Industry Collaborations

Upcycled streetwear: A collaboration with Coldwear

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In an effort to promote sustainability, recycling and upcycling in the fashion industry, winter apparel and travel accessories retailer Coldwear issued a brief challenging designers to repurpose their garments in the style of streetwear. Designers were further tasked to consider their garment’s impact on the social, cultural, political and economic environment.

Students from LASALLE’s BA(Hons) Fashion Design and Textiles programme rose to the occasion, repurposing deadstock and industry waste from Singapore and the region whilst fulfilling Coldwear’s brief and expressing their creativity. Their garments took inspiration from a wide range of sources, from the pandemic to Singapore’s urban landscape.

Keya Vishnukumar Prajapati was inspired by Singapore’s HDB architecture and communities. “Every window on a building has a different narrative and approach towards life,” said Keya Vishnukumar Prajapati who was inspired by Singapore’s HDB architecture and communities. “Through my collection, I wish to expand these spaces beyond their four walls to give them the freedom to express themselves and feel confident and content with who they are. The concept of this print was inspired by 2D floor plans while experimenting with definite shapes and colours.”

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For Seoyoung Lee, repurposing winter wear brought to mind the loss of freedom of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her creation was inspired by wall art centred on the theme of the pandemic. Reflecting on the process, Seoyoung shared, “This project taught me the importance of upcycling in fashion. I look forward to more projects where we can upcycle other products and make it useful in fashion or any design industry.”

For these young designers, the threat of global warming is a pressing reminder of the importance of sustainability in fashion. As Keya explained, “The practice of sustainability is pivotal for the future of fashion. As a designer, it is my responsibility to be mindful in my making and find possible solutions to ameliorate any shortcomings.”