Remade In The U.P. eh!

Marquette's (re)design Fashion Show transforms old clothing into new trends

Marquette Michigan – How do I explain the sheer shock and excitement of watching women strut down the runway clad in curtains, bedsheets, tablecloths, and t-shirts looking as if they were out of a fashion catalog or magazine? The (re)design fashion show at the Marquette Regional History Center proves that even here in the U.P. we can not only dress sustainably but look great doing it!

This year’s high energy runway show marks their 6th anniversary featuring designs by:  Taylor Ehle -2014 designer of the year, Joann Shelby, Paulette Carr and Denise Zdroik. Each designer will present their 2015 clothing lines.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE (RE)DESIGN FASHION SHOW

The annual event pulls together lots of local talents and is the largest gathering of upcycled artists in the Upper Peninsula. These clothing designers aka “clothing remixers” or “wardrobe surgeons” have a much greater purpose at heart than just wearing vintage or secondhand. They are creative innovators dedicated to a movement of remaking discarded fabrics destined for landfills, into stylish wearable clothing remade to fit a new season, fashion trend, or body type.

Each year the Marquette (re)design Fashion Show features restyled clothing by local designers. Everything presented is wearable and for sale for those of all ages. Local craft vendors with unique accessories also set-up their wares to the delight of attendees. It’s truly inspirational to see so much creativity revolving around the art of refashioning, restructuring, remaking, and refurbishing especially, considering that in the USA alone 20 million tons of textiles are thrown out each year! That means the most eco-friendly fabrics available today are those which already exist.

The redesign trend is currently taking the globe by storm from couture fashion houses to online Do-It-Yourself communities. Shops are popping up in many big cities that feature 100 percent redesigned clothing. These store owners have committed to aquiring everything locally, from sourcing secondhand fabrics, to restyling and selling on-site; leaving virtually no carbon footprint beyond that generated in the original production of the textiles.

Online in the DIY community a large movement is happening to encourage individuals to stop buying new manufactured clothing. Advocates challenge themselves to wear only secondhand pieces or redesign their existing wardrobe, for a set amount of time. Participants are rewarded with money savings, conserving resources, and learning new skills.

In a world that spits out throw away fashion pieces at record speeds the growing trend of upcycling is one of the most sustainable things anyone can do in fashion. To see new life breathed into old undesirable fabrics and clothing as they’re resurrected into exciting wearable designs makes the Marquette (re)design Fashion Show an immense pleasure and one that is sure to leave you inspired for the future. You’ll never look at your closet the same way again!

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL U.P. REDESIGNERS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE (RE)DESIGN FASHION SHOW

by Erica McMillan

Out of curiosity and necessity I have become accustomed to wearing many hats in life. The latest hat in my collection is as owner/publisher/author/photographer/videographer for Marquette Magazine. Among other things I am a doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, NMU student, and mother of 5... whew, I'm getting tired just writing that...

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