Mend Art2Wear Collection

By encouraging all consumers to re-evaluate their current clothing consumption, Mend intends to design garments for the greater good. Primarily focused around sustainable design practices, the collection is constructed with used, cast off clothing and textiles. Consumers are informed of the fiber contents incorporated into each garment. This concept of ‘circular fashion’ is based on principles of circular economy and sustainable development. Designed for deconstruction, “the life after garment” is valued and considered while also celebrating global craft ad traditions lost to fast fashion. Mend embraces new explorations in surface design through laser removal of indigo on denim and screen printing with water based inks. 

The front half of the top is made with 100 % upcycled men’s shirting. The back half of this top is made with 100% polyester men’s shirting. Each half is labeled, designed for the consumer to easily recycle at the end of the garment’s lifespan or to interchange with a different color palates or cut. This tank top is reversible and provides the wearer with multiple options. The front and back are attached by buttons.

The skirt is made with 100% upcycled cotton denim. The pleated panels of this skirt are made with a blend of both cotton and polyester men’s shirting. While my goal is not only to use sustainable materials moving forward but to find new purpose and ways to recycle the waste that already exists in the United States. It takes quite a lot of energy to recycle a blend like cotton/polyester. In some cases, it really cannot be recycled. The process involves separating the individual fibers. If the material is not recycled, it is potentially donated. While this seems like an act of goodness, only 10 percent of clothing in donation centers are resold in the United States. That means the other 90 percent is sold by the pound and shipped overseas. The abundance of clothing our fast fashion culture has created is harmful to the environment, its people, and cultural textile traditions.

The process towards developing the collection Mend begin with research in sustainable practices and fashion houses. Following this Research, an inspiration board was created. This inspiration board was purely inspirational! All things that inspire you, zero expectations, zero limitations.

An additional round of research into sustainable aspects I would explore, sample, or take precedent from.

Every piece had a hand screen printed tag. Parts of the garments were made with cotton, others were made with blends. Designed to ensure and encourage proper future recycling.