The designers redefining what ‘new’ clothes look like

Stylist Karinda Mutabazi, who helped oversee the upcycling challenge, said it was encouraging to see a shopping centre embrace the narrative around upcycling. “We had a really great response from a lot of [fashion] brands,” she said. “Brands [typically] want to control the way their garments are used, they have an aesthetic, a uniform message. When we thought of this idea I thought, let’s just see what the response will be.”

The students from the design school LCI Melbourne used the two-day challenge to demonstrate Japanese dyeing techniques, bleach baths (to de-saturate colour from fabric) and different forms of embellishment, all with a universal message. “If there’s something in your wardrobe you don’t like, try to change it – you don’t have to be skilled [at sewing],” says Mutabazi.

Romance Was Born designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales have made upcycling part of their brand’s DNA for more than 15 years, and agree small changes make a big difference. Sales says for their last show, in February, the brand collaborated with artist Paul Yore, whose installations and sculptures centre around found objects.

“Identifying other materials such as patchwork and crochet made us think we would be a good match to work together, and in turn we were able to continue with our love of upcycling, so win-win,” Sales explains.

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Last year, Romance Was Born ran an upcycling clinic, where people could bring treasured items to receive the signature whimsical, romantic, colourful Romance touch. But for everyone else, Sales promises there are more upcycled pieces coming soon. “They are really special, and our customer has had a really positive response to them.”

Moss Tunstall will feature in the Urban Oasis runway at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, on March 9, 7pm. melbournefashionfestival.com.au.

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