovation, menswear
VINTI ANDREWS
Vinti Andrews is a London based brand, collaboration between Vinti Tan and Paul Andrews. Sharing the same influences on British culture and global music, the duo makes garments for the fashion conscious individual in the form of not just fashion, but art and craftsmanship. They have an experienced background in design and use materials that have been repurposed, recycled and reconstructed.
Main characteristics: craftsmanship, art, self-expression, rebellion, reconstructed clothes
BETHANY WILLIAMS
Bethany Williams is a London-based menswear designer who prioritizes the individual over product for her ethical and uplifting brand. She works with women’s crisis centers and prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, Spired and Manx Workshop for the Disabled to offer paid employment to people on society’s fringes, and her collections are often modeled by homeless and struggling youth. Besides the social perspective, she also works with recycled, upcycled, and organic materials.
She explains the reason for the creation of her brand as the putting together of her two interests: people and textile. Also, she’s been nominated for the LVMH designer prize and won the Queen Elizabeth II award for British Design.
Main characteristics: ethical, social, inclusion, uplifting design, empowering, upcycled, sustainable, organic, handmade fabrics
CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN
Christopher Raeburn is a London-based sustainable and design-intelligent fashion, luggage and accessory brand that is a pioneer on the reworking of surplus fabrics and garments to create distinctive, luxurious and functional pieces which are made using an integral and innovative approach.
It bases its activity in the so-called 4Rs: RÆMADE (reworking surplus materials), RÆDUCED (reducing waste, efficient use of materials), RÆCYCLED (sustainable pre-existing materials, using green technologies) and RÆBURN (the designer’s own creative and innovative genius)
His ultimate wish is to “make strong, sustainable choices that provide our customers with a completely unique and desirable product.”
Main characteristics: innovative, limited, surplus fabrics, upcycling, remade, reduced, recycled, sustainable, luxury
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