How to join the Fashion Revolution
Fashion Revolution Week is upon us again, which means it’s time to think about the people and processes behind your clothes and how we can all do better (although it’s really something to consider all year round!). The standard hashtag for social media (for anyone who wants to join in the movement this week, or any time) is #whomademyclothes but seeing as I know the answer to that*, I posted this instead…
…and also babbled on about batik, mending clothes and shopping at opshops (not much you haven’t heard before, if you’re a regular visitor here!) in this post I did for Fashion Revolution Day Aus NZ.
Creating the splendid hand-lettered sign I’m holding in the photo depleted my creative powers so much that I haven’t made anything this week, so a quick little Fashion Revolution Round-up will have to suffice for today. Here are a few blasts from the past to give you some ideas for reviving your own wardrobe if some pieces are looking a little forlorn or fuddy-duddy.
- Ruffles are like your best multi-tasking friend. Adding a ruffle lets you easily lengthen a dress or skirt …
… or alter a silhouette, and it can even conceal flaws if your sewing is a bit off. Plus, if you use a different print or colour of fabric from the original garment, the ruffle can be used to add accent and contrast.
2. Even if the soles have irreparable holes, old socks don’t have to go to waste because they can be used as sleeves …
3. If a zip is missing you can add ribbon lacing – it’s easy, functional, and adds design detail. Plus, if the garment is slightly small, ribbon lacing gives you a bit of extra room.
4. Rubbish doesn’t have to be rubbish if you have a bit of imagination. Witness these earrings I made out of the inner cores from rolls of dog poo bags!
5. Styling makes a BIG difference. The most inexpensive and sustainable way to boost your wardrobe is to wear what you already have – but add a twist with accessories or alter the garment if necessary.
Just little ideas in the big scheme of things perhaps, but revolutions have to start somewhere!
* I know who made my earrings too, because I commissioned them as part of my range of fair trade jewellery!
Awesome as always!
Sorting through the dregs of my fast fashion past now myself. Seriously, how many cheap t shirts could I ever have thought I needed? Who made my clothes indeed!
Such great ideas here! Though I’m usually a silent reader I feel compelled to speak up and tell you that I’m such a fan of your blog, so please keep on doing what you’re doing! I really believe in and share your philosophy of reusing / recycling/ refashioning / scavenging / on shopping and saving money and the environment in the process. It’s the best way to be original, fashion forward and generally stylish! You do all this so well and one day I hope to have the time to try some of these ideas – and tackle the other mound of refashioning projects I’m stockpiling! Victoria
Thanks so much! It’s nice to know someone is out there reading. I will be running workshops soonish, hopefully, so keep an eye out for details and come along if you can!