Upcycling is one of the key movements or techniques in Sustainable Fashion.
It transforms existing or old clothing (and accessories) into new pieces, giving them a new life. This creates so many possibilities for keeping our memories and connections alive and with us.
My journey with UPCYCLING started 15 years ago when I was first introduced to Sustainable opportunities whilst working at Puma. We had an extraordinary workshop in Korea, by MATERIAL CONNECTION, that opened my eyes to what was possible with Sustainable Fashion and a new world in Fashion. I researched endlessly, and one of my inspiring discoveries was Upcycling.
Around that time, a friend and I entered the REDRESSED ECOCHIC Sustainable Fashion Competition in Hong Kong. We created a beautiful corseted dress from some of our existing clothes and other sample fabrics. The result was beautiful, if somewhat costume-like. The creation was not new, and yet, so very new. We were honouring our past whilst creating the future. Around that time, I wrote a few white papers on the subject of Sustainable Fashion, which had me cement my views on sustainable fashion techniques and possibilities. What mesmerised me about upcycling was the opportunity for new to be created from the past, the magic of keeping your memories with you, and making fashion meaningful, beautiful and emotionally significant.
I always had the vision of creating occasional clothes from heritage pieces, just as Princess Beatrice created her wedding dress in 2021 from a dress belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. I had bought pieces from a lovely Designer in London, Jonathan, who made tops from vintage scarves and bags from upcycled camouflage.
So, what is the “magic” I am referring to in the title of this blog? The magic is the presence of the best of the past in the now. The practical advantage of upcycling is to reuse existing fashion, preventing it from being unworn, discarded, forgotten or ending up in landfill. The magical advantage of upcycling is giving formerly loved clothing a new possibility and a new life. This is so inspiring for me.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of connecting with the beautiful Alexa at DesignBlender. She makes gorgeous Demi-couture upcycled fashion pieces in London. At that time, I was reviewing my wardrobe and identified some dresses I loved but no longer wore. I collaborated with Alexa and created my first piece of custom upcycling. The dress I had was a “Victor & Rolf” silk slip dress. The shape and length did not suit my body, but I totally loved the colour and fabrics - a stunning terracotta silk satin with gorgeous lace trim. From the brief and conversations, we made a gorgeous dress that I have worn endlessly.
We went on to create more pieces: a reworked wedding dress, which is beautiful and mesmerising. Probably my most favourite is THE RED DRESS from 2 pieces I wore before and during our wedding. Alexa gave it a new life and turned it into something sexy and extraordinary but also wearable and effortless.
I find upcycling magical because it creates something new from our past, constantly keeping happy memories and fashion feelings alive. Fashion and clothing provide the opportunity for creativity, beauty and love to always be present in our lives; upcycling is that perfect opportunity.
With love,
Kate
Kate Padget-Koh