Shopping scenario…
Me: “Wow…do you know in how many ways I could transform this outfit?”
My husband: “Why do you always have to do that? Can’t you just buy the thing and just wear it as is?“
Me: “Why would I do that? It would just look like everybody else’s who’s buying this same outfit. No.”
Husband: “OK but if you don’t like it the way it is now- why buy it in the first place?“
Me: “Well I love the fabric, the color, the fit and all the possibilities! I just don’t like the length, the collar, the sleeves…oh and maybe I’d change the buttons too.“
Husband rolls his eyes: “Here we go again…“
This is typical for me when it comes to shopping or styling! And even if I don’t transform it- I end up wearing the garment in the least imaginable way it was meant to be worn!
You might be wondering why don’t I just go out there and buy some fabric and create from scratch? Well…I really love transforming garments- DIY’s are my thing. Now, there’s a more important aspect to all this madness. I strongly believe that we can all do our part in Sustainability- and if that means conserving, refashioning, re-purposing, recreating, thrifting, swapping and DIY- I’m there!
And this is a definite trend my Darlings! I was especially thrilled with the recent Margiella show for Fall 2020- whose Designer, John Galliano created a new line: Recicla.
He is upcycling and restoring and basically DIYing older collections and also creating from recycled materials, Vintage and second hand! He, and I quote, called it “Restorative” See article and slideshow Here. Fast fashion is getting the boot.
I get it and I’m so on board. Creating is everything, and for me art and fashion are one. So I see styling as the natural consequence of both art and fashion. ‘Styling it My Way’, here I come! Don’t be afraid to try it. You’ll get such a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve created something tailor-made and that’s also good for the planet.
Don’t know how to sew? No problem- most stuff you can get away with just cropping- or even better; just glue it! I honestly think that Fabri- Tac glue is the invention of the century lol! Use it for hems, pleats, putting together seams and so much more.
You’re no expert? We all think that. The trick is to just start slowly and watch lots of YouTube videos to get ideas and inspiration. And, you can always contact me as well- I’ll gladly support you and show you what I can. This re-fashioning thing is really earning momentum. In fact, I can say that I’ve converted a good percentage of my clients into letting me re-style, re-fashion or re-purpose their wardrobe. It feels great- looks new and costs so much less than anything they purchase new. I’d probably have them transform it anyway! Oh- and do I mention once again how good it is for the planet to conserve rather than dispose?
In another post I’ll share how thrifting is the other part of this DIY equation. But for now, let me just show you a few of my own fashion DIY’s.
The time I changed the buttons and added leatherette sleeves to my jacket (plus a belt!):
This too short, too tight dress
turned into these two tops:
I added ruffles to these pants which were not long enough:
These sleeves were too tight and so uncomfortable- so I added a strip of leftover black knit fabric:
I removed this skirt’s lining and transformed it into 3 different wearable outfits:
I slit the hems of these pants and added a ruffled fabric right off the collar of a jacket I’m gonna re-purpose later;)
And the Kimono I created! Without sewing- not one stitch!
Check out my two clips below to catch a glimpse of how I did this. You can see more by going to my Instagram feed @lucybertoldi and look at my DIY highlight.
#Confessionoftheday: I’m warning you…this is highly addictive.
