The upcycle boom: How you can get crafty to combat the trend cycle
IMAGE VIA @STUDIONANA.AU/instagram
WORDS BY VIC BAILEY
“It’s a great way to ease the existential dread while keeping clothes out of landfill.”
As a Gen Z girlie who loves clothes, I can’t help but feel stressed about the impact my shopping habits are having on the environment. Although I’m unbelievably frugal, I feel pressure to keep up with the latest fashion trends the internet has led me to believe I need.
On every platform I doom-scroll, I come across ‘clothing haul’ videos promoting over-consumption, usually by someone my own age. But lately, a small glimmer of hope came in the form of a TikTok showing me how to turn an old button-up into an asymmetric wrap shirt. I fell down the #upcycling rabbit hole and was left feeling inspired and less depressed.
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As of today, the hashtag has amassed over 950,000 posts on TikTok and #sustainablefashion currently has 1.1 million posts on the app. So, why is upcycling having such a moment right now?
To find out, I spoke with Catherine Jia, a Sydney-based content creator who runs the Instagram and TikTok accounts, Project Catherine. She thinks it’s because young people want a more individual and personal style. “Upcycled vintage lets you experiment and find what feels like you, rather than everyone buying the same trendy piece and never wearing it again once the trend is ‘over’,” she says.
Catherine learnt the basics of sewing from her mum, a self-taught sewist, from an early age. But her journey to becoming a slow fashion advocate really started in high school. “We had a project where we upcycled bras to make them into a fashion costume, using recycled materials like beer bottle caps and that’s where I learnt the concept of upcycling. Since then, I’ve continued to create things instead of buying new.”
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Now, Catherine’s slow living and sewing tips have amassed an audience of over 40,000 followers on social media. Her upcycling videos, such as ‘The Repair Diaries’ offer a sustainable approach to fashion, inspiring others to get crafty too. “A lot of people tell me they want to try it themselves. It’s encouraging and makes me so happy to see others giving it a go.”
The upcycling community
The slow fashion wave isn’t just happening through our phones. Here in Australia, physical spaces such as Studio Nana and HeyRaco have started popping up, offering upcycling and sewing classes, as well as a sense of community.
Leah Herszberg founded Studio Nana in May this year as a way to host classes for Melbourne locals, stemming from her love of fashion and her concern over how much waste the industry creates. “I’ve always been drawn to garments with a story and I wanted to create a space where people could reconnect with their clothes,” Leah tells me. “To not just buy them but understand them, repair and reimagine them. The idea grew from years of upcycling, sewing and styling for myself and friends.”
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Another community-focused practice is HeyRaco, organised by Melbourne-based designer and researcher, Isabella Raco. Currently, Isabella runs a range of monthly events, from small to large classes, for different levels. Her main focus at HeyRaco is to empower people and teach skills that last, while also educating people about circular fashion.
What to expect from a class
If you’re keen to test the waters, Studio Nana runs two classes that are both suitable for beginners. If you have some basic sewing experience, her upcycling class allows you to bring in existing pieces to reinvent and it may be the best option for you. However, if you don’t have any sewing skills (like me), there’s also a sewing class available. This way, you can build your confidence before you start attacking your dad’s jeans with scissors.
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At HeyRaco, Isabella runs three types of classes designed to meet the needs of her community. Back to Basics is a beginner-friendly session to start your creative practice with the fundamentals of sewing. Her Beyond Basics class allows you to focus on one specific skill, depending on different fabrics. Then the Remake Sessions are designed for you to bring in your own pieces and receive technical advice to bring your visions to life.
The cost of style
In the current cost-of-living crisis, many of us have less disposable income to spend on clothes. The beauty of upcycling is that it offers a way to save money by making small, cosmetic changes to your existing wardrobe, rather than buying new, as well as developing skills that will last.
Leah says that through upcycling, you’re forced to slow down and remix what you wear, which naturally leads to a more distinctive and expressive personal style. Isabella agrees, “the concept of upcycling isn’t a new response to economic pressures. Humans get creative when things are uncertain.” She also thinks people are drawn to upcycling simply because it’s fun. “We all wear clothes, so these workshops give you a chance to start where you’re at and run with your creative fashion ideas,” she says.
The upcycling craze isn’t just affecting Gen Z, contrary to what TikTok will tell you. Leah’s classes attract teenagers and students, 20-to 30-something creatives looking for a hands-on outlet, but also corporate men and women who want to dip their toes into upcycling. Regardless of your background, it’s a fun practice anyone can do to ease the existential dread about the environment, keep clothing out of landfill, save some coin and hone your style.
For more of the best upcycling advice, head here.
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