Upcycling Is The New Trend For Sustainable Fashion In Latin America
Let's open a debate towards sustainability around the world; What ideas go global?
We live in an era of many dualities and contradictions. On the one hand, conspicuous consumption is derived from capitalism, and on the other the "millennial" generation promoting a new lifestyle, or a critical theory towards consumption.
That is why luxury designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier used upcycling, in January of this year when he presented his latest collection at the helm of the firm made with materials from previous collections. Vivianne Westwood also worked in that sense on different occasions and was the designer Martin Margiela who made this technique a leitmotif of his career.
Furthermore, the case of Gucci, which started working with a new type of recyclable nylon that can be regenerated countless times. But always, with the head in command, of those who already have a place in the world of design; or better, of those who control it.
So how can we raise a truly sustainable revolution? Where does the social rule in the "sustainable" concept? And Latin America?
There is de convergence of my point, on corrupting the vertical gaze that capitalism itself proposes, owner of fast fashion. Contemplating countries with a high load of artisanal labor, but this time, with an eye on the admiration and appreciation of the work.
Giving a voice to alternative designers, like Jesica Trosman and Martin Churba; those who aim a radical and comprehensive change. Taking sustainability as a real possibility and not just for "some". As a matter of fact, the collection plot starts from industrial workwear, this gives a realistic and conceptual imprint on the phenomenon.
"We are keeping an eye on the workshops that are dying, they are people who know how to do that and nothing else, we should help them so that these family businesses are productive, cooperative places, and that little by little they recover" - Churba
Moreover, believing that in some way, it is to give true place in society to those who are forward to our clothes. It reminds me of the resignification proposed by the avant-garde of Dadaist art. Where the mission was to give a new value to an object recognized by all, with a cry of revolution in between.
This concept is manifested, not only, in the aesthetics elaborated by the designers, from the color palette to the implemented morphologies, but also, in the internal and external social burden, where the awareness of the origin of clothing prevails, impacting directly on our choice of consumption and in turn on the quality of life of many.
Improving the quality of life of those who produce our "protective skin" is synonymous with an honest society. It is a political and redundant conflict. But controlling consumption sounds capricious, and we forget, in part, the reciprocal relationship it has with the previous link, opening doors to the social factor in the sustainable framework, and on the other part, the environmental impact.
Environment and fashion, what is the solution? Although reusing has an end, it invites us to belong to an aspect called "circular economy"; which is a very extensive phenomenon, but emphasize promoting a closer link between user and designer, where the consumer, through the growth of social networks, is aware of the processes involved in their future purchase (clothing).
We can easily see this in the images of Jaramillo, where closeness and conscience reign. It creates a family atmosphere, it sounds achievable, it destroys certain verticalities, they humanize design, removing it from the pedestal of "established artists", their corporality crosses us, transmits ideology, plasticity.
It is a great deal to combine social, economic, political, and environmental aspects in a collection, or in a brand. Jaramillo redoubled the bet, and did "a lot with little", integrating perfectly all the items.
There is only one objection, or question about it, in economic terms, it continues to be an "elite" brand, which in turn incorporates a new language, being inclusive with many people. But couldn't it be taken as an offense? Is it one of the many failed attempts to reconcile horizontality?
I continue opening the debate.
In my opinion, and to conclude, I argue that capsules like these are an advance towards something better, or a more honest society, taking up some concepts raised by the sociologist and architect William Morris. They are not pristine and they are still renowned designers from Argentina, I would like to have the opportunity to show you more about our local and national design.
Opinions and Perspectives
CoralineX
3 years ago
These initiatives show how sustainability can preserve cultural heritage too.
Charlotte
3 years ago
The blend of social and environmental concerns is what makes this approach unique.
Selena_Higgins
3 years ago
Fascinating how they're connecting traditional crafts with modern sustainability.
PlantBased-Joy_99
3 years ago
Think this could work in other regions with strong textile traditions?
ClarissaH
3 years ago
The emphasis on quality over quantity is something we really need to return to.
Edgy-Elegance
3 years ago
Love seeing how different cultures approach sustainability in their own unique ways.
Mindful-Meditation_777
3 years ago
Been trying to shop more sustainably but information can be overwhelming sometimes.
StyleGame_Elite
3 years ago
Can't help but think about how this connects to broader economic inequality issues.
Lucia_Flutter
3 years ago
The article makes me think about the story behind my own clothes. Where did they come from?
Vogue_Vibes
3 years ago
Wonder if this could create new job opportunities in traditional manufacturing regions.
SkylaM
3 years ago
The focus on local production is crucial. We need to rebuild community-based manufacturing.
Kristina99
3 years ago
These initiatives could really help preserve traditional skills for future generations.
ClioH
3 years ago
It's time we valued clothes properly again. Fast fashion has distorted our perception of worth.
Miriam_Twinkle
3 years ago
What I love most is how they're preserving cultural techniques while moving forward.
Luxe_Looks
3 years ago
The political aspect can't be ignored. This is about workers' rights as much as environment.
Classy-Glam
3 years ago
Interesting how they're balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability needs.
PurelyYou
4 years ago
The concept of protective skin resonates with me. Our clothes should have meaning beyond trends.
Blythe_Rain
4 years ago
I worry these initiatives might remain niche unless we address the broader economic issues.
Runway_Bound
4 years ago
The artisanal approach reminds me of the slow food movement. Maybe we need slow fashion too.
Glam_Finesse
4 years ago
What about middle ground solutions? Not everyone can afford luxury upcycled pieces but we can all make better choices.
Mckenna_Simpson
4 years ago
Been following this trend and it's amazing how creative designers get with limited materials.
Sylvia_Glow
4 years ago
The social media aspect is interesting. It's actually helping create transparency in the industry.
JanelleB
4 years ago
I'm curious about the actual environmental impact numbers compared to traditional manufacturing.
CoraBelle
4 years ago
The article really highlights the tension between accessibility and sustainability.
AmariLynn
4 years ago
We should be teaching these upcycling techniques in schools. Start the mindset shift early.
Serena_Mystic
4 years ago
Reading about Jaramillo's approach makes me hopeful for fashion's future. It feels more human.
SelahX
4 years ago
The focus on workwear is clever. It grounds the whole concept in reality rather than fantasy fashion.
TranquilityVibes
4 years ago
I wonder if these initiatives could work in other developing regions? The model seems adaptable.
Sky-Wong
4 years ago
The comparison to Dadaism is interesting but I think this movement is more practical than artistic.
Breathe-Deeply_07
4 years ago
Maybe we need to rethink our whole relationship with clothing. Buy less, but better quality?
Mia_88
4 years ago
The pricing issue is complex. Yes, it's expensive, but fast fashion's cheapness comes at a different kind of cost.
Emma_J
4 years ago
Love how they're focusing on building relationships between designers and consumers. That transparency is crucial.
TianaM
4 years ago
The article raises good points about social sustainability, but what about the environmental impact of shipping these items globally?
ThrivingLifestyle
4 years ago
I've visited some of these workshops and the skill level is incredible. We can't let these traditions die out.
GlowFromWithin
4 years ago
These Latin American initiatives seem more genuine than the greenwashing we often see from big brands.
SoulHealingPath
4 years ago
Just started learning about circular economy and it's fascinating how it could transform fashion.
Livia_Crystal
4 years ago
The challenge is scaling these initiatives without losing the artisanal quality that makes them special.
GretaJ
4 years ago
I find it inspiring how designers are using industrial workwear as a starting point. It adds such an interesting conceptual layer.
Runway_Aesthetic
4 years ago
The connection between artisanal work and sustainability makes so much sense. Traditional craftspeople were sustainable before it was trendy.
Harlow99
4 years ago
We can't ignore the economic realities though. Most people can't afford to shop sustainably, even if they want to.
Harmony-And_Happiness_88
4 years ago
Has anyone noticed how these upcycled pieces often look better than the original fast fashion items? There's something special about reimagined clothing.
Trendsetter-99
4 years ago
What impresses me most is how Latin American designers are incorporating their cultural heritage into sustainable practices.
Brielle_Rice
4 years ago
The article made me think about my own shopping habits. I'm trying to be more mindful but it's not always easy.
Vanessa_Weaver
4 years ago
Martin Churba's vision for cooperative workshops could be a blueprint for other regions. We need more of this thinking globally.
Couture_Dreams
4 years ago
Anyone tried upcycling their own clothes? I started small with basic alterations and it's amazing how much you can transform old pieces.
Leah
4 years ago
The contrast between fast fashion capitalism and millennial sustainable values really resonates with my own internal struggles about consumption.
CeciliaH
4 years ago
It's refreshing to see sustainability being approached from a social angle rather than just environmental. The human element is often overlooked.
The_DressUp
4 years ago
I actually disagree about the elitism argument. We need to start somewhere, and luxury brands often pave the way for more accessible options.
OrganicFuel
4 years ago
The point about traditional workshops dying out is heartbreaking. These skills have been passed down through generations.
Closet-Dreams_99
4 years ago
But aren't we just creating another form of elitism? Sure, it's sustainable, but these pieces are still out of reach for most people.
CamillaM
4 years ago
I've been following Jaramillo's work and truly admire their approach to humanizing design. The family atmosphere they create feels genuine.
Eva_Whisper
4 years ago
What caught my attention was the comparison to Dadaist art. There's something revolutionary about giving new life to old materials.
Elevate-Your_Energy_555
4 years ago
The circular economy concept is fascinating. We need to move away from the throwaway culture that fast fashion has created.
Dapper_Dresser
4 years ago
While I love the concept, let's be real. These upcycled designs are still pretty expensive. How can we make sustainable fashion more accessible to everyone?
MoveAndThrive
4 years ago
I appreciate how designers like Churba are trying to save traditional workshops. It's not just about sustainability, it's about preserving craftsmanship and supporting local communities.
Luxury_Perspective
4 years ago
Really interesting to see how Latin America is approaching sustainable fashion. The focus on artisanal labor and local workshops feels more authentic than big luxury brands jumping on the trend.