Modern Day “Make Do And Mend”

Hello, Darlings!

Welcome back, and welcome to another blog from the Future of Fashion, a place where we can magically impact the future of fashion, beauty and creativity for all living creatures.

This week, we have another exciting and inspiring subject: “A modern-day approach to make do and mend”.  Sustainable fashion comes in many forms.  Let’s look at some:

  • Newly created collections in organic and other sustainable materials.  

  • Thrifting or shopping for preloved items.

  • Sharing our wardrobes and clothes swaps.

  • Upcycling (which you know is my favourite).

  • Shopping our own wardrobe - this is the subject of this week’s blog.

The Origins of Make do and Mend  

After World War 2, the term “make do and mend” became a mantra to live by in England. It was a time when rationing was still very much in place, and ready-to-wear fashion was largely inaccessible.  Having techniques to make clothes last longer was so important.

“The government urged people to repair and re-use their existing clothes and materials. ‘Make Do and Mend’ pamphlets were issued to families alongside newsreel trailers made by the Ministry of Information. These provided tips on how to re-use old material, how to repair clothes (such as by darning socks), and how to repel moths. The character ‘Mrs Sew and Sew’ explained these tips in pamphlets as well as in animated films. The pamphlet was described as a ‘must have’ for households.”  The D-Day Story.

A Modern-day Approach.

With all the interest in sustainable fashion, ways of “shopping our own wardrobes” and keeping our clothes longer have become so relevant and important.  Many sustainable fashion artists and clothing experts have taken on these techniques and modernised them. 

A lovely article from “Goodwood Road and Racing” featured many tips and suggestions on this modern-day approach, including caring for your clothes properly, up-cycling thrifted pieces and tailoring your own clothes from dead-stock fabric.  

There are many Sustainable Dressmaking Communities where you can share ideas and swap items.  If you don’t know of one, how about starting your own?  

The authenticity of keeping your clothes and making them unique while lengthening their life makes the experience so special.  There is something very inspiring about handcrafting clothes when fast fashion is such a “throwaway culture”.  This can become a new initiative or personal project for you.  I am sure fast fashion brands will find a way to try to feature these techniques in the future.  However, they will not be personal to you, so get started for yourself.

Sashiko Stitching

Another wonderful technique is the Japanese tradition of “Sashiko Stitching”.  Sashiko originated in Japan during the extremely austere Edo period when the region was completely cut off and had to be entirely self-sufficient.  

Image courtesy of https://upcyclestitches.com

“The country was required to be completely self-sufficient in all aspects of life, and skills to ‘make do and mend’ evolved from pure survival into something akin to an art form and way of life.”

The culture of that time demanded that working classes could only wear clothing for the purpose of protection and warmth whilst working.  They were only permitted to wear Bast Fibres, such as ramie, nettles and hemp.  These were dyed with blue indigo, which was hard-wearing and deters snakes and insects.  As clothing became used and worn, they would be repaired with a running stitch (Sashiko) or repaired with additional pieces of cloth.  The Japanese women in these communities took these repairs into an art form—a display of their skill and devotion to the household. Sashiko was taught during childhood and became an indication of a girl’s suitability as a wife.  

Boro Stitching

Boro is simply the repetition of Sashiko.  As the clothing was repeatedly repaired, it would become like a patchwork of mending and stitching. These have become known as “random beauty”.  Their purpose was purely for warmth and function.  You can see some beautiful examples of Boro repair here.  

Why?

I would consider our recent interest in these mending techniques is due to its contrast to the throwaway fast fashion culture.  With everything being readily available and accessible now, we feel a strong desire for something authentic and personal.  The Japanese have long been known for their “beauty in broken things” philosophy.  Famously - “Kintsugi is the general concept of highlighting or emphasising imperfections, visualising mends and seams as an additive or an area to celebrate or focus on, rather than absence or missing pieces.” Kintsugi. (2024, July 3). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi or “Wabi-Sabi” - the Japanese Art of finding beauty in imperfections.” https://www.carnegielibrary.org/staff-picks/wabi-sabi-the-japanese-art-of-finding-the-beauty-in-imperfections/

Yet, we could consider this to have a much deeper meaning.  See this quote:

“Kintsugi Is a Metaphor for Healing and Resilience…

The act of mending the broken – highlighting the cracks instead of hiding them – mirrors our own resilience in the face of adversity. It shows us that our scars, like golden seams, remind us not of how fragile we are. But of the strength we have in overcoming.”

The world has become very challenging in recent years.  There are many crises, wars, threats, polarisation and separation.  We have had to face many global and personal crises.  At the same time, social media and celebrity culture are all about perfection, whether real or through filters and adjustments.  At times, modern everyday life can seem overwhelming and all too much to deal with.  The external (and internal) pressures are endless and ever more demanding.   Returning ourselves to simple, authentic practices is reassuring.  

The holistic, restorative opportunities for “modern-day make do and mend”:

  • These practices align with sustainable fashion.

  • Showing the beauty of thriving through challenging times and the power of resilience.

  • They save us money (the cost of living crisis and the over-inflated fashion prices).

  • We can find peace of mind in working on simple hand-crafted projects.

  • We create our own beauty and authentic clothing.

  • We can teach and inspire others on the value of hand-crafted clothing.

  • We learn how to love what we have and what we create.  

  • We learn to stitch and create our own beauty.

While modern-day make do and mend may seem like just another trend, it has so many more profound opportunities. We find beauty, authenticity and peace of mind when creating fashion.  When we look at the origin of Sashiko, we can really connect with what clothing is truly for.  It is not only a means of need, waste and consumerism but also a beautiful journey of resilience and devotion.

Time for homework:

What appeals to you about modern-day make do and mend?

Which project would you like to take on?

As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.

Kate xx

Sustainable Fashion Pioneers

Hello, Darlings!

Welcome back, and welcome to another blog from the Future of Fashion, a place where we can magically impact the future of fashion, beauty, and creativity for all living creatures.

This week, we are discussing a visionary subject about visionary and committed people.  These are Sustainable Fashion Pioneers, Designers and Brand creators who have led the way through their commitment to Sustainable Fashion, Products and Practices.

While many of you reading this blog will be very aware of sustainable fashion designers, there may be some features you do not know about.  I also want to look at these designers within the broader fashion market and environment.  

As I often discuss, it is questionable if there is any real progress towards Sustainable Fashion.  We know that much of the great work done in sustainable fashion by brands such as Stella McCartney and Patagonia can be immediately upended by a few months of SHEIN and other fast fashion giants.  While “Gen Z consumers are more concerned about climate change and social and ethical issues, their environmental awareness is significant.  Nevertheless, their values do not always translate into sustainable consumption behaviour; their role as heavy consumers in the fast fashion market is proof of this.”  (ResearchGate).  

So, for those of us passionate about the Future of Fashion and its sustainability, this is a big challenge.  From my own personal philosophy, I want to see a future where there are ethically and financially sustainable business models available for any designer or brand creator, where sustainable materials and processes are open-sourced and easily accessible through supply chains for everyone.  In many ways, this is possible right now.  We can access sustainable supply chains, materials, manufacturing, end-of-life, etc.  There is a gap in this happening on a larger scale, a scale that would transform the future of fashion.  Those behemoths who “own” fashion, from fast fashion to luxury, do not follow the visionary practices of these designers and brands we will go on to feature here.

In my visionary future of fashion, Stella McCartney would be the new Chanel. McCartney and her eponymous brand have forged a sustainable solution for luxury brands.  The brand is an excellent case study of what is possible in Luxury Brand Sustainability.  

Sustainable Brand credentials in summary:

“We strive to create the most beautiful and desirable products with the least impact on our planet.”  

  • Cruelty Free: No fur, no leather, no animal glues, no feathers since day one of the Brand.

  • Animal material replacements: The Brand has create extraordinary solutions, including  “Salian” - 100% plant-based, plastic and GMO-free alternative to fur.   “VEGEA” - grape-based vegan alternative to Leather.  Mylo - Bolt threads innovative fungi-originated leather.

  • SOKTAS: Regenerative cotton farm in Turkey.  Stella McCartney has partnered with them in their journey from conventional to regenerative cotton.

  • NATIVA: Regenerative wool.  This wool is ethically sourced through practices that support environmental impact and animal welfare.

  • Kelsun: A a kelp or seaweed-based fibre from Keel Labs.

These are several materials and processes used by Stella McCartney.  The greater, values-aligned commitment is to “make every action count, inspiring trust and celebrating life.  We are change agents; we are activists.”  

When looking at McCartney, one cannot help but ask why Chanel, LV or other benchmark brands are not employing such materials or practices.  After all, they are open-sourced and available, and the brand prices are comparable.

In my visionary sustainable future of fashion, Loro Piana and other quiet luxury outdoor and lifestyle brands would have the ethos and practices of Patagonia.  This brand has led the way in taking care of our earth.  With a mission statement to “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis”. 

During COP26, Patagonia ceased calling itself a “sustainable brand”, as it considers itself part of the problem despite all the great efforts.

Sustainable brand credentials in Summary:

  • 87% of Patagonia apparel contains recycled material

•⁠  ⁠Like Stella McCartney, cotton comes from regenerative farming practices

•⁠  ⁠Uses factory floor scraps for a number of products

•⁠  ⁠Require their entire supply chain to follow a strict code of conduct and actively check they adhere to it

  • Offers a repair and reuse programme

  • Has conducted studies with industry bodies on the impact of microplastics

  • Discourages customers from purchasing too many of its products, including the “Do not buy this jacket” campaign.

While these are truly visionary commitments and practices, there is a focus on “hyper responsibility” throughout their business practices.  Patagonia has taken this further by publishing “The Future of the Responsible Company”, this not only documents their own journey, but also shares a free framework for developing your responsible company.

There are other visionary sustainable brands, including:

EILEEN FISHER  -  An ethical designer who creates clothing from organic materials, natural dyes and recycled textiles.

  • ⁠Public accountability for a 100% sustainable business model

  • Fair labour practices

  • The brand’s principles for “First life, Second life, Third life” - “Sustainable Design”, “Shop renew”, “Waste no more”.  Designing new items from sustainable materials, reselling worn items, recycling used items into new products.

MARA HOFFMAN

  • Prioritises natural, recycled, and organic fibres

  • Focuses on zustainable materials

  • Open guidelines for their work and their business collaborators on human rights, the development of environmentally friendly technologies, and a promise to keep learning and growing if guidelines are found to be broken.

In 2023 Mara Hoffman was awarded the CFDA Environmental Sustainability Award, shortly afterwards Mara announced the closure of her Brand, saying SS24 would be her last collection.

To add my personal favourites:

STELAR 

www.thisisstelar.com

Lorna Watson, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, has created this beautiful accessories brand.  “Made in communities, not in factories”.  

MALABAR BABY

Www.malabarbaby.com

Anjali Harjani, a brilliant founder, committed to wrapping our precious babies in safe and loving items.

These pioneers are really forming the future of fashion despite the ravaging competition from fast fashion and non-sustainable brands. Is it always easy?  Absolutely not.  Does everyone understand why they do it?  No.  Yet I truly believe the intentions created in these brands and by these designers are creating love and authenticity in the world—a counter to the driver for higher margins and hyper growth.  

Recently, Chanel and others have been consistently raising prices while their quality is deteriorating.  Dior was recently caught using factories with unethical manufacturing conditions in Italy, including forced labour by illegal workers, making bags for 57USD and selling them for 2800USD.  Dana Thomas raised the statement when she published her 2008 book “How Luxury lost its Lustre”.  I now ask: has luxury lost its lustre?  Are we now at a time when we want to connect with authentic and beautiful products.  We don’t need any more cheaply made clothing or overpriced luxury bags.  The intention of these brands and businesses is to have us buy to fill a void or feel better about ourselves.  All driven by a sense of needing to be more.  Let’s step away from these feelings of inadequacy and own things we can truly love and value.  These designers and brands drive a commitment to a better world and planet.  By engaging with these brands, we, too, create a better world for ourselves and those around us.  That is truly visionary and loving.

As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.

Kate xx

How Fast Fashion Became A Phenomenon

Hello, Darlings!

Welcome back, and welcome to another blog from the Future of Fashion, a place where we can magically impact the future of fashion, beauty, and creativity for all living creatures.

This week, we are discussing a big subject or a phenomenon: how fast fashion became a phenomenon. Firstly, what is a phenomenon?

This is how the OXFORD LANGUAGE DICTIONARY defines it.

phenomenon

/fɪˈnɒmɪnən/

 noun

noun: phenomenon; plural noun: phenomena

1. A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question."Glaciers are interesting natural phenomena.”

2. A remarkable person or thing: "The band was a pop phenomenon just for their sales figures alone."

Fast Fashion can be said to be both: “a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.”

And also: “a remarkable person or thing.”

In summary, Fast Fashion could be “a situation that exists, whose existence is in question and also a remarkable thing for its sales figures alone.”  

Nowadays, fast fashion is such an intrinsic part of our everyday life that it seems like it’s always existed, but it hasn’t.   So, let’s briefly explain the history of fast fashion.  First of all, what is fast fashion?  Fast Fashion is a term that describes the fast production of inexpensive, low-quality clothing, which is fundamentally trend-driven, mimicking high fashion labels by constantly providing new clothing and tantalising trendy clothing at very low prices.  Today's most well-known fast fashion brands include Shein, Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo.  Brands that fundamentally encourage consumers to keep buying more and more clothing and discard that clothing as soon as it goes off-trend, which is usually within two or three weeks.

I have spoken a lot about fast fashion in these blogs and have no intention of vilifying fast fashion.  I genuinely believe that the original intention to create a democratic fashion for everyone was a great commitment.  This had the greatest intention to provide clothing for everyone, regardless of class and status.  Much of this was driven by the self-expression found in the 1960s through designers such as Barbara Hulanicki at Biba and Mary Quant.  However, I’m sure these amazing ladies had no idea how far it would go and how great the impact of their commitment to the democratisation of fashion clothing would go.  

I have studied and researched a lot of fashion history, especially from the 20th century.  I wrote my university dissertation on “The transformation of women’s fashion from the post-war years to the present day”.  I interviewed so many people who were involved in the fashion industry or customers during that time.  The shift was incredible.  Fashion went from very uptight and limited fashion modalities where if you could afford anything, it was literally made to measure.  Then, after the Second World War, the ‘60s came with mass production, and many people looked to the US as a world leader. Everyone was looking for something new, exciting and innovative.  This was a new era.  The 1960s revolution brought about extraordinary youth culture and the power of women’s liberation.  Biba and Mary Quant completely shifted the fashion environment, creating weekly trends and making fashion affordable and part of your self-expression.   

From this, High Street fashion labels were created.  I remember that, as a child, we went shopping every week.  It became a weekly pastime whether we bought something or not.  It was something we did.  We always looked at what was in store.  It was something we truly loved to do.  Admittedly, my family is very fashion-focused, but, nevertheless, fashion was very important. 

The first time the phrase “fast fashion” was used was around 1990, when “The New York Times” had an article on the subject.  It was a piece about a “new fashion retailer with a mission to transform a garment from an idea in the designer’s brain to be sold on racks in only 15 days”.  Safe to say, by the mid-'90s, fast fashion had arrived.  I remember going to Zara in Paris, right next to L’Opera, and being amazed at how trendy and affordable these clothes were.

In these blogs, I always look at fashion psychology: why we buy the things we do, why we are driven to shop and acquire more things when we have more than enough in our wardrobe and why we constantly say, “I have nothing to wear.”  One of my commitments is to be known as a fashion philosopher and psychologist.

The mid-’90s brought an acceleration in fashion retail.  Very soon, the online retail space came.  Speed and convenience became the gas to the engine of fast fashion at the same time.  The NAFTA trade agreement was established and issued, making it so easy for these fashion retailers to produce in low-cost countries, primarily in Asia.  Once the Americans went, factories were built, supply chains were established, and it was very easy for the Europeans to follow.  It was the perfect environment for this industry to grow.

As with the 1960s democratisation of fashion, it was very exciting when fast fashion through the likes of Zara and H&M arrived.  We (as people in the industry) were always looking at how to make the most innovative, creative and cost-effective product for our customers in the West, how to create new best sellers, and have our designs in shows, on celebrities and in magazines.  Rather naïvely, we believed this was the future, and it truly was an extraordinary time.  I don’t think any of us expected how impactful this would be. 

We’ve all heard the stories of sweatshops, environmental impact and workers exploitation.  All of that is very relevant; on the other hand, we have created work for many.  This is where it all gets very conflicted for me because I’ve been a key part of the growing fashion industry.  Its accessibility, democratisation and ease of production and sales.  Let’s return to the question: “How did it become a phenomenon?”   The advancement of technology, the opening of trade agreements, the masterminding of marketing, and the commitment of Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Korean, and every other Asian nationality to create a future for their country through manufacturing.  All these factors became a driving force for the success of this industry. 

People became trained to keep buying, shopping, and needing more. “Consumerism” in fast fashion could be seen as how valued clothing items were taken from value to something we consumed, like fast food.  As I said before, I don’t want to vilify fashion; the luxury goods industry has also become part of the overproduction consumerism.

 So, where do we go from here?  Question yourself: do you want to keep buying more and more polyester items that fundamentally damage the environment? If you do, that’s fine.  Do you understand that the cost of anything isn’t the price you pay?  There’s always a cost elsewhere: textile waste, workers' exploitation, environmental impact, and your own freedom, in essence. The origin of many things is created with good intentions.  Which the fast fashion industry was, and yet its acceleration, growth and drive can and has become toxic, all-consuming, distorted and quite scary.

Let’s all be present and create a future where we have a choice.

As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.

Kate xx

Is New Valentino Like Old Gucci

Hello Darlings!

Welcome back and welcome to another blog from the Future of Fashion, a place where we can magically impact the future of fashion, beauty and creativity for all living creatures.

This week, we are diving into another Fashion Newsflash! The new Valentino Collection, which made its debut this week. 

In this blog, we have discussed the impact of Alessandro Michele and his tenure at Gucci.  His career as Gucci’s Creative Director, spanning from January 2015 to November 2022, left a significant mark on the fashion industry.  There has been a lot of discussion about whether he should have left Gucci and how the new Gucci era is more like Prada.  However, that is a topic for another blog.  Earlier this year, in April 2024, he was announced as the new Creative Director for Valentino, a move that has sparked anticipation for the brand's future under his leadership as he replaces the extraordinary Pierpaolo Piccioli.  

This week, Michele surprised everyone during Milan’s Men’s Resort 2024 Fashion Week (the same day as the Gucci Show).  “Despite not slated to deliver anything until his first runway show at September's Paris Fashion Week, Michele caught everyone off guard (in a good way) with his unexpected resort 2025 collection, which ran to a whopping 171 looks”.  The presentation covered looks for both men and women.  The noise from social and traditional media was deafening.  The main statements being: “It’s just like Gucci” and “Gucci at Valentino”.  

My lovely, considered Italian Intern declared how beautiful the collection was and how it had taken the Garavani Designs of the 1970s and brought them up to date.  This was the most aware remark I heard of the collection and provided me with the space to look closer.  Indeed, the looks were very ‘70s Valentino, executed in Michele’s maximalist aesthetic.  Since then, I have seen posts and videos from serious fashion influencers, including @Bryanboy, @ideservecouture and @fashionroadman.  All of whom had created content to show how the Michele “New Valentino Collection” is not “Old Gucci”.  

There are a few considerations to consider here. Firstly, why is everyone such a fashion expert, and why do they not go deeper into the archive to understand what is really going on?  Social media, Tim Tok, YouTube Shorts and Reels have made us so fast to judge what we see in front of us. Indeed, Alessandro Michele's maximalism is right there in this Valentino Collection.  That alone would confirm the “Gucci-ness”.  However, that is more Michele than Gucci.  We could say that Michele brings his aesthetic to the brand, and they use it for excitement and sales.  As a decorative, romantic Roman who loves the ‘60s and ‘70s, Michele is probably more suited to Valentino than he was to the Florentine looks of Gucci.  

Back to the Fashion commentary…  With so many loud opinions on social media, it is hard for any designer.  Recently, with the news of Virginie Viard leaving Chanel, there was so much commentary about how bad she is as a designer.  I had planned to write a blog about the possible new Chanel designer, but I could not face it after witnessing the harsh criticism.  Susie Lau @susiebubble wrote a post about the judgement of Virginie Viard and how tough it is for women designers.  Let’s give these talented people some support and enjoy their designs. 

The job of a Creative Director is a great one, but it also comes with such pressure to perform.  We have seen such a lot of change in the Luxury Fashion Brands.  Gucci, Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, and Givenchy all changing their designers.  Everything in the world is changing and shifting these days, and fashion is a reflection of this.  

Now, let’s look forward to the new era of Alessandro Michele at Valentino.  Valentino with Pierpaolo Piccioli was beautiful and inspiring but apparently not commercially successful enough.  Valentino had tremendous success in the “Rocketed” era.  Since then, there have not really been any ready-to-wear clothing hits or “must-have” accessories.  This will certainly change with Michelle at the helm. 

The bags are certainly going to be miraculous.  Michele is an accessories designer; he will definitely be putting out some iconic bags.  We have seen that the first collection has some future icons.  I can see myself buying a bag, yet the initial offering shows some incredible coats and ‘60s-style suits. 

The collections will have the maximalism of Michele (and “Old Gucci”) with the feminine beauty of Valentino.  Remember, Jackie (Kennedy) Onassis was a big Valentino fan.  She married Aristotle Onassis in a short Valentino Dress.  She was instrumental in securing Valentino’s place as a celebrity designer.  I am certainly looking forward to this era of iconic glamour and chicness.

As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.

Kate xx

Hong Kong Sustainable Fashion Designers

Hong Kong has a surprisingly high number of sustainable designers and businesses focusing on sustainable fashion and homeware.  Why would that be?  

Historically, Hong Kong has been a centre of fashion, innovation and manufacturing. Therefore, Hong Kong plays a leading role in the industry's future.

People living in Hong Kong are very business-focused, constantly creating something new and looking for what is next. Alternatively, they are purely fulfilling something that they dream about achieving.  

In this newsletter, we will examine a few success stories of people who have made their dreams a reality. There are some incredibly inspiring entrepreneurs and creators here.  I am blessed to know some of them, and they inspire me every day.

“The Hula” is definitely my favourite preloved or resale site and business.  They sell an extraordinary array of pre-owned, authenticated designer clothing and accessories.  Founder Sarah Fung has built a community and a following that is extraordinary.  She has created an industry-leading business with some of the best pieces you can possibly find.  At best, I find preloved clothing challenging; the smell of other peoples’ clothes is always present in a shop environment.  Sarah and her amazing team make shopping preloved a truly luxurious experience.  Sarah has made the art of being a community-based founder with a connection to her customers totally effortless.  She creates and curates amazing panels, workshops and events to champion other sustainable and innovative brands and businesses.  Having a “more of us is better” mindset.  Her values are genuinely all about leadership and excellence.  Being with Sarah makes you feel like she has been your friend for years.  What an inspiration and shining light.

“Malabar Baby” is one of Hong Kong’s more recent and brilliant sustainable brands.  An organic baby-wear brand that has grown to incorporate beautiful homeware and lifestyle products.  Their founder, the incredible Anjali Harjani, is one of the most inspiring women I know.  She is constantly creating the next level of beauty and authenticity in her business and life.  I met Anjali several years ago through a mutual friend.  Recently, we met and created some inspiring, fun projects.  I always felt that Malabar Baby was not a brand for me - I don’t have children - but Anjali reminded me how much my beloved dog, Lotus, loves her Malabar Baby cot quilt.  I recently bought a gift for friends and was blown away by the exceptional service, quality of products and commitment to excellence.  I am now shopping for homeware and ready to buy and gift so much more from this authentic and stunning brand.  Founded in Malabar Hills, Mumbai, the brand creates products using sustainable materials and processes and keeping the traditional techniques of India, such as block printing, alive.  Well done Anjali. 

The “R Collective” was created by Hong Kong-based charity Redress in 2017. It advocates for a circular fashion system by taking dead-stock materials and making them into new items for sale. Founder Doctor Christina Dean has led the charge for sustainable fashion beyond Hong Kong to the world for two decades. She is the Founder of Redress, an NGO that educates designers and consumers on circular fashion.  

 It would be fair to say that Doctor Christina Dean has created an environment where other sustainable fashion businesses can thrive. 

Fashion Clinic—“We are fashion surgeons, here to give clothes a second chance at life.”

This is a collective founded by designers Matt Hui and Kay Wong.  They are committed to saving the fashion industry from its “sickness”.  They provide a “WARDROBE AWAKENING” service, taking items from your wardrobe and giving them a new life.  They collaborate with brands and successfully collaborate with industry heavyweights like Adidas and Calvin Klein.  I personally had a blazer upcycled by Matty.  He took images from my own art and made them into beautiful embroideries and beadwork.  The blazer was slightly too big and had some marks on the sleeves, but the upcycling was transformational, creating a work of art from my ill-fitting jacket. 

While researching this, we found so many other designers. Hong Kong's commitment to the future of fashion is moving and profound.

Here are a few more sustainable designers and brands, all exploring ways to create a new way forward. 

  • Basics for Basics: Established by Kyla Wong.  Basics for Basics is committed to creating an impact by using dead-stock fabrics and sustainable materials to create beautiful designs.

  • Kitdo: Created by designer Denise Ho. “Kitdo is an innovative and consciously-produced styling piece made with lightweight aluminium and strong magnet inserts. Plated with a waterless coating, namely PVD, the beautifully designed accessory is crafted individually with the CNC machine process”.  It provides a versatile accessory, enabling you to wear your clothing in a myriad of ways.

  • PYE: Helmed by Hong Kong businesswoman Dee Poon from the Equal Group Family.  They are dress shirt specialists, producing classic shirts for men with a sustainable “seed-to-shirt” philosophy. “From farming their own cotton in Xinjiang, spinning the yarn with extra long staple cotton, to cutting and sewing their patterns, the brand offers an eco-conscious alternative to typical formal attire”. 

  • Classics Anew: Founded in 2014 by Janko Lam as a finalist in the REDRESS Awards.  The commitment is to create exceptional Chinese classic clothing whilst “minimising water and energy consumption, as well as reducing our carbon footprint during the production process”.  Not only are they sustainable, but they are also continuing traditional techniques and crafts from the exquisite tradition of Chinese clothing.  

I am sure that if I went to any city, I would find a surprising number of sustainable designers and brands.  However, this is Hong Kon, and I am very familiar with the city and its fast pace. 

The commitment of these brands and businesses is truly moving and an extraordinary example of the future of fashion.  Wherever we can, let’s support these businesses and make an impact!

As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.

Kate xx