the truth about the trash trend
‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ -William Morris
The misunderstood limb of sustainability, ‘upcycle’ is a term often associated with kitschy DIY projects and boredom-induced creativity. In reality, it’s a world of its own. A design language positively engaging the intricacies of fashion’s long supply chains, upcycling is a forgotten artform rediscovered.
With conversations around eco-conscious and clean ways of living gaining traction through the years, newer generations demand transparency with a keen sense to see through greenwashing efforts of large brands. A space has been opened for an exciting market that’s equal parts refreshing and sensible.
Repairing and repurposing was an innate practice dating pre-mass production and the disastrous wave of cheap and easy access propelled by greed. Today, the industry only second in waste production hopes to undo decades’ worth of damage to the earth’s ecological balance through ideologies like upcycling. Perhaps the purest form of evolving beauty, it relies on the principle of ‘trash to treasure’. Taking what is perceived as ‘waste’ and changing its form, adding value and possibly many lifetimes in the process. Who would’ve guessed Grandma really knew best?
Invoking a sense of nostalgia, and in keeping with the trend of personalisation, an upcycled product is more than the sum of its parts. It carries with it stories to be discreetly unfurled and vintage magic to be shared and passed on. Its unique qualities urge a shift in consumer behaviour rekindling the notion of sentiment attached to what we choose to dress ourselves in.
The design process is interestingly flipped backwards with raw material often serving as inspiration. Intention guides the approach each time, closing the loop and truly propagating circular economy. Time, thought and the human experience behind these pieces is what makes them special.
Upcyclers make with motive— naturally prioritising quality to ensure longevity. In times like these when trends dictate all, innovation is matching cultural flavour, rejecting the premature opinion that sustainable is not fashionable. Hop on, make the switch and discover wearable art today!
