Showing posts with label Thrift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thrift. Show all posts

24 July 2012

Look Again: Fashion Students Learn Ethical Business through Upcycled Fashion

 
So earlier today, I learned of a pretty innovative project, Look Again (TM), based in Cazenovia, upstate New York, USofA. Based at the fashion program of small liberal arts college, Cazenovia College, this project teaches fashion students in upstate New York hands on business skills in designing and merchandising a line while also creating a local business that gives back to the community. In partnership with Cazenovia-based thrift shop, The Key, fashion students take consignment/thrift charms from the shop, upcycle them, and then sell them as a means of supporting local business/enterprise while getting a taste of what it would be like to set up a fashion shop in Cazenovia. Not all fashion aficianados from the state want or can come down to NYC to upstart their fashion dreams. Some aspire to be mavericks in their own communities.

What a wonderful program. Some day, I hope to be able to bring reciclaGEM to a school/community  and teach ethical fashion merchandising via the lens of upcycle, artesenal fashion. Put it out their in the Universe- now let the manifestation begin!

Peace, love and artesenal, ethical fashion school,
T*

P.s. even Secretary of State of the USofA was digging the project.
Photo Cred: Cazenovia College

13 November 2011

Chicago Thrift | Quinoa on Ice


Last week, reciclaGEM got a taste of Chicago. I was there on some other business, but of course got to hit up the thrift shops. One of my favorite picks was a dress hidden in a rack of beat-up North-Face jackets and pilled-out wool sweaters. After passerbyer by impatient passerbyer passed over the dress, only visible from its unattractive hang on the hanger, I knew the oceanic-psychedelic floral print had more of a story.

And happily I discovered it did:



This beautiful turquoise, plum, and plum-pink mid calf, 3/4 sleeve dress made by "Shannon's Fashion California" is shaped by an hour glass dirndl waist-closed in by four exterior and 1 interior plum-pink plastic buttons. I added my own waisted belt just to add another "umph" to the hour :)

Equipped with two shoulder-pads, as was customary during the 1980s power-shoulder period (i.e. the temporal love of my life), this dress is both chic and defiant. And let's not forget the knee high slit in the back. Although 100% polyster, it is quite breathable and comfortable to wear.

I love love love it! If I ever decide to recycle this gem, you'll be the first to have it! :)

And what else can you wear with such a print, other than my Quinoa-on-Ice gem, a frosted resin decorated with Fair Trade red quinoa seeds and a copper wire shank.



reciclaGEM- it's a movement. Stay tuned for more :)