Upcycling turns scraps into fashion

“Upcycling” clothes, or making totally new outfits with novel designs out of scraps of fabric or discarded clothes, has become a trend among consumers who appreciate a new fashion twist that is also Earth-friendly.

Upcycling is the practice of taking waste or useless items and making them into new things that are better quality or have higher environmental value.

Fam is a Tokyo-based specialty shop that makes clothes and accessories out of overstocked clothes or leftover fabric from garment factories. On display at the shop are a shirt with a mixed polka dot-yacht design, and a patchwork bag made from scraps of scarves and denim products.

Founded in 2011, Fam has grown through online sales and as other stores began selling its products.

Fam’s designer Mariko Fujinaga became concerned about the large amount of unsold clothes that were just thrown away when she worked for a clothing maker.

“I thought I’d take another look at the status quo. I wanted to make a product that would be used in a more fashionable way,” she said.

Fujinaga visits garment factories and traders that collect scrap material in the Kanto region about once a month to find material for her products. Then she draws up designs and specifications explaining how to make clothes and fabric from the recycled products. Finally, she asks local garment factories or facilities that employ people with mental disabilities to make the product. She always informs the clothes makers that their materials will be reused to make clothes.

Fam sells shirts starting at about 15,000 yen and bags from about 4,000 yen. They have a good reputation for colorful designs and careful attention to detail. Fam is seeking to further broaden its market with an exhibition that ends in early July at the Isetan department store in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

Since 2010, Tokyo-based Rebirth Project has been collaborating with clothes makers to sell out-of-date Lee jeans and denim pants and jackets that were damaged during manufacturing. The twist is that Rebirth Project first puts an original design on the items.

The firm is represented by actor Yusuke Iseya.

Rebirth Project sells brand-name pants from about 10,000 yen made with fabric that has languished for a long time in warehouses.

“We in the manufacturing industry can’t stand to see products scrapped or thrown away. We’re glad we can create new value,” a Lee spokesperson said.

About 940,000 tons of clothing is discarded each year, according to a fiscal 2009 survey by the Organization for Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, an independent administrative agency under the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry.

A movement has grown that seeks to connect these materials with remake brands.

Newsed Project, a Tokyo-based incorporated nonprofit organization, began five years ago purchasing in-stock fabric and other material from about 60 clothing stores and then passing them on to remake brands.

“Many companies don’t really want to throw out their products. I think they’ve entrusted us with their passion for manufacturing,” said Yuji Aoyama, the NPO’s vice chief.

Newsed Project also makes products under its own brand, such as book covers and pouches, which are sold in more than 90 stores.

The article is from http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0000313710