All the World's a Fashion Stage: Upcycle Couture

For nearly twenty years style has flatlined in mediocrity. The runway has floundered desperately seeking a new direction. The catalyst in my opinion began with 9-11, followed by the war, and the great recession. Throughout this time there has been a long standing elephant in the room people have been avoiding. Finally awareness and understanding has taken the reins of the garment industry.

Most people now are aware of global warming, stripped resources, and an insurmountable amount of plastic trash polluting oceans and killing marine life. Contributing to this significant amount of waste, is a first world indulgence statistic. The average person wears a garment six times before dumping it. Two thirds of all clothes eventually end up in a landfill.

As people are becoming more aware, regenerist street style has given rise to couture looks. This change has come from better understanding, fast fashion rebellion, artistic expression, and a quest for individualism. From clean line simplicity, expressive statement wear, a daily uniform, or daily cosplay, there is no doubt the future of fashion is changing.

For those who have Kondo’d their closet, there is a solid understanding of how much individuals accumulate, and don’t need. Vapid consumerism harks back to peer pressure and a psychological need to fill a void not satiated by other elements. Now people are kissing their fashion indiscretions good bye. Unfortunately letting go is further contribing to the already critical situation of waste.

Donating over trashing is good, however much of these donations are still destined for landfills. Society must solve this overwhelming global problem. New purchases should have meaning and social consciousness. To upcycle, recycle, and repurpose is significant for solving both our global wastefulness and truly expressing a great sense of style.

Bring in individualism . The Phoenix has risen for this direction. Now purchasing of meaningless fast fashion almost requires an apology of ignorance to a world problem. The resale market has grown larger than retail. Clearly consumers have changed about what is important. Zero waste is a growing goal.

Now retailers like H&M have developed an upcycle / recycle textile program . A couple of seasons back, Dolce&Gabbana presented a statement coat created from workroom scraps . Maharishi men’s wear has created a limited line of upcycled coats created from quilted jacket linings last season.

With more companies getting on board with the upcycled one of a kind fashion, the trend is clear and importantly, here to stay. The time has ended for big box mediocrity and fashion obsolescence . Whether purchasing resale, sourcing upcycle, or creating your own, the revolution of individualism and zero waste has arrived.

The upcycled fashion boards below are one of kind. So consumers will have to keep their eyes open to source or create their own one of kind.