Apparel production is detrimental to the condition of our natural environment. The outpour of toxic chemicals, abundant waste, and high percentage of non-biodegradable synthetic fibers used to construct a garment with only aesthetic pleasing features. Environmental sustainability rests on the shoulders of fashion designers, manufacturers, and buyers, including the consumers who consciously pay and support the poor behavior to continue. From Cradle to Cradle Apparel Design article, cutting waste through the continuous expression of creativity and value with leftover pieces of material is the main idea of upcycling, at least from a fashion standpoint. I was inspired by the technical metabolism described in Cradle to Cradle. Complex material should be used after the current’s product life cycle. Textile Futures by Quinn also explains how using reclaimed textiles can be used to create new fabulous products. All pioneers are contributing to the apparel’s industry path of performing careful and considerate actions to create and remake fashion designs for wearability, durability, and functionality. Eliminating the way we get rid of clothing by upcycling, making something equal or worth more than its initial purpose.
Many fashionistas would argue that belts are now considered staple pieces for an outfit, with animal prints and textures, and brilliant colors becoming all the new rage! Well, the lingering question isn’t what to wear with a belt as much as it is what to do with the belt once the trend has passed. Come on, once upon a time, people only wore neutral colored belts such as your browns and blacks with little preference on style. As we all know, fashion moves in a circular motion with ‘ins’ becoming ‘outs’ in a matter of seconds. What will become of fashion belts? Well, I propose that consumers start upcycling their leather belts as handbag handles. Rework your old out-dated belt into your weakened strap on your favorite handbag! Talk about accessorizing!
The metal work from the buckle would provide a great fashionable clasp for closure. Most belts are designed to be worn at the waist of pants and/or skirts for a more flattering fit, or purchased to highlight a small waist by wearing on top of a garment such as a dress. With trends and styles crossing over to the fashion accessory category, this allows the wearer to change the appearance of their purse straps just as much as they change the colors they wear for a particular season. My innovative design concept gives the wearer the power to customize their handbag of choice into a serious fashion statement that showcases their individuality in an environmentally-friendly way, without spending a dime and saving money.
Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteI really like your concept. Do you think name brand handbags would be willing to take worn belts to use them as their handbag handles? Or do you think that people should return their belts to their manufactures and have them use them on either handbags if they produce them? This is a really interesting idea but do you think it would be hard for companies to match the leathers that they are using on the handbag to the belt they are using? I know wore leather looks a lot different then new leather so I was wondering if you had thought about that or if you had an idea to prevent different color tones?
Hi Olivia,
DeleteI see you have lots of inquiries. My main motivation is to get consumers the freedom and durability of wearing their favorite handbags after the store given strap has worn out. As the trend grows, I think it would become an adapted mainstream fashion where manufacturers recommend designing the handbags with quality belts passed up from clients to create a personalized touch to each bag. As for as matching the leather goes, there's not much stress there because I want the product or belted strap to be distinguished enough to show personality and give it added flair.
Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting way to re-use old leather belts. My question is how do the companies get the old leather belts? Is there going to be a collection center or box at stores? Or are the bags going to be made with an interchangeable straps?
Kelsey, I propose that the belt makers could develop a 'take back' program to have customers send their old belt back to them for credit, and if it's a private retailer label I suggest allowing customers to return the belts in-store. As of now, I know most bag straps are easily removable. Some have the hooks to clip on and off, while other bags have material sewn in a loop-like form around the metal details. This could be taken off with something as simple as scissors, if the strap is falling apart and preventing wearability.
DeleteYour post was a great one to read this week, Jasmine! You clearly understand the fashion world and how much material we actually go through season to season. Its crazy! Your design concept is very innovate and one that I've never heard proposed before. Do you think if this were to be done manufactures would be stop attaching straps to their bags and just produce belts that work for both? If not how do you remove the strap without damaging your existing bag and how does the belt securely attach to the purse?
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey,
DeleteThank you for liking my blog! I was trying to think outside of the box as much as I could! Later on down the road, I could see manufacturers stopping to attach straps on purses, however, I don't believe it would stop with ALL purses, such as high price-point luxury items. I believe that many belt and handbag brands would catch on due to the reducing of unnecessary consumption and spending(buying/shopping). As stated in a previous response, many bags now have clip on hooks that can serve as style changers for a long/short strap or a clutch. Some straps are already easy to take off. A belt can be attached through using velcro strips and/or sewing a few stitches on either end of the belt to wrap around the purse.
I really like your concept this week, it has a lot of potential. You also did a good job of integrating the readings into your concept. My only question is if the belt is now out of fashion, why is it then fashionable to put it on a purse?
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
DeleteThank you for your positive feedback! I really appreciate it! You asked a great question indeed. I personally think that many belts are a staple piece, therefore, they have a little more wiggle room than a blouse or pant bottom with a big, bold print that's clearly a trend from last fall. With this being said, the belt would be discarded and the purse w/ a strap in poor condition would be never worn again, even if the body of the bag is in great condition. This idea would eliminate the "waste" factor by breathing life into another product that is most likely considered "waste" or unreusable by the cosumer.