Students gathered at the Paresky Center on Saturday for the Fall Fashion Up-Cycling Workshop, where they engaged in mending and creatively transforming their clothing with tools like gear tape, decals, and cyanotype patches. This event was hosted by the Zilkha Center for the Environment (ZCE) and the environmental studies department, featuring Dr. Elena X. Wang, a former sustainable fashion professor at NYU and expert in women’s labor and sustainable design practices.
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The aim of the workshop was to foster awareness about clothing overconsumption and to empower students to create unique pieces from used garments. Dr. Wang, who has a history of running similar workshops at institutions such as Amherst, Smith, and Mount Holyoke, coordinated this event through her connection with José Constantine, Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, during a sustainability curriculum conference.
To enhance accessibility, the workshop took place on the Paresky steps. ZCE Sustainability Coordinator Alex Martone noted the importance of choosing a location that encourages participation without barriers. This workshop is part of a broader series of sustainability initiatives planned by the ZCE for the semester, including mending workshops and clothing swaps. Martone emphasized the focus on engaging students with concepts of economic circularity and 'slow-fashion.'
Dr. Wang highlighted that no prior sewing skills are necessary to participate in her workshops, which include various fabric-altering techniques such as spray painting, tie-dye, and block printing. This past weekend, she brought upcycled items as inspiration for participants.
Fiona Zheng, a student, described her experience of adding leaf designs to a white shirt, calling it a therapeutic activity. Future opportunities for upcycling will be available, with Wang and Martone planning a follow-up workshop during Earth Month in April. Martone aims to create engaging experiences that encourage students to explore sustainability creatively.
Martone also emphasized the need for mindful clothing consumption, encouraging students to curate their closets through second-hand shopping and upcycling. She remarked on the tendency to discard damaged clothing, advocating for learning mending skills instead. Dr. Wang noted the potential for future workshops to blend art and fashion, inviting participants to customize their clothes while preventing waste.
Overall, the workshop offered a chance for students to not only revitalize their clothing but also reflect on sustainable practices in fashion.