Recycling for Fashion’s Sake

Interesting enough as it is, the local designer scene never ceases to amaze us by the constant imagination and sheer craftiness of its people. Fashion Design these days has gone beyond going to the fabric store and buying a fabric to make a garment from. These Fashion Recyclers have gone above and beyond their creative call of duty to expose the outlandishness of wasted materials all around us and put these discarded items to use.

DSC: Design Space Concept: UseRefuse Recycled Couture
Marea and Edith of DSC (www.designspaceconcept.com) has created the UseRefuse Recycled Couture collection using up-cycled plastic bags and packaging that they make into fashion, home accessories and art. Both coming from Visual and Fine Arts backgrounds, their love for designing windows and creative spaces has turned into the UseRefuse collection. Their season-less line includes bags, wallets, accessories and jewelry not for the faint of heart. Their pieces give a trendy nod to the 1980’s voice of bright colors and fun, flashy angular bags. Their Design Religion states: “We believe is that design is a vocabulary that is accessible to everyone through social, artistic and material context… by speaking this language, we honor the harmony of process and plan to articulate a concept that is organic yet intended…” They also hope to inspire like-minded people to do something similar with items that can take 100’s of years to breakdown in a landfill.
You are a USEREFUSE target customer if you meet the following criteria:

1. I am fashion forward individual that’s interested in a different, eye catching, full purpose bag or clutch that’s even waterproof.
2. I totally dig accessories that give a salute to the 80’s in terms of color and pattern.
3. I am an enviro-conscious person who wants to see less waste and is happy to support the “recycle” cause.

Marea and Edith have had major play in the press as well as local events and shows around town. They’ve been featured in Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, Turquoise LA, Uptown Magazine, Time Out, WCBS TV and more. Price points for the recycled couture is anywhere from $10.00 to $75.00. Not to mention, if you invite them over they will gladly clean out your overflowing grocery bag collection from under your kitchen sink.

Himane: Refait, Classy, Collective and Earthy
Himane, (www.himane.com), the “collected, classy and earthy” Refait line of accessories and apparel are all made from recycled materials with used and broken umbrellas as one of their main resources. Their line of tote bags, duffle bags, fashionable clutches and sustainable clothing is made from fabric remnants, materials used from the local “freecycle’ group and recycled umbrellas.
The line is fashion forward yet eco-friendly which make supporting this local Brooklyn fashion company worth a purchase. All pieces are one-of-a-kind and have a history of bringing a new energy to the ‘handmade’ scene. Prices range from $50.00 to $175.00 and will definitely bring a new vibe to your wardrobe ensemble.
Log onto their website to learn how you can participate in their umbrella donation program or how to get a representative from Himane to teach your group how to ‘get crafty’ by creating their own designs with their much gifted guidance.
Recycling is in, fashionable and fabulous! For other hand-made and recycled items please visit Better Than Jam, (www.betterthanjamnyc.com) at 1095 Flushing Avenue in Greenpoint to support local designer ‘handmade’ and recycled fashion!

Are you an emerging designer? Register now for the BQE Design Expo on November 13th! Please visit www.bqedesignexpo.com for registration and information. The greatest local designer talent showcase to hit Queens!
For more style information, fashion education and bargain inspiration, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com. Your bargain fashion superhero!