We may all have committed fashion misfires at some point, and mistakes are commonplace for those who design our clothes too. ‘Strike-off’ refers to a sample of fabric on which designers test materials, techniques and colours before committing to a large quantity. Usually measuring less than 50cm in length, they often end up being ditched.
To Jennifer Droguett, Colombian-Chilean designer and founder of the London-based Anciela couture label, others’ mistakes are creative opportunities. The dress pictured here is made using fabric offcuts from a strike-off custom lurex jacquard weave, which have been stuffed with recycled packaging wool and studio offcuts. It’s typical of Anciela’s output as a business whose no-waste policy doesn’t get in the way of celebrating South American folklore and experimental tailoring.
Prioritising sustainability is “the only way forward” said Droguett. “When you set certain boundaries, you can easily make design and business decisions that align.”
What gives her hope? The swelling community of likeminded people in the industry. “It’s at every stage of the supply chain now,” she said, “from farmers and activists to makers and journalists, there’s a sense of urgency and willingness to do something.”
From farmers and activists to makers and journalists, there’s a sense of urgency and willingness to do something
Droguett is set to be in good company then showcasing Anciela’s wares at The Good Clothes Show, which kicks off at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, on Friday. The brand new event has drawn inevitable comparisons to the former Clothes Show Live, which ran for 20 years until 2014. Its mission is to inspire positive change in the mainstream market by bridging pop culture and sustainable fashion.
“As fast fashion grows faster than ever, so does the urgency for a change in consumer awareness,” Kara Mooney, the creative and event director, told Positive News. “Our vision is to demonstrate what people can gain from more sustainable fashion choices, rather than what they may think they need to give up.”
Five sustainable fashion highlights at The Good Clothes Show, by event director Kara Mooney
The Good Clothes Show is on a mission to show mainstream consumers that big changes are on their way in the fashion industry – and that these shifts can be embraced rather than resisted.
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