Upcycling has been my passion since childhood.
Growing up without a lot of resources propelled my creativity. How else was I going to have the style I wanted if I didn’t make it? And what do I make it from if I can’t afford the fabric? My dad taught me to hand sew when I was four. For my ninth birthday he brought home a rent-to-own sewing machine. The first wearable garment I remember making was transformed from a bedsheet I found at the Salvation Army. Fast forward to Design school where I learned the devastating impact of the fashion industry. I chose to deep dive into research, culminating in my sustainability thesis and an upcycled graduate collection. I have produced many one of a kind designs over the years. In 2015, I challenged myself to make my wardrobe from used materials for a full year. I found it so rewarding that I continue to make my wardrobe solely from upcycled materials to this day.
Tapestry
This upcycled capsule was inspired by the materials I found thrifting my way down the Olympic Peninsula, from Port Townsend to Seattle. Seeking to mix patterns, I found a jackpot of tapestry and lace. The fabric begged for silhouettes influenced by the 1970's.
Photos: Olivia Neal Howell at T.O.N.E. https://toneglobal.org/
Model: Gia Huante and Hannah Eastman.
Texture
Lace and velvet come together in an aging wearhouse. Simultaneously sophisticated, wearable, and desirable.
All materials thrifted and re-cut into new silhouettes. Green and lavender lace are hand dyed.
Photos: Eric Rose. Model: Querida Gonzalez.
Supernova
Upcycled pieces for a casual night out at Seattle’s immersive art, dance, and entertainment venue, Supernova.
Photos: Olivia Neal Howell at T.O.N.E. https://toneglobal.org/
Model: Gia Huante and Hannah Eastman.
Painterly
Playful & colorful pieces that don’t take themselves too seriously.
All materials thrifted and re-cut into new silhouettes. Eyeball Tee appliques made from hand painted scraps & thrifted beads.
Photos: Eric Rose. Model: Querida Gonzalez.
Maximalism
The counter trend to years of minimalism. Indulgent in mixed patterns.
All materials thrifted and re-cut into new silhouettes. Hand painted trousers.
Carrot Printing
Silhouette was re-cut from an oversized thrifted turtleneck into a crew with puff sleeves. A simple silhouette for a bold pattern. The textile is fully transformed with donated leftover screenprint ink. The placed print was painted and stamped out with shapes cut from a carrot.
B & W
Geometric, pure, and austere.
All materials thrifted and re-cut into new silhouettes. Sandals handmade from leather scraps. Earrings from polymer clay and Sharpie.
Re-cut Tees
Statement Tee’s built from scraps. Inspired by art movements from Memphis Milano to Mondrian.