Adding Value to Unwanted Garments through Creativity

Everything Must Go

2012-01-23T16:31:00.000Z

Different items of clothing flocked and turned into non woven materials

Red coat slashed to become 'waste'

Red coat slashing detail

Clothing sorted into piles by colour

Yarn woven from coloured clothing

Blankets made from recycled yarn

Emergency blankets made from recycled yarn

Antwerp - Pop Up Eco Shop

2012-01-14T09:37:00.001Z

Red bag (front right) - Elvis and Kresse made from fire hose

Textiles Environment Design

2011-12-21T16:36:00.003Z

The work of recent graduates and alumni from Chelsea College of Art and Design who focused on sustainability throughout their research and design practice can be found on the Textiles Environment Design website below. The varied projects make for interesting reading whilst also showing the diversity of approach from students.

Textiles Environment Design website

Upcycling Chairs!

2011-12-09T22:27:00.001Z

Old chair

Meeting room

The chairs in this meeting room are in desperate need of an update. We completed our first upcycled chair today and it looks awesome! One down - 7 to go! We are re-upholstering the chairs with pre-loved fabrics selected from our 4 themes, branded with 4 different colourways.

Deconstructing, sanding and painting the frame.

Re-upholstering the seat and back panels with pre-loved materials.

Tools of the trade.

An upcycled 'Green Economy' colour themed chair.

For more information about Waste Watch and the four themes please visit the website.

Recycle Your Vans

2011-11-28T21:27:00.001Z

Whilst in Brighton last week I noticed this incentive to take back your old Vans in order to get money off a new pair. Although I'm not sure exactly how these shoes are 'recycled', I like the incentive Vans give to their customers to take back and 'recycle' their old shoes (although simultaneously providing an incentive to buy a new pair!).

After some further investigation it turns out that Vans have also experimented with more 'sustainable' materials such as recycled PET and hemp.

I would like to see all shops offering services to take back, repair, reuse or recycle the products they sell in the first place.

Youth Group Workshop

2011-11-18T19:57:00.001Z

This week I visited the White City community centre to run an Upcycle Fashion workshop with a youth group. With an introduction about upcycling followed by a sewing workshop, time was rather tight as we only had an hour. However, the group began quickly and really impressed me with their neat and straight stitching! The workshop was part of a series called White City/Green Planet at the community centre. This series is organised by Our Common Place, an initiative run by Waste Watch to encourage communities to work together to improve social and environmental wellbeing. For more information please visit the Waste Watch website

An Upcycled Halloween Costume

2011-11-04T17:45:00.000Z


Materials sourced from my local charity shop: 1x pair of red trousers, 1 x red skirt, sleeves from 1 x red jumper

Upcycled Jewellery

2011-10-17T17:14:00.002+01:00

Making jewellery with a year 3 class at a primary school

The props used in high street shop window displays are changed frequently and often discarded after use. The beads, bangles, ribbons, pom poms, lace and other such decorations I used in this jewellery workshop had been saved from Monsoon/Accessorize by my friend who works there. The company invest in many props frequently to decorate their visually enticing window displays. After the season ends however, these decorations become 'waste' and are thrown away unless staff or the public save them from landfill. Fortunately my friend could not let these wonderful gems and beads to go waste and took around 5 huge bags of decorations home. I was lucky enough to be able to take a couple of bags from her to use for a jewellery making workshop at a primary school. The children loved the beads, bangles and gems and when I told them the story of the materials, and that they had been saved from landfill it raised many questions regarding other waste from shops, other things that are unnecessarily thrown away. This is such a waste of materials that have plenty of life left in them and so much potential to support creative projects!

Sample Loans

2011-09-27T20:08:00.001+01:00

It's always interesting to loan the upcycle-fashion creations to photographers and stylists. I love doing it because the varied interpretations of the pieces and resulting images are always so fascinating to see. It just goes to show how everyone has their own unique style, opinion and view of a garment. Many thanks to stylist Paula Gayle for contacting me and photographer Mary Spencer for doing a great job with this dress I created for Oxjam last year.

Spring Summer 2012 Estethica

2011-09-19T12:47:00.000+01:00

London Fashion Week S/S12 Estethica REVIEW download as PDF

Footprint Awards

2011-08-06T22:29:00.000+01:00

The Footprint Awards were held at RIBA on 19th May 2011.

Julia Roebuck design for Reynolds

Julia Roebuck design for Nestle

Zoe Grace Fletcher design for Brakes

Julia Roebuck design for Huhtamaki

Julia and Zoe design for Nestle

Recycling Bins around London

2011-07-22T16:06:00.001+01:00

Recycling is something that many people probably know they should be doing, yet the majority are not. I see an increasing amount of recycling bins in public places, yet with continuing contamination. A lot of the work I do currently aims to encourage people to see the benefits of recycling - changing behaviours in favour of recycling, encouraging people to value the process and understand the urgent need to see waste as a resource.

Uxbridge

London Green Fair

Gatwick Airport

Borough Market

Create Centre Bristol

2011-05-23T19:54:00.000+01:00

I visited the Create centre a couple of weeks ago on a trip to Bristol with work. It is an amazing place and has a great website . Do check it out online and also whenever you may next be in Bristol. Every town should have one of these! I am definitely going to visit Bristol again, but next time for much longer, I only had a couple of hours to explore and I know there is so much I missed out on. Can't wait to visit again!

Bridal Cupture

2011-04-20T07:53:00.001+01:00

A current design project has introduced me to an unusual yet fun and exciting Upcycling process of making fashion/art pieces from industrial waste. The Bridal Cupture dress you see here has been made from around 200 Huhtamaki Bioware cups to be displayed at the Footprint Awards next month. More garments will be constructed - I will update in the run up to the event. I am collaborating with Zoe Fletcher for the awards project and we are both making garments for the awards exhibit.

Upcycle Collective

2011-04-15T08:08:00.000+01:00

The newly created Upcycle Collective blog aims to bring together creative upcyclers to share their work and discuss upcycling projects and ideas from all areas of design and manufacture.

I was interviewed for an upcyclecollective blogpost on upcycle fashion.

Do check out the blog and read the interview!

Few and Far

2011-03-20T19:27:00.001Z

Reading the April issue of Homes and Gardens at work yesterday I found the follow quote.

'Customers are becoming more interested in provenance. They want the story behind how an object is made. This applies to clothes too'

Priscilla Carluccio, Founder of Few and Far

The Few and Far website

The items and clothing stocked at few and far are 'A surprising mix of carefully made clothing collections from India - France - Morocco - Italy - the Faroe Islands - Mongolia and the UK, sit happily with contemporary and vintage furniture, toys, craft and tabletop, jewellery and exhibitions.' (www.fewandfar.net).

The shop is in South Kensington, London. Check it out if you happen to be passing or online - a fantastic retail experience with the opportunity to buy truly unique and carefully sourced products.

Semple Secrets

2011-03-16T12:31:00.003Z

Are you be interested in interning for a great initiative and lovely people in Covent Garden?
Maggie Semple Ltd are looking for interns to commit 2/3 days per week. You would be writing blog posts and managing their blog/facebook/twitter pages, helping organise the events as well as being involved in a potential TV pilot.

If you are unable to intern, but are interested in the work of Maggie Semple Ltd., please do visit the website and submit your Semple Story. Semple Secrets is an initiative to reveal the story associated with the most treasured garments belonging to women. Semple Secrets are looking for women to send their fashion stories, approximately 200-300 words, with an accompanying photo of the garment.

I took my treasured garment (an upcycled Junky Styling hooded top) along to the Semple Secrets event 'Maggie Semple in conversation with Claire Wilcox' last month. Please check out the Semple Secrets blog here to read more!

The People's Supermarket

2011-03-15T23:30:00.002Z

Today I finally made a visit to The People's Supermarket on Lambs Conduit Street in central London. I watched the series on 4od and LOVED the concept behind it, the determination of the founders and the way the project has progressed and succeeded despite some pretty tough challenges.

It's such an inspiring idea providing a truly community-focused and unique shopping experience - a welcome alternative to the super-mega-hyper-store market retailers that have the monopoly on the market, collectively turning over billion-figure profits whilst simultaneously pushing down prices of produce - often causing extreme pressure on the farmers, with british dairy farmers in particular experiencing a great deal of pressure and suffering as I write this (read a related article here).

The People's Supermarket has now exceeded their original target of recruiting 500 members, providing enough staff to keep the shop open and many more member customers. The prices are competitive, with many products priced cheaper as there are no wage costs. I love that TPS are able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables that don't look perfect. Imperfections or mis shapen food will often not be bought by the giant supermarket retailers and, as a result, become surplus to requirement for the provider, quickly becoming waste. The People's Supermarket plays a vital role in ensuring this food 'waste' is not thrown 'away' - and is instead thrown into the TPS vans and brought to their store to be sold!

I 100% support the changes this supermarket is making to the way people shop, place themselves within a community and work together to make something happen. Although I don't live in Holborn I am going to become a member as I think it's a fabulous idea. By becoming a member I am able to play a small role in the growing success of a unique alternative retail experience and encourage them to look for another site closer to home in Elephant and Castle!

Upcycle Fashion Website!!

2011-03-13T21:11:00.002Z

The upcycle-fashion website went live today.
Please check it out and get in touch re: all things fashion and upcycling

Thank you!

Fashion Laid Bare

2011-03-08T15:08:00.001Z

Happy Fairtrade Fortnight!

To mark another important year of fairtrade fortnight events I will be speaking at the Fashion Laid Bare event at Kingston University this Thursday 10th March from 6pm.

The event has been organised by the Kingston University Sustainability Hub and Kingston Fairtrade and will take place at the Penrhyn Road Kingston Uni site.

Other speakers include Barbara Crowther from the Fairtrade Foundation and Abi Petit from organic cotton label Gossypium. Although the main focus for the event is ethical trading I am keen to also engage the panel and audience in the issues of longevity and reuse and to engage thinking within all areas of the fashion lifecycle about the other stages of the supply chain that could cause environmental or ethical damage.

For more information on the event and other fairtrade events and news in Kingston please visit the Kingston Fairtrade website

A review shall follow next week!

Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity

2011-03-08T14:57:00.001Z

Last Thursday night's event: Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity was a great event held at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, East London.

Many crafts people came together to show and sell their work and to meet others who are passionate about the same areas of sustainable fashion.

The Museum was a great venue for the stall spaces, speakers, exhibitions and workshops. I didn't magage to see the main talk earlier in the evening as a steady stream of people wondered past the London College of Fashion stand and interested to talk and learn more about the work.

The MA Fashion and the Environment showcase included examples of students final work, sketchbook development, information regarding external collaborative projects, film footage and information about the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, based at the London College of Fashion. Many visitors were interested in the work of students and keen to understand the ways in which fashion and the environment is taught to students through the MA programme. Zoe Grace Fletcher's knitwear collection was shown alongside her swatches of naturally dyed yarns (displayed in the glass frame). For more information about Zoe's work please visit her website.

I displayed the two Upcycle-Fashion books alongside previous sketchbook development and my portfolio including articles I have written for the University of the Arts London newspaper and magazine. Taking the book with me to various events such as this is a great experience as I can see the reactions people have to it first hand, whilst also being available to talk through the ideas behind my work and answer any questions they may have or information regarding stockists (I'm working on that one!). As well as developing the content through the school workshops, it is also really important to get feedback from a different audience with a unique approach, with perhaps also a different angle on the issues.

Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity TONIGHT!

2011-03-03T08:45:00.000Z

If you are free this evening between 6pm-9pm please do come to the Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity event at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.

MA Fashion and the Environment students will be showing their work, answering questions about the course and future plans of graduating students (!) and giving information about the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion.

Other great exhibitors and speakers will be there such as Lucy Siegle, Amisha Ghadiali, Joss Whipple, DIY Couture, Ethical Fashion Forum and the Papered Parlour.

Can't wait!
Report to follow tomorrow...

Green Carpet Challenge 2011- Oscars Success!

2011-03-01T13:07:00.000Z

An Oscars success in more ways than one for Brits at the Oscars this year - showing the best of british talent in acting and upcycling!

The Gary Harvey Oscars dress Livia Firth wore to the ceremony was absolutely stunning and she looked amazing - see the piece on ITV London News and Livia Firth's Blog on vogue.com about the Green Carpet Challenge

Eco Labelling

2011-02-18T16:21:00.001Z

At a workshop today it was interesting to find these labels on garments. In order to communicate the origin of materials, processes of manufacture and history of a garment, alongside it's 'eco' qualitites, labelling will play a key role in providing this information. Companies such as Made-by (Track and Trace) and Patagonia (Footprint Chronicles) provide their customer with the opportunity to trace the journey of garments, and find out where our clothing comes from.

Rapanui is an eco fashion label passionate about eco labelling of clothing. You can read more information on their website.

Does your clothing label provide any interesting eco information?

Wash at 30 degrees

Fairtrade certified cotton

Recycled Polyester

UAL Green Week 2011

2011-02-16T10:05:00.001Z

Green Week 2011 at University of the Arts London incorporated more events and involved more students than any previous Green Week. Events organised by the Students' Union and all colleges brought together many students and staff to raise awareness of campaigns and move forward ideas on all things 'Green' at UAL.

Including a CSM Pants to Poverty walk, the first Students' Union Create Late, Pecha Kucha presentations, sustainable sourcing by Chelsea canteen, the Launch of the new Sustainable Arts website plus an Estates Roadshow, green week was a great success.

The photographs below are taken from the first SU Create Late event 'Smells Like Green Spirit' at the UAL High Holborn Hub. With collaborators from Lush, Wholefoods, Rainforest Alliance, Environmental Justice Foundation and Urban Greenline, the Thursday night event was the highlight of the Green Week calendar.


UAL Green Week 2011

Plant Potting


Urban Green Line

Making facemasks with Lush

EJF Designer T-shirts

Rollapoluzo

Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity

2011-02-15T17:57:00.001Z

Keep your FIRST THURSDAY evening in MARCH free!

For the first time ever, all three years of MA Fashion and the Environment students and graduates will join forces to exhibit work and promote the diversity of ideas and outcomes relating to sustainable fashion at this fantastic event to be held at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.

The event on the evening (6pm-9pm) of Thursday 3rd March is free and brings many Ethical Fashion industry professionals together to communicate the importance of this growing area of fashion. Through workshops and talks, stalls and exhibits, come along to learn more, gain practical advice and develop hands-on skills with a group of lovely people who work hard to change current unethical practices and who really do make a difference.

Official Website HERE

Check Me Out

2011-02-14T10:22:00.002Z

My very good friend, enthusiastic traveller and and talented designer-weaver Holly Pressdee is offering a new free design service through her blog Check Me Out

Simply email a favourite photograph of yourself either in a memorable place, wearing a most loved outfit, or both to Holly and she'll create your own personalised check-design based on the colours and proportions in the photograph!

Holly has travelled to India with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion as a designer for the Shared Talent India project.

Combining her love of weaving and sustainable fashion, Holly's work provides unique and personal connections between the wearer and woven cloth. For her final degree collection, Holly created four different woven tartan check designs that responded to four individuals, representing unique information such as birth dates, and using favourite colours and places to inspire the design. You can read more about Holly's final collection through her Chelsea College of Art and Design Showtime Profile - Check Holly Out!

Sustainable Arts at UAL

2011-02-09T10:30:00.002Z

I have spent the last three weeks working hard on my first freelance project - the new University of the Arts London Sustainability website.

There are lots of great projects taking place throughout the university that focus on many elements relating to sustainability. From carbon emission reduction targets in estates, to research and curriculum development projects, serving local and organic food in the canteens to bee keeping on the balcony of the London College of Fashion, the new website is the first step in providing information about all these great projects to the wider body of staff, students and interested visitors!

The website represents the diversity of interpretations relating to sustainability around the university and highlights the work of staff members working hard to increase the sustainability reputation at UAL. The idea behind the site aims to encourage students and staff to get involved with current projects or set up their own. All projects, events and news will be updated via the site and it is a great first step for UAL to set a new standard in sustainable development within higher education.

All UAL need now is a newly appointed, dedicated member of staff to assume a full time position of Sustainability Project Officer...!

Showtime Profile

2011-01-12T14:43:00.001Z

Showtime is a website hosting online portfolios of all graduates from all colleges within University of the Arts London.

These are:

London College of Fashion

Camberwell College of Art

Chelsea College of Art and Design

Wimbledon College of Art

London College of Communication

Central St Martins College of Art and Design

Students and their online portfolio can be found by searching for their name, course or college through Showtime.

The cohort of MA graduates 2011 have just completed their studies and all current profiles are in the process of being updated in the run up to the exhibition and events throughout the first week of February.

http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/juliaroebuck

My research has explored the ways in which young people are educated about sustainable fashion and how they can learn skills and find inspiration to create, mend or alter their own clothing. By producing the student textbook and teacher resource guide I aim to raise awareness of the main environmental and ethical issues relating to the fashion and textiles industry. By connecting young people to how and where their clothing is made and the damage such production can cause, it is hoped our young generation will develop a more responsible, unique and creative approach fashion consumption.

TRAID: Primary School Workshops

2011-01-12T10:14:00.002Z

Working in primary schools with the Recycle Fashion workshops with TRAID, I have been volunteering to help young people gain hands on experience with textiles and learning techniques to change the shape of the garments. I have included some photographs of the drawings from the workshops here as I find them appealing and quite funny sketches of clothing seen from a childs point of view.

Atmosphere @ the Science Museum

2011-01-11T21:43:00.003Z

Atmosphere is a new permanent exhibition on the 2nd floor of the WellcomeWing at the Science Museum, London. The exhibition opened in December 2010 and is an interactive and inviting rescource for visitors to learn more about the science behind climate change and greenhouse gases. The exhibition demonstrates a clear and informative approach to the ways in which science and technology are developing in order to document the changes to our planet and atmosphere. By mapping and logging such changes, we are able to more accurately predict the effects an increase in carbon emissions will have on the planet.

Exhibition Promotion

Science and Technology are also crucial for us to develop solutions and provide opportunities to reduce our impact on the planet - not just through carbon emissions but also by reducing waste and pollution. I would highly recommend this exhibition to everyone as it is a great example of environmental communication. It raises awareness of the issues whilst also inspiring and reminding us of the urgent need to discover and invent new, improved, more responsible ways of living.

Carbon Cycle Installation

Atmosphere Exhibition Introduction

Exhibition Layout

Global Warming Exhibit

The Exhibition

BBC Blast Fashion @ the V&A

2011-01-10T19:04:00.004Z

The BBC Blast Fashion Festival was held at the V&A museum on the 2nd October 2010. Bringing together over 1000 young people at the Sackler Centre, the day was filled with free fashion workshops and lectures.

I was facilitating the fashion recycling workshop along with two other great fashion recyclers from Beyond Retro. The recycling workshop and the day in general was a huge success, and I was grateful to be given the work experience opportunity by the BBC Blast team to plan, promote and help to manage the event.

From pom pom and ruff making to assisting young people with their own projects or school work, the BBC Blast Fashion Festival was only available to young people aged 13-19. This was great research for my MA project and it is a shame that BBC Blast has been cut and thier fantastic work has come to an end. The website is still online, although no further content will be added in the future. I hope many more young people can continue to be inspired by the great BBC Blast online platform archive and continue to attend other events and workshops to further their creative talents and develop hands on, practical skills.

Sustainable Fashion: A Student Guide

2011-01-08T21:53:00.002Z

Cover Page

Contents Page

Chapter Two heading

Sample Pages - Retail

Education Workshops - In Schools

2011-01-07T12:12:00.001Z

A few images from my MA research - working with young people in schools to promote the values of sustainable fashion and the importance of learning where our clothing and accessories come from. Focusing on the end-of-life scenarios for clothing enables young people to gain hands on experience of upcycling. Encouraging young people to explore the ways in which clothing can be transformed and manipulated into other shapes provides skills that are transferable to other clothing items and can be passed on to friends and family.

Junk: Sustainable Fashion in Manchester

2011-01-06T10:03:00.002Z

A visit over the Chrismas holiday to Manchester led to the fantastic shop that is Junk: Sustainable Fashion Made in Manchester. Junk sells vintage clothing and small collections made or upcycled by local designers. The shop layout was quirky and inviting, with lots of unusual and interesting objects and garments to see and buy. My friend bought a leather jacket that, with a few adjustments by the machine technician at Manchester University, would become a perfect fit for only £35.

'Junk is more than just a retail space, it's a place to imagine and create' (www.junkshopuk.com)

'It ain't refuse if you re-use'

Another great aspect of the Junk shop concept is that they offer workshops and sewing classes to encourage the community to make, remake or alter their own clothing. The Fashion Courses at 'School of Junk' can be found on their website Junk Website and up to date info can also be found on their twitter account. In my opinion they are 100% worthy of their recent title of 'Best Independent Shop in Manchester' - next time you're in the centre of Manchester Junk is definately worth a visit!

Living and Giving Primrose Hill

2011-01-05T19:59:00.003Z

The new Mary 'Queen of Shops' Living and Giving shop for Save the Children in Primrose Hill is gorgeous! The shop was previously inhabited by the fabrics and business of Ian Mankin, a natural and organic fabric shop, selling fabrics woven in Lancashire, where I still work part time (now relocated to expand our other shop in Fulham).

The transformation of the shop is stunning and I was amazed to see the fantastic change that has been created.

Well worth a visit: 109 Regents Park Road, London.

Euro News: London College of Fashion

2010-11-09T16:49:00.001Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08oNWdnTjuI

Chris Huhne at LSE

2010-11-03T15:46:00.003Z

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne MP spoke yesterday at LSE about the new Green Deal. The talk was chaired by Eric Neumayer - Head of Department for Geography and the Environment at LSE.

Chris Huhne was speaking about the Green Economy and also the 3rd Industrial Revolution that will support an economy 'built to last'. The Green Deal will support 'jobs, investment, technology, a skilled workforce and further innovation' and an economy prone to fewer ups and downs with green energy providing the backbone of the revolution.

To nurture new industries through innovation in clean energy and to develop the UK's energy independence through low carbon goods and services. The Green Deal has set itself the target to support 1 million Green Jobs by 2015 by taking the lead in off shore wind and carbon capture technology with other renewable energy supplies and nuclear also having a role to play.

As we move ahead to a low carbon future, Chris was positive that 'the next generation's prosperity will come from green energy'.

Due to the 'chronic inefficiency' throughout homes in the UK, the Green Deal does not leave out our houses, aiming to 'futureproof' the homes in need of eco-improvements. With further green jobs created through the assessment, installation and construction of further green housing, along with boilers and insulation I really hope the Green Deal works as well as Mr Huhne suggested.

This is sure to improve our current rating of 25th (out of 27 countries in Europe) for our dependence on renewable energy sources. Shocking!

Made Not Manufactured

2010-10-17T23:18:00.001+01:00

This was one of the posters towards the end of 2010 at the Origins craft fair in Spitalfields Market. It made me smile, and I love the label 'Made Not Manufactured'. Appreciation of materials, skills, quality and craftmanship are implied through the 'made'.

Kilburn OxJam: Fashion Show

2010-10-15T14:54:00.005+01:00

Oxfam's music and fashion fundraiser, OxJam, organise events throughout the country, and on Friday 8th October I submitted an upcycled outfit to be shown as part of the fashion show.

The design brief was to select garments from an Oxfam store (spending a maximum of £15) and upcycle them into a fabulous outfit to be shown at the OxJam event. I visited the Camden Oxfam DIY store and, inspired by the promotion of pink products from Wednesday's Breast Cancer Care Show, I selected a pink outfit: Leggings (Diesel) and Hoody (H&M) to create my October Breast Cancer Awareness upcycled outfit.

I deconstructed the hoody and leggings and used design features of both garments to inspire the upcycle outfit. I used the zip and the ribbing from the hoody in the dress and turned the hood inside out before reattaching it to the jacket. Modelled here by the lovely Georgia who did a great job at making it look even better than I had imagined on the catwalk!

As well as the fashion show, music was performed by Hawa Power and I Love Zagreb - both talented acts that provided a great accompaniment to the fashion show. Also showing an outfit at the OxJam show: Francesca Warren (whose garment is the black dress above) who is a graduate from the CSM Textile Futures MA. Her work and new label UnButton focuses on reuse and zero waste and you can find more information about her great ideas HERE!

OCTOBER - Breast Cancer Care Awareness Month

2010-10-15T13:11:00.001+01:00

It was a very emotional but also exciting day on Wednesday 6th October - photographing the models backstage at the annual Breast Cancer Care fundraising event at Grovesnor House Hotel. The models are all breast cancer survivors and had a great day modelling fabulous outfits on the catwalk to raise money for a great and essential cause. The best photographs were taken on the big fancy camera and are now in the good hands of Breast Cancer Care, but I also managed to snap away on the blog camera!

The models arrived early at Grovesnor House and were treated to a full hair and make up makeover. There were 20 models all together, so it took most of the morning to get everyone through the fantastic Estee Lauder make up artists and Sassoon hair team. These photos are taken backstage at the dress rehersal and afternoon BCC Show.

All the outfits had been decided proir to the event, and the models were comfortable in their selection and also looked AMAZING! Clothes had been donated by everyone from John Lewis to Jaeger, and were split into eight themes.

My favourite of all themes: the Evening Ballgown collection - each model wore a stunning evening gown and for this outfit only was walked down the catwalk by a professional male model.

The fundraiser was a huge success and I greatly enjoyed getting to know the models and being able to capture the excitement and glamour of the day.

For more information on Breast Cancer Care click here

Timberland - Nature needs Heroes

2010-10-05T22:04:00.000+01:00

The Annual Dilemma

2010-09-27T17:30:00.001+01:00

Around this time every year I begin to get excited when considering my most treasured annual purchase: The winter boot.

As a teenager, Faith served me well. A Kurt Geiger sale pair were a great early purchase and have weared well. A couple of pairs have been passed on to me from my mum, and a couple of others have been found in discreet and quiet beautiful independent shoe shops around the country.

However, in the years since my sustainable fashion awakening - and understanding the need in our society to 'vote with my wallet' - no matter how great the look or label, if it's not been Terra Plana I have not bought it. Unfortunately, my black flat Terra Plana FAVOURITES that once looked like this...

Terra Plana Wood mid Cald Length Boot

Are now (despite much re-heeling) in a state of disrepair: broken zip, chunk missing from the back of both heels, buckle fallen off the top strap, threads coming loose. Looking at how they used to be, I would be more than happy to spend the same amount of money for a new pair on getting these fixed! Anyway, I don't think Terra Plana currently have a send back and renew policy - so my journey to replace them continues.

After lusting after the Terra Plana Lauren Boot (below) for way too long, by the time I had saved up to buy it, it had vanished from the shelves. These lovelies now exist only in virtual shopping areas in a size 3 or in yellow. (I'm a size 5 Terra Plana, if you're reading this and have a few spare black pairs).

Terra Plana Lauren Boot

I feel that the next part of the story is all due to the slight loss I feel by not owning a pair of the Lauren Boots. I have no ankle boots, and although I am searching for flat, black, practical but different, wearable but interesting (obviously responsibly sourced and manufactured) the look of the Lauren boot has always stayed with me in a search for something similar to take its place.

So, finding myself exploring the new Shoe Galleries in Selfridges on Saturday (along with a million other people) I was not impressed with any of the black flat boots I tried on. I was about to leave, wondering how much it would really cost to repair my favourite yet sadly unwearable original Terra Plana pair, when I walked past these black suede Siri boots in All Saints...

All Saints Black Suede Siri Boot

See a resemblance to the Lauren's? I know All Saints isn't at the cutting edge of innovative sustainable design, but they would be a good investment, surely?...I tried them on, squashed between other women trying on similar All Saints styles, commenting on how lovely they all are. I had a walk around in them and felt insantly Rock Chic...but was I really going to buy this slightly impractical yet stunning pair AND a pair of black flat ones? No, too much money. As I put them back in the box, still undecided, a keen sales assistant appeared. "I love these boots, we've sold SO many pairs of these today". Ah. That decided it. I left the Shoe Galleries pretty quickly without my essential Rock Chic footwear realising that however special I felt wearing them, at least 200, 300 + other rock chick boot lovers all over the country had felt the exact same way. I don't think that thought would put many people off...but for me there is no bigger turn off to buy something than knowing it is the most popular item. It is for this reason, not environmental issues, why I began making my own clothes, yet I am not blessed with the ability, nor equipment to make my own shoes. Reminded of my love for the niche and unique (yet affordable) I shall go back to finding small labels run by responsible designers trying to make a difference.

Oh, and until I can get my boots fixed I found my next purchase:

Terra Plana Black Birch Boot

BBC Blast @ V&A Fashion Festival

2010-09-21T16:44:00.000+01:00

BBC Blast and the V&A have collaborated to create a unique schedule of FREE fashion workshops aimed at 13-19 year olds who are keen to find out more about the fashion industry and ask advice from industry insiders. Saturday 2nd October will see the first dedicated fashion workshop programme organised by BBC Blast and the V&A Sackler Centre. The free workshops include fashion styling, hair and beauty demonstrations, learning how to knit, fashion upcycle, fashion illustration, photoshop skills for image transfer and a live Q&A with Erin O'Connor!

For more information visit the website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/210023

Visit the website to register and pre-book your preferred workshop. Many are drop in, so come along and see what's on offer. Plus it's another great excuse to get down to the ever inspiring V&A museum.

The Yellow Dress

2010-09-18T22:24:00.003+01:00

Colin and Livia Firth at the BAFTAS 2010

Me wearing the dress August 2010

After falling in love with the yellow Leila Hafzi dress on Livia Firth's Green Carpet Challenge blog on the Vogue website, finding it on the Oxfam E-Bay site, placing my bids, eagerly awaiting the deadline, becoming the successful bidder and making slight alterations, I finally wore it to Laura and Duncan's wedding!

I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it, it is such a comfortable yet beautiful dress - and I greatly enjoyed telling people the story of how I aquired it.

Having a story to tell about a garment you love is something really special. Whether it is associated with a previous owner, an unusual shopping experience or has been created or customised by the wearer or loved ones, the story of a garment is something that has the potential to connect people more to the clothing they wear. It would be so great to hear more stories of clothing when I enquire in the future about someone's outfit of choice.

CSF@Estethica - Martina Spetlova

2010-09-17T21:37:00.004+01:00

CSF@Estethica - Romina Karamanea

2010-09-17T21:32:00.003+01:00

CSF@Estethica - Josie Beckett

2010-09-17T21:26:00.003+01:00

CSF@Estethica - Borders and Frontiers

2010-09-17T21:20:00.004+01:00

CSF @ Esthetica LFW Sept.2010

2010-09-17T20:30:00.005+01:00

Another season and another fantastic range of exhibitors at Estethica. The Centre for Sustainable Fashion is based at LCF and is an hub "interacting with fashion education, research and the wider industry". As part of the Business Support Programme, CSF @ Estethica is profiling the work of 4 designers enrolled on the programme who are working to improve the sustainability credentials of their business. This season they are: (from left to right on the image below). Martina Spetlova, Borders and Frontiers, Romina Karamenea, Josie Beckett.

THTC Upcycling

2010-09-13T20:33:00.005+01:00

After meeting Gav from THTC and helping out this week with the NOI collective workshops at the START Garden Party to Make a Difference, I was inspired to set myself a THTC upcycle project:

IMPROV-INSTRUCTIONS

2x small t-shirts (as below)

1x waistband

1) Cut off the sleeves from t-shirt 1
2) Cut the bottom half of the t-shirt off
3) Stitch waistband to the bottom of the shortened t-shirt

4) Slice the neckline off the 2nd t-shirt
5) Stitch the top of t-shirt 2 to the bottom of the waistband
6) Fold the sleeves inside the dress and turn into pockets
7) Stitch the bottom part of t-shirt 1 to the bottom of t-shirt 2
(unless you would prefer a minidress!)

I wore my upcycled THTC dress to the Sunday workshops at the START Garden Party and inspired many youngsters to have a go at remaking a t-shirt.
(see http://noicollective.blogspot.com for further images)

NOI Collective Day Three: Clementine&THTC

2010-09-10T21:57:00.001+01:00

Textile Recycling Bank Sightings

2010-08-06T00:38:00.008+01:00

Camden New Town Community Festival

2010-07-18T22:50:00.010+01:00

Upcycle Fashion on YouTube

2010-07-15T20:03:00.004+01:00

My first contribution to the online video sharing network is a short (and silent!) documentary film that I made after myself and coursemates went out onto the streets of Oxford Street to ask the general public (and many tourists) what their opinions of 'Eco Fashion' were if they even knew what it really meant in the first place. Fortunately it wasn't all an overwhelming sea of blank faces - but a mix of those who understood and acted upon their opinions regarding the damaging environmental effects of the fashion industry ... and those who had no idea. Interestingly it was the younger people who were more engaged and understanding of the issues. They seemed to have more of an awareness through picking up information in the media and felt like they were important issues for our time - mainly focusing on the issues of fairtrade, material waste and resource depletion. In general the older shoppers around Oxford Circus were not aware of the importance of the issues and what was being done to change things. One man commented that there was no point attempting to change anything, because ultimately 'what will happen will happen'. Not an optimistic mentality to be faced with when trying to spread positivity and optimism and raise awareness hopefully leading to life changing actions, but hey ho! It was a really interesting afternoon and I look forward to questioning more shoppers about their ethics and shopping habits.

Be The Change
(my first you tube upload - I attempt to improve the quality of my short films!)

Ethical Fashion Forum Network

2010-07-15T00:04:00.004+01:00

Looking through the EFF network it is really good format and surprising to me that this social media has not been taken up more by young people of the generation that has grown up with facebook/bebo/youtube/myspace.

In line with my MA research I have set up a group on the ethical fashion forum network called Sustainable Textiles and Fashion GCSE

Through inviting members of the network to join, I hope I can develop a discussion and conversation surrounding the aims of my MA and I can drive the project forward with information from a new audience.

TRASH FASHION

2010-07-12T19:55:00.003+01:00

Today I visited the science museum to check out the temporary exhibit Trash Fashion. The display was within the new Antenna section of the museum that hosts shows exploring themes around science and technology. The Trash Fashion exhibit focused on designing out waste and included the work of Mark Liu and his zero waste pattern cut clothing, Suzanne Lee and biocouture garments (created from fabric that is grown from bio cultures and moulded into 3D shapes) and Sandy Black, showcasing her knit to fit garment processes based on 3D body scanning. All the garments on display were beautiful, and 'fashionable' - a world apart from the now extremely misrepresented stereotype of 'eco-chic' fashion. I would like everyone to see this exhibit, as it focused on the technology and innovation that is being incorporated into new clothing designs for a sustainable future. It is no longer enough to just design a nice frock or have a deep and dark design concept to produce an interesting collection - for me the garment needs to tell a story that is relevant and plays a role in changing the way we view our clothing - and improves the impact the system in which it exists has on the environment.

A Call for Textile Design Teachers

2010-07-07T21:47:00.003+01:00

If you are, or know anyone, teaching textile design at a secondary school, community workshop or adult education centre please get in touch!

julia-faye@hotmail.com

VINTAGE PRIMARK

2010-07-05T20:31:00.006+01:00

Conversation#100 "VINTAGE PRIMARK"

I recently overheard a colleague complementing another on her dress. The dress wearer thanked her and, as is often unfortunately the case these days, told that it was from Primark. Except in this instance she had bought her Primark dress from a charity shop. Faced with a bizarre combination of something I love (2nd hand clothes shopping) with something I am not so keen on (consumption of mass produced, cheap clothing in a crap retail environment) I was slightly confused as to how I felt about the purchase. It is an unfortunate fact that many of the garments in charity shops are now cheap retail cast offs and garments the charity shop would find hard to sell for less than the original price of the garment. Can a charity shop justify selling any recent garment second hand for more than would have been paid for it on the high street? Often the answer is no, as this won’t make the money charities need to run many aid and development projects. Good quality items are essential for the charity shops, as people are willing to spend more on a quality vintage item, but won’t spend more than £5 for a t-shirt they can buy for the same price new. The need for good quality stock has lead to some charity shops requesting that Primark items are not donated, as to avoid the charity shop looking like a dumping ground for the worn out, faded fast fashion basics. However, for many people the destination for unwanted clothing is either charity shop or the bin...and with charity shops wanting to improve their image and encourage good quality donations, they simultaneously increase the proportion of ‘waste’ clothing that is 'worn out' before it’s time and has no destination other than landfill. Contributions to the growing waste stream of textiles is the last thing we need, so considering the aim of many charity shops the advise would be that if you are going to buy cheap clothing, don’t consider it to be disposable. Keep it. If possible, save up and invest in something you love so much you will want to wear every year. We all need basics but we don’t need these to wear out quickly – we don’t have to spend less money on more stuff. Value the materials that you buy...and slow down the unsustainable nature of buying clothing as if it’s going out of, well...fashion.

Ten Ways to Use Less Oil

2010-07-04T06:51:00.003+01:00

Taken from the Greenpeace website, I love these tips for living a less oil intensive lifestyle.

As more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, the conversations I am having with people are slowly changing from telling people about the issues to telling people how they can incorporate change within their lifestyle to make a difference. Many people are now aware of the issues...they understand that something must be done, but don't know where to start and need a nudge in the right direction. Telling people how to make the changes is a step forward to just telling them about the issues. People want to create change and this 10 step guide from Greenpeace is a great example for oil consumption...

In the wake of the ongoing catastrophe of the Gulf oil spill, lots of people have been asking us how they can reduce their oil consumption in their daily lives. Here's our top ten:

1. Carpool, cycle or use public transport to go to work.

2. Choose when possible products packaged without plastic and recycle or re-use containers.

3. Buy organic fruits and vegetables (fertilisers and pesticides are based on oil more often than not).

4. Buy beauty products (shampoo, soap, make-up) based on natural ingredients, not oil.

5. Choose when possible locally produced products (less transport involved).

6. Buy clothes made out of organic cotton or hemp - not from oil derivatives.

7. Use non-disposable items in picnics and summer festivals.

8. Quit bottled water.

9. Fly less.

10. Demand that your government encourage renewable energy instead of oil

SKINT NATION

2010-07-03T23:14:00.002+01:00

"SKINT NATION"

We are reaching a strange time in the history of approaches to fashion consumption. With many people wanting to pay the lowest price possible for a ‘fashion bargain’ on the high street and online, it is now possible for the consumer to buy new clothing for a lower price than 2^nd hand garments. The common approach to acquiring new clothing only a few decades ago was to pass them between family members and friends or buy second hand clothing as a cheaper alternative to buying new clothing from the tailor or Marks and Spencer. The image of second hand clothing today however is still understood by many people to fit in with this second rate method of purchasing cheaper clothing - not as good quality as anything you could buy new. Yet today, when we can buy new clothing for cheaper than charity shop items sometimes of higher quality, the priorities of what we desire from our clothing have changed. The low cost poor quality items that classed as second rate and looked down upon for being ‘cheap’, have now become the new, trend driven, fast fashion items that are desired and sold to thousands of people every week. When did it become cool to wear a new dress every week? When did it become OK to spend £3 on a t-shirt? Over the years we have become increasingly proud to declare a new dress was bought from Primark, ‘it only cost a tenner – I’m skint’. With recession and student debt spiralling out of control, the mass market for fashion and mainstream appeals to the ‘fashion’ driven who can get it with a limited budget and no regard for what this destroys, how other elements of the system that creates this maximum choice effect the environment. We need to look at the bigger picture in terms of the fast fashion cycle and expose the unsustainable nature of the fast fashion age. Our skint nation has developed a dangerous addiction to maximum choice for minimum expense with no consideration for the consequences – hidden behind vibrant retail environments and distracting visual marketing...and now they’re hooked it’s going to be a dangerous habit to break.

Kew Gardens - beautiful and inspiring

2010-07-01T08:56:00.009+01:00

Never Buy New

2010-06-29T09:02:00.002+01:00

Read the article here from the Yahoo website 10 things to never buy new...I really like this phrase as it sounds better and doesn't have the same connotations of '2nd hand'...

NBN... never buy new!

Clothes Show London

2010-06-28T08:07:00.010+01:00

Setting up the Clothes Show on Thursday morning was great to see the space of the Earls Court 2 venue empty and a shell hosting an army of people setting up their stalls, stages and stands for the weekend.

Things started to come together as the clothes entered the venue, signs went up and the people arrived on Friday morning!

The Ethical Fashion Forum stand at the Clothes Show 2010 was profiling the work of great designers such as Junky Styling, Pachacutie and Mia. The Dress Doctor, Jo Pullen, was also exhibiting her designs and the work she does, reinventing and bringing wardrobes of clothes that are no longer loved or worn back to life.
Above is the EJF stand within the Carnaby Street Area of the show. Below is Una and myself dressing the EFF display.

FASH//OFF EFF June Social

2010-06-28T07:55:00.011+01:00

The June Ethical Fashion Forum Social was held in collaboration with MA Fashion and the Environment at the new High Holborn headquarters of UAL.

The theme of the event was to raise awareness in a fun way and to communicate the values of sustainable fashion to the consumer.

We had sewing machines for customising, filming of Oxford Street shoppers and their thoughts about 'eco-fashion', a film about our work, exhibition of images from Green Fair and Lyla from Traid with their wonderful button sewing sessions. The quiz questions ended the evening and were tricky but made people think about the issues in a fun way.

We also met the girls from the MA Ethical Fashion girls from Epsom, who won tickets to the Clothes Show by creating the most popular FASH/OFF outfit.

Twitter@upcyclefashion

2010-06-24T10:53:00.005+01:00

I finally decided to set up a twitter account, with regular updates for upcycled-fashion and contemporary cultures for contemporary clothing.

http://twitter.com/@upcyclefashion

Ethical Fashion Forum Social June

2010-06-21T09:01:00.009+01:00

You are warmly invited to FASH/OFF: The June Ethical Fashion Forum Social

Held in collaboration with MA ‘Fashion and the Environment’ students from the London College of Fashion.

With exhibits, hands on activities and networking, come along for thisfun, free EFF social on Thursday 24th June from 6.30pm. See how EFF workcollaboratively to raise awareness of environmentally and ethically sustainable issues within the fashion industry, and be excited by the innovative and radical approaches to sustainable fashion which makes this the fastest growing movement in fashion!

Get a group of friends together and enter into our FASH/OFF competition. Your challenge will be to create a beautiful garment/outfit from a small collection of unwanted ‘waste’ garments, in just one hour!All equipment will be provided – just bring your team and get creative! If you have something gathering moths in your wardrobe - bring it along and revive it!

Throughout the evening you will be able to view the work of the MA students and take part in practical workshops and discussions. A specialist fashion quiz will conclude the activities focusing on the issues explored throughout the evening.

Thursday 24th June 2010
6.30pm - 9.30pm
UAL Hub, 272, High Holborn, WC1V 7EY

Don't miss out - come to FASH/OFF :INFORM:RECREATE:ENGAGE:INSPIRE

For further information or to rsvp please contact: marketing@ethicalfashionforum.com

www.ethicalfashionforum.com

Creative Alterations@Make Lounge

2010-06-18T14:18:00.019+01:00

I bought this dress from a small boutique in covent garden about 4 years ago and have worn it occasionally but always like the print more than the style as it just seemed too baggy at the bottom - it's a funny length to have an elasticated hem. As I looked through my wardrobe for items to take to the Creative Alterations class at The Make Lounge, I found this dress and thought it was the perfect garment to take along and alter. I hadn't worn it in about 6 months and the baggyness of the fit was really putting me off wearing it any more, I was sure I could remake it and love it again.

I took it along to the creative alterations class at The Make Lounge up in Angel Islington that is run by Nin, who created the amazing reclaimed fashion label Goodone. There were 8 of us who attended the two part class, six hours overall.

I decided to remake the dress into a separate top and skirt. I first had to cut straight through it...
I cut off a bit of extra fabric to make a binding for the botton of the top. To make the waitsband for the skirt I used a part of a dress from another girl in the class that she had cut off as part of her alteration. I stitched this most of the way round and then attached a couple of loops to thread it through so I could get in and out of the skirt (because the waistband wasn't stretchy material).

I love this top and skirt so much more than the original shape of a dress and will wear both garments so much more, I have a new skirt and top (I'm wearing the skirt today!)

Living and Giving Westbourne Grove

2010-06-17T08:06:00.004+01:00

All about The Education

2010-06-17T07:40:00.004+01:00

When discussing issues of sustainability, especially with those who do not seem to care much about it, pretty much 99% of people also follow that comment by saying that they know very little about it. Which makes complete sense, how can you be passionate or inspired or responsible for something if you don't know exactly or don't have a specific understanding about what it is?

I am sure that if I knew more about football, if I knew the history and background of the world cup, players, games, manager - and how he selected the England team, I'd be hooked to the remaining world cup fixtures. As it is I know only the bare minimum about the sport (not even offside rule) and therefore watching, talking and reading about it brings no pleasure.

When living and studing in a communtiy around people who are already inspired and knowledgeable about sustainability issues (and acting upon them in everyday life) it is hard to take myself out of that and look at the population as a whole. However, as I do so I realise I am in a minority.

The majority of people that share my passion for issues regarding the fashion industry and the environment have come from a creative background, where making and sewing in whatever capacity has been a part of thier lifestyle. Learning these skills allows you develop them and adapt them for every day 'real world' needs. Sewing on a button, replacing a zip, sewing back a hem. All these little changes that the younger generations of today are seldom taught at school, as design technology takes many other forms and pressures on timetable organisation does not prioritise such subjects. However, I feel that the lack of sewing education for schoolchildren perpetuates the lazy attitude towards consumption - that of fast fashion. Many children who don't leave school with sewing skills and who aren't taught by family are less likely to consider mending and may find it harder to take responsibility for their clothing (i.e throw it away at the first sign of wear and tear), and also find it difficult to add creative value to the garment themselves (through customisation and creative alterations).

Throughout my research time I really want to speak to as many people as possible to ask why sewing skills have faded within curriculum, and aim to get sewing skills back into schools and taught in an exciting and relevant way to all schoolchildren.

If you are a textile design teacher or head of a school that would like to pursue further textile workshops please get in touch!

A short tale of the Candy Stripe dress

2010-06-08T13:29:00.011+01:00

Found in the dressing up box and displayed at the Camden Green Fair...
Explored with alternative shaping options...
Styled and altered with many ribbons by a 4 year old visitor to the Fair...

Then upcycled by Jo...

The Colour Me In Dress

2010-06-07T13:57:00.014+01:00

To encourage collaborative work within a short space of time throughout the afternoon at the Green Fair I used a toile from a previous project and some fabric pens to create the 'Colour-Me-In' Dress.

Ethical Fashion attendees were invited to choose their favourite colour pen and to draw,doodle, colour in or write on the garment whatever and wherever they liked.

The resulting surface design was a lovely montage of childlike sketches - mainly flowers and hearts in pinks and purple. I was thinking that perhaps I would be able to wear the dress after the colour-me-in collaboration...however I think it would be best suited to a younger girl than me (!)

Ethical Fashion @ Camden Green Fayre 2010

2010-06-07T13:09:00.018+01:00

Yesterday Regents Park in London, was home to the annual Camden Green Fair and Bikefest. Included in the festival were food stalls, green living and healthy lifestyle stalls and marquees with lots of hands on activities for the many adults and children seeking a fun day out to learn more about green lifestyle choices.

My fellow coursemates and I were running the Ethical Fashion workshop tent and Fashion Show and ShopShop marquee.Zoe was in charge of the knitting and pom pom making workshop which was a brilliant success and many people throughout the day sat and spent time with the needles and wool to make their own unique creation as a reminder of the day...
Beth was selling amazing and very yummy home made cakes to raise money towards her bike ride from London to Paris for the charity the Environmental Justice Foundation.
I was running the customising area which was mostly popular with the children attending the Green Fair. Their imagination and excitement at the thought of transforming clothes from the dressing up box to fit them was a joy to see and work with for the day.

We also had a SwapShop running all afternoon for people to swap those unwanted items for ones they will love. The swapshop ran in the fashion tent until 5pm when the fashion show began. Labels such as Annie Greenabelle, Komodo, Monkee Jeans and Nancy Dee were worn by stunning models and watched by large crowds of people who had gathered throughout the day.

Blue Scraps Dress

2010-05-23T18:54:00.006+01:00

After volunteering for TRAID at the UK Aware event last month I began making a dress from scraps of blue, white and grey knitwear samples

Stitching this material together was quite tricky, but I recently finished sewing all the pieces together to create a summer dress - just in time for the sunshine!

Leila Hafzi + Livia Firth + Oxfam + Ebay = MY NEW DRESS!!

2010-05-20T21:01:00.007+01:00

As documented in a previous post on my blog, the wife of Colin Firth, Livia, set herself the challenge of sourcing ethical and sustainable outfits to wear to all the red carpet events and premiers throughout awards season 2010. Her blog was published on vogue.com and I loved reading about her search for the perfect outfit for each event. She sourced amazing items, concluding with a wonderful black dress for the Oscars custom made by From Somewhere. However, my favourite dress was the one she wore for the BAFTAS - a yellow Leila Hafzi.
I recently visited the Oxfam Curiosity Shop at Selfridges and as well as buying a lovely little summer dress (as shown in a previous post) I realised that many celebrities had donated garments to sell at the pop up shop in Selfridges and also on the Oxfam EBay site. To my delight when I checked out the site Livia Firth had donated three of her Green Carpet Challenge Dresses to Oxfam - INCLUDING THE YELLOW ONE!!

I have been bidding on it for a few days and today I was successfully the highest bidder!! It will arrive in a couple of days and I can't wait. So, thank you Leila Hafzi, Livia Firth, Oxfam and Ebay for making me the very happy owner of a beautiful new dress that I will love and keep forever.

Emilie's Prom Dress

2010-05-19T15:52:00.008+01:00

When asked to make a prom dress for my friends sister of course I said yes! I set myself the challenge of making the dress to her design specifications entirely from reclaimed materials. I used an old purple dress of mine, a large silk chiffon scarf that was my Mums and never worn combined with my fabric box remnants and some gold lace pinched from another dress. We had a fitting last week (she loves it!)so I thought i'd put a few images together of the process of making and the journey so far...and two weeks later...Emilie will go to the prom!!!

Dress Making Workshops

2010-05-05T15:24:00.005+01:00

These are four of the most commonly referred to businesses that provide workshops for garment making and alterations. They range in prices and availability but guarantee a fun social event, and you can also book in for private parties!

The Make Lounge

The Papered Parlour

Sew Much Fun

Fabrications

Repair and Alteration centres

2010-05-02T17:51:00.001+01:00

For my MA project I will look further into the successes and failures of local clothing repair and alteration shops. Primary research will help me gain an insight into these businesses, as they are often associated with dry cleaners or tailors and common on many high streets.

They are a common feature within many communities and I am intruiged to find out more about these places that play such a vital role in restoring the clothing we wear out.

How successful are such places? How creative are the alterations they perform? What prices do they charge for alterations? Have they seen a change in business since the recession?

EFF Social at EJF Pop Up Shop

2010-05-02T10:49:00.002+01:00

April Ethical Fashion Forum Social at the EJF pop up shop on Carnaby street. Speakers from Forum for the Future, EJF, and Think Act Vote brought everyone up to date with their latest projects and initiatives. After the presentations the attendees were encouraged to try on the clothes in the upstairs boutique from labels such as From Somewhere, Goodone, Lowie and Monkee Jeans. Think Act Vote t-shirts that had been redesigned and customised by other designers such as Ciel and TRAID:remade were also available to try on.

It was a fun night and really interesting to hear the speakers from different areas of the industry speak so passionately about the major issues related to environmental and ethical concerns that effect the fashion industry.

SwapShop article in the Guardian

2010-04-24T21:48:00.002+01:00

Following the UAL Swapshop in March, I spoke with a journalist for the Guardian who was researching an article about organising 'swishing' and clothes swapping parties in your place of work.

The link went live recently, click here to read the article, although the comments left by guardian readers below were not as enthusiastic as I am about clothes swapping with their colleagues. I guess the key to swapping clothes is to find the community who best fits your style!

EJF Pop Up Shop at Carnaby Street

2010-04-24T18:01:00.002+01:00

Today I visited the Environmental Justice Foundation pop up shop at Carnaby Street (opposite end to Liberty). I love pop up shops and think they are a great way to get the message across to lots of shoppers about the issues surrounding the clothing we buy and making us aware of the values we need to consider when buying garments.

Raising awareness of their brilliant campaigns, check out their website here

The shop is selling great clothing brands such as:

Monkee Jeans, From Somewhere, Junky Styling, Goodone and Pants to Poverty, plus the collection of EJF designer organic and fair trade t-shirts.

The EJF pop up shop will also be the venue for the next EFF Social, on Thursday 29th April.

Fabric Scraps: Destination Unknown

2010-04-18T08:42:00.011+01:00

I work at a lovely fabric shop, Ian Mankin selling fabric woven in the UK for interiors (but I also love using some of them for fashion too!)

We always have swatches and remnants left over from out of stock fabrics, one off designs that they decided not to continue and small cut offs from when we cut samples of fabric.

Yesterday I had a sort out through 2 large bags of remnants that had been kept although we could not sell them in the shop. This type of fabric waste must be produced by many other fabric shops, but what do they do with it?

I am happy to know that at the fabric shop we throw no fabric 'away', but we have lots of small scraps in store.

If anyone reading this vounteers for community sewing projects, runs a sewing class or works in a school with a textile department who are always on the look out for scraps of fabric to practice on through stitching, patchworking or quilting, etc. these small swatches are perfect and are lovely fabrics to work with.

Send me an email if you are interested as we have lots in store and are happy to see them sent to a happy home and used!

A Weekend Workshop at Home

2010-04-16T22:24:00.011+01:00

Family, Clothes, Sewing Machine...Good Times!

Food Workshop @ Hackney City Farm

2010-04-11T17:05:00.007+01:00

At a Food Workshop with fellow Hackney City Farm Green Ambassadors this afternoon, three of the main points the group focused on were also strongly linked to those that continuously appear within the debates and discussions around our sustainable fashion industry. With particular focus on these issues it was interesting to see that people pioneering and promoting sustainable lifestyles in whatever industry face recurring themes.

1) Value: Realising and appreciating the real cost.

FOOD - this was of particular importance in terms of understanding and appreciating the nutritional value of fresh produce, and also the effects our food can have on our environment, directly on our bodies and health and the health of those that farm it. The value of cooking a meal and having food readily available is something that many people take for granted when they have no connection to the farming, harvesting and distribution processes.

FASHION - understanding the value of clothing also can rely on the connections we have to our clothing and wether or not we feel connected to the process of manufacture. Appreciating the value of clothes often ensures a long use phase as they are less likely to be seen as disposable if regarded as a valued item.

VALUE= It is only when people see something as important or understand the value of something that they will change lifestyles. If you want to do something, if you regard it as important, you will incorporate it into your lifestyle long term.

2) Availability - Working only with what is available at certain times of the year.

FOOD - Growing, buying and cooking only seasonal produce is a great sustainable aim, and along the way promotes local produce, a respect for the environment and a necessary education of the way our food grows. Learning about what is in season shouldn't be seen as limiting, but as a natural approach to cooking and developing different recipies as the seasons come and go.

FASHION - One of the main elements within upcycling, is working with what is available. Although this cannot be controlled in the same way as the seasonal growing of food, the vast volume of unwanted and slightly damaged clothing sourced for upcycled garments inspires the design, working with what is available at certain times...letting the materials and garments available inspire what you create is one of the most exciting and unique elements of upcycling...

"The Artists, Craftsmen and Designers now suffer from the tyranny of absolute choice. When everything becomes possible, when all the limitations are gone, design and art can easily become a never ending search for novelty, until newness becomes the only measure."#

Victor Papanek, Design for the Real World. p.42

AVAILABILITY= This sould not be seen as limiting, but acknowledged as an element out of our control, and used to inspire creativity.

3 - Community and Learning - Involvement

FOOD - One of the great memories many people associate with food is the social environment in which it is eaten and shared. Cooking with family or friends, cooking for family and friends and eating with a group of people is something that should be harnessed to promote sustainable attitudes to food. Food communities, Growing Communitues, shared food boxes and community allotments are ways of bringing people together through the growing, cooking and eating of food, and through sharing these experiences we can learn a great deal.

FASHION - Feeling connected to and involved with the process of garment creation and learning through working in a group is something that also applies to many fashion initiatves. Stitch and Bitch, Garment Workshops and Clothes Swap parties bring people together to create or exchange clothing. When the process of learning, sharing and making is combined with a social event it is a great way for people to feel connected to the garments involved, which also linked to the previously mentioned topic of value.

COMMUNITY= Being involved in a community initiative promotes learning and action that when undertaken as part of a group makes you feel involved, responsible and more empowered as you help others to achieve a goal.

My Fashion Junkie

2010-04-11T09:59:00.002+01:00

my fashion junkie

Thank you Ecoteurre

2010-03-16T21:48:00.001Z

Thank You Ecoteurre for a lovely review!

Click Here to see their online article

SmockShop

2010-03-16T21:14:00.012Z

My good friend Celina brought me back the catalogue from the recent Ethics+Aesthetics=Sustainable Fashion exhibition at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery in New York

Included in the catalouge was a paper pattern for the smock by Smockshop whose work had been exhibited.

I decided to make my version of the smock from the generic pattern insert within the catalogue out of some fabric that had been given to me a while ago and the belt from my Trench Transformation project.

In a similar way to the Design_Download project run by ShowStudio (and also exhibited at the Fashion Revolution exhibition at Somerset house) I find the individual and unique interpretations of the exact same pattern piece to be an exciting and fascinating example of creativity. Furthermore, the more that people contribute to the project by making their version of the smock, the more interesting and varied the collection of work. For smockshop, the mass production of their pattern by a workforce of individual makers, creating a one off piece, links the workforce within a smock community, expressing your unique voice and identity whilst also feeling part of a wider network.

Dani's Red Coat

2010-03-08T07:47:00.020Z

Dani's red coat was no longer loved. Worn out and pulling at the seams, with a stained and ripped lining, the coat had been worn for 7 years as a coat and Dani felt it was time for a change, although she loved the colour and the fabric...upcycling was the only thing for it!

The jacket part was quite an easy job, replacing the lining and changing the shape just a little bit - the dress was a lot more fun, creating something 'new' and unique from a pre loved garment.

Both the new jacket and the dress made from the coat were a success, and are loved once more in their new forms by Dani.

Salvation Army Reusable Bag

2010-02-17T16:10:00.003Z

Salvation Army Charity Shop Re-usable bag. Offering discounts on future products if you bring back your bag next time you shop at the Salvation Army.

UAL SwapShop -11.02.10

2010-02-12T07:28:00.007Z

UAL Go Green Week
SwapShop

Including Designer Vintage Pop Up Stall from Milan

Knitting and Crochet workshop

Alterations and Customisation area

Speaker from TRAID:remade

and clothes to swap!

The event was a great success, everyone swapped the clothing they brought with them, many feeling relieved to be changing it for something 'new'. Swapping is a great and sustainable way to get a fashion fix. Celebrating the joy of discovering something new, even if it is no longer wanted and donated by someone else.

Estethica February 2010 Exhibitors

2010-02-11T08:45:00.004Z

The successful candidates to show at Estethica this Fashion week (February 2010)

Ada Zanditon
Anatomy
Beautiful South
By Stamo
Elvis & Kresse Arts
Emesha
Environmental Justice Foundation
From Somewhere
Goodone
Henrietta Ludgate
Ivana Basilota
Izzy Lane
Joanna Cave
Junky Styling
KAYU
Lu Flux
Makepiece
MAXJENNY
Minna
Nina Dolcetti
The North Circular
Oria Jewellery
Oxfam
Pachacuti
SonyaKashmiri
Tara Starlet

Lyocell - A Poem

2010-02-10T18:16:00.004Z

by Julia Roebuck

Lyocel is a fabric most commonly known,
As Tencel (its brand name) by those that own,
The Lenzig fibre brand making this fibre today,
It's recyclable and biodegradable, hooray!

It has a soft finish, packs lightly with ease,
And is made of wood pulp from eucalyptus trees,
A non toxic chemical called Amine Oxide,
Is used to break down the wood fibres inside,

This solvent amine oxide has two uses in the beginning,
To dissolve the cellulose and set the fibre after spinning,
Ninety nine percent of the chemical is always re-used,
To ensure the surrounding environment is not abused,

A spinneret device then comes into play,
Producing long fibres, which are dryed out like hay,
To be woven into cloth and used for many applications,
Not just for clothing but also medical situations,

This closed loop manufacture can also conserve,
Energy and water - precious resources to reserve,
The European Union thinks its such a success,
It gave the European Award for the Enviroment to the process,

Lyocel is absorbent, lustrous, drapes well and is splendid,
And also lends these qualities to the fabrics with which its blended,
This material is a winner, they aint playing us for clowns,
It's used by Patagonia, Jigsaw and Acne (stocked in Browns),

Production plant emissions into the air from smokestacks,
And wastewater are significantly lower, so relax!
In comparison to many other man-made fibre operations,
Switching to lyocel must be better for all nations?

However its only manufacture thats closed loop,
A sustainable fibre can only be better if it's used within a group,
Of changes made to the entire supply chain,
But it still leads me to one question:
Why aren't we using more of this again????!!

Nicolas Electric Blanket

2010-02-08T15:06:00.012Z

My friend Nicola had a broken electric blanket...

She was going to throw it 'away'...(in the landfill)

But I took it apart...
And made it into something nicer...
And now she will keep it always...
But I still need to find an electrical recycling place for the broken wires!

Thrift @ Foyles

2010-02-05T08:57:00.004Z

Walking past Foyles on Charing Cross Road yesteday I was surprised and overjoyed to see this window displaying book associated with thriftyness, and to see Foyles doing their bit to ease the stresses of recession. Buy a book that tells you how to save money!

As glad as I am to see the Junky Styling book in the window display, I don't understand why they left out three really cool craft/DIY books:

Making Stuff: An Alternative Craft Book

ReadyMade:How to Make (almost) Everything

Remake it-Home: The Essential Guide to Resourceful Living

Local Wisdom

2010-01-31T09:50:00.005Z

Today I have been at the South Bank Centre, London,
assisting Kate Fletcher with a research project
titled 'Local Wisdom'.

"An on-going unique fashion project recording the clothes-based ingenuity of our communities"

It is great to see people so passionate about special items of clothing. Local Wisdom is a great platform for these hidden items with amazing stories and just goes to show that wonderful and special clothing can arise anywhere, for anyone at anytime.

If you have a garment that is special to you, bring it along to a local wisdom event, tell its story and be photographed wearing it.

The Local Wisdom website gives more information and lists 18 case studies of garments that people within communities have brought to their nearest Local Wisdom event. The stories of the garments are varied and give a fascinating insight as to why people feel more connected to certain garments and why these have more value than others.

UAL Go Green Week

2010-01-24T18:14:00.006Z

SWAPSHOP@UAL
THURSDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2010
@HUB - Davies Street

Renew your wordrobe! Search your wardrobe for garments you never wear, bring them along, and swap them for ones you will wear and love!

There will be sewing machines on hand to get your clothes ‘up-cycled’ and some clothing customising workshops.

Come along any time with your unwanted clothing.

ALSO - Speakers from TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid & International Development) http://www.traid.org.uk. AND -

AND - for one night only in London … the infamous Italian Vintage Stall from Milan … Mercatino Michela …

Hosted by the lovely MA Fashion and the Environment students from LCF in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion (www.sustainable-fashion.com)

Any questions - fashionandtheenvironment@gmail.com

SUSTAINABLE FASHION NIGHT
(ETHICS+AESTHETICS=SUSTAINABLE FASHION)
FRIDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2010
@HUB _ Davies Street

An informal evening introducing and exploring the diverse and innovative areas of sustainability within the Fashion and Textile Industry. Hosted by MA Fashion and the Environment students from LCF.

Come along to learn more and find out why this is such a vitally important area of contemporary design, ask questions and even get help with ideas for projects.

Speakers from...

People Tree |
Ethical Fashion Forum |
Environmental Justice Foundation (also selling their t-shirts) |

...will discuss the work they do to play an important role in a changing industry. We will also be:

• Launching the UAL Sustainable Design Society
• Showcasing the Premiere of the MA Fashion and the Environment Film

Followed by a Q&A session
Bar will be open & maybe even some free drinks!
r.s.v.p. fashionandtheenvironment@gmail.com

Centre for Sustainable Fashion
http://www.sustainable-fashion.com

SHIFT Festival

2010-01-22T13:01:00.006Z

This weekend sees the first graduate exhibition of MA Fashion and the Environment students from the London College of Fashion as part of the Shift Festival organised by Cape Farewell.

The Southbank Centre will be the base for this weekend of a:
"Stimulating, provocative and energising programme of climate-focused cultural events"

The Cape Farewell Residency at the Southbank centre is running from August 2007 - July 2010. Taken from the website:

“Nothing is more important than our planet, and we all responsible for its welfare: we are already beginning to experience the catastrophic effects of ignorance. But statistics and constant messages of doom are not necessarily the best way to face these challenges. I asked Cape Farewell to join us as Artists in Residence because of the important and unique work they are doing in bringing together the artistic and scientific communities in order to address issues around climate change, in highly imaginative and thought-provoking ways. Their residency is part of our vision for Southbank Centre to become a place for debate through artistic encounter.”
Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of Southbank Centre
The MA Fashion and the Environment Exhibition will run in the foyer of Queen Elizabeth Hall from:

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 17.00 – 22.30
SATURDAY 30th Jan & SUNDAY 31st Jan 12.00 – 22.30

Included in the exhibition:

HIGHLIGHTS
From Fashioning the Future 2009, the international student awards for sustainability in fashion

REMADE IN LEEDS - SAT 30 JAN 12.00 – 17.00
Participatory sewing workshop run by MA graduate Lizzie Harrison

LOCAL WISDOM - SAT 30 JAN & SUN 31 JAN 12.00 – 17.00
An opportunity for you to share the story of a favourite garment by Kate Fletcher

ALL EVENTS FREE OF CHARGE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

!!!see you there!!!

QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL FOYER
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
BELVEDERE ROAD
LONDON SE1 8XX

The Green Carpet Challenge

2010-01-21T11:43:00.006Z

Livia Firth (Colin Firths wife) has set herself the challenge to find beautiful red-carpet worthy creations that she will wear for the 2010 Awards Season. This venture however, is made even more exciting by the recent news that Colin Firth has been nominated for an Oscar! (Actor in a leading role). So there will be one dress out there that will be worn on the red carpet for the 82nd Academy Awards and could be photographed on the arm of a potential winner.

Livia is documenting her mission for the perfect dress for a blog on vogue.com

Blog

Her hunt for the best of luxurious sustainable design has included the work of Linda Loudermilk, Sara Shepherd, Stella McCartney and Made

07.03.10 Oscars
21.02.10 London BAFTAs - Colin Firth wins Best Actor: Yellow Silk dress by Leila Hafzi.
08.02.10 Paris Premiere - 'A Single Man': Bamboo Suit by Linda Loudermilk
01.02.10 London Premiere - 'A Single Man': Upcycled Dress by Sara Shepherd
23.01.10 Screen Actors' Guild Awards: Milk Fibre Dress by Casey Larkin Mr. Larkin

Metro Re-create in Association with Oxfam

2010-01-19T13:45:00.007Z

above image from www.metro.co.uk

Metro launches their competition to encourage Art and Design students or graduates (of two years) to use the paper to inspire an artistic creation that responds to one of the four themes below:

Morning
Green
Free
Urban

And fits into one of the 3 categories:

Art
Design
Fashion and Jewellery

The deadline for entries is March 26th 2010. There are three great judges, one representing each of the three categories.

The winning pieces will also feature in the metro newspaper, online at metro.co.uk and in Oxfam stores. And 20 runners up prizes will be awarded to those who narrowly miss the top spot.

See the website for more information and to apply

Eco Jewellery at the Science Museum

2010-01-17T13:39:00.012Z

Eternal Lace Products
By Laura Marsdon

(Graduate BA Textile Design and MA Textile Design Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London)

"Challenging the preconceptions about undesirable products that are recycled"

Each piece is hand crafted and a one off, combining traditional lace techniques with the plastic bag material.

Check out her Website for a look at more intricate lace products and further information about the designer.

Although not updated for a while, the blog has some great pictures of the pieces.

Uncommonly Beautiful Recycled Accessories
by Kirsty Kirkpatrick

(Graduated MA Textile Futures at Central St Martins, University of the Arts London)

'Anti Landfill Fashion Accessory Label'

Products used as materials for the collections:

Abandoned Furniture
Wine Boxes
Suitcases
Scrap Leather
Broken Jewellery
Fashion Industry Waste

Check out the Website
To buy the jewellery products online - unusual and beautiful necklaces, vintage button stud earrings and cute 'Brooch Pins'.

And also the Blog to keep up with the latest product news!

Lula Dot
by Lucy Norman

(Graduated BSc Product Design in 2007 at Brighton University)

Beautiful jewellery pieces included in the display at the Science Museum, although the earrings and accessories are not the only strings to her eco bow!! Checking out the Lula Dot website is a MUST! Through the website you can see how impressive and how far her product upcycling capabilities reach - quirky and clever product design through Upcycling insentives.

Re-Silicone
by Lucy Fergus

(Graduated MA Textile Futures in 2007 at Central St Martins, University of the Arts London)

Reusing waste and unwanted silicone, 'celebrating the element of unpredictability' to make jewellery and also lighting and floor coverings, once a material has been found it seems that the talent of the designer can manipulate this for any forms and the lines between fashion/product sustainable designer can blur.

Re-silicone Website