The daunting task of what to wear and the space needed to house outfits is an issue many of us face. We constantly shop, run out of room, and purge our undesirables. Instead of spending astronomical amounts of money at the boutique downtown, you can find diamonds in the rough at your local Triad Goodwill. With a little time and patience, you can create new ensembles through the lost art of deconstruction and reconstruction. Reconstructing clothes, also known as upcycling, is simply making new garments by taking pre-owned clothing apart and refashioning it into new pieces. Not only is this a great way to save money, but it also breathes life into tired fabrics. Here are three reasons to consider reconstruction:
- Create one-of-a-kind pieces. No one wants to have the same wardrobe as the person next to them. When you reconstruct a piece from existing clothing, you’re creating apparel that the world hasn’t seen. It’s a way to stand out from the crowd and become the individualist you were meant to be, which leads us to our second point.
- Express your creativity. Making your own clothing is an incredible way to express yourself. You’re not confined to the aisles of a chain department store; the only limits you have are determined by your imagination. You can display your true self through your unique creations.
- Do something good for the environment. An article written by the Natural Resource Defense Council, or NRDC for short, reports that “The Chinese textile industry, which produces about half the clothing Americans buy, creates about 3 billion tons of soot each year. A single mill can use 200 tons of water for each ton of fabric it dyes.” That’s an insane amount of pollution and waste! By upcycling your wardrobe, you’re helping cut back on the ugly side of fashion and helping Mother Nature.
Reconstruction is a great way to make your current wardrobe more eclectic. The idea of taking the old and making it new is the same concept used for Rock the Runway. On February 26th, you have the chance to view the work of 7 designers who have mastered the art of upcycling. These designers not only embody the spirit of conservation, but they hold the creative process dear to their hearts. Visit our website for ticket information and we’ll see you soon!
