Gen Z's fashion revolution
Whether we’ve meant to or not, our generation is leading a fashion revolution. Y2k and other vintage fashion trends have led to a huge amount of interest in secondhand fashion. Depop now has over 26 million users (90% of which are under 26) and lockdown has even offered the perfect environment for young creatives to start up their own custom fashion brands, many of which are taking a completely sustainable approach by reworking old fabrics into something completely new. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world therefore the impact of our shopping habits has been huge. Throughout 2020, it has been said that an equivalent weight of 900 double- decker buses has been saved from landfill and this is said to continue as reports show that the second hand market is set to hit $64billion in the next 5 years and will ultimately overtake fast fashion by 2029.
(image by @liloujx)
As always, fast fashion brands are rushing to keep up with our interests. These big corporations are continuing to offer low prices (Pretty Little Thing even selling pieces for as little as 8p during their black friday sale) and produce clothing that is up to date with the current trends (Aliexpress has even gone as far as to rip off designs from sustainable custom designers). As appealing as the cheap prices and easy accessibility may be, it is so important to continue making a conscious effort towards supporting sustainable fashion. Fast fashion brands are notorious for mistreating their workers and having a huge impact on the environment, so put your money somewhere where it will really make a difference. Put it towards saving pre-loved clothes from landfill and supporting younger designers who have dedicated so much time and resources into their brands rather than into the pockets of big corporations that already have more than enough of it.
(image by @migg._ for @lostboyschannel)
(image by @migg._ for @krudd_uk)
(image by @migg._ for @lostboyschannel)
(image by @liloujx)
(image by @amypeskett for @loisx1blue)
(image by @amypeskett for @dropdeadofficial x @ihatesally campaign)
(image by @amypeskett for @rubyjunedraws)
(images by @courteneyfrisby for @sio.studio)
(images by @whoslozza for @harrkeyyuckey555)
(image by @sams1inger for @freebaseuk)
TORA-LILY
I released my first print in February 2021, but I was making the pieces from December 2020. I design the prints and make the clothes. I have a degree in graphic design and I am currently studying a masters in fashion, so I like to make graphic prints that stand out. My prints are made up of images of me that have been manipulated with a scanner and I also have some prints made from old magazines, my collage print is made from 90s mix mags. I like to make statement pieces that people would wear to a special occasion, not something you would wear everyday. I also make small collections as it’s more sustainable to not produce a large amount that can be wasted. I also think it makes the pieces more special knowing that there are only a small handful of them!
GOOSTAVV
So originally I was a photographer that’s how I learnt to use photoshop , I worked as a photography assistant for a while but I was always playing round with my own photos mashing them up n changing colours n stuff n I I eventually found my style of photographic art. I didn’t put anything on clothes for years I wasn’t really into fashion until like two years ago when I made a tracksuit. I posted it n people loved it so I carried on doing it. I was just messing around really and never took it seriously until this year. Got my 2nd drop about to release this summer. There is often a bit of a wait between drops as I play rugby full time as my carrier so I just do this for fun and a way switching off from my day job.
XBER CLOTHING
I founded Xyber in January 2021, following a year of teaching myself how to edit and use Photoshop (as well as sew). I originally started off as a photographer but due to COVID Restrictions I turned to the idea of using AI programming to make my own models- I then decided to use the same programming to generate faces for my top designs. My vision for XYBER is to create a digitally inspired clothing brand that acknowledges the original retro-futurism movement. Each design is unique and carefully edited by me, ensuring that my brand differentiates itself from the fast fashion movement. I don’t mass produce my garments, and I use a sustainable printing vendor to ensure the fabric is as climate friendly as possible. I also recycle all of my scraps by either reworking them into other garments for other projects or by donating them to fashion / art students.
(image by @onagreenwoodart)
COLD FEET
Cold Feet started off towards the end of 2020 out of an urge to create art that draws from obscure elements of pop culture both past and present. My creative process has a complete mind of its own, and I don’t tend to plan things as I make them but rather see where they go. Through Cold Feet as a brand I’m seeking to make fashion more of an individual expression, and producing as little waste material as possible at the same time. Rather than produce hundreds of the same thing, I’ve chosen to keep all my creations as mostly 1/1’s or very small runs of garments at a time. Not only do I hope to spread the message of sustainability through fashion by doing this but also I’m seeking to make those wearing and viewing my clothing to see it as having value as a piece of art.
BYBRYNY
(@bybrny)
90s rave inspired brand, BYBRYNY was started during the first lockdown by Bryony Thomson. BYBRYNY is home to a selection of custom tops made up of fabric cutouts with digital prints relating to 90s rave culture!
SEE OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH BYBRYNY HERE
FOR MORE OF OUR FAVES, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FFSC INTERVIEWS:
‘Fashion for small change’ is a series in which we explore the recent surge in handmade and second hand fashion. We talk to a variety of young designers about their unique brands and their opinions on our generation’s Depop obsession.
MASGARMZ (now @chippiegrams)
GOO COLLECTIVE (@goocollective)