my world into upcycling
Fashion sits at a crossroads. On one side is a rapidly declining environment driven by overproduction, textile waste, and a global system built to push out more than consumers can possibly use. On the other side is a generation craving individuality in a landscape that constantly tells them to buy, replace, and consume. Upcycling emerges as a response to both pressure, offering a path that is not only more sustainable for the planet but also deeply sustainable for everyone’s own personal expression.
Cat plushies made from scrap fabric, ribbon, and thread.
The traditional American fashion cycle feeds off a capitalist mindset that encourages constant emerging trends such as new seasons, micro-trends, new “must haves” and everything designed to only be worn a handful of times. This rhythm accelerates waste and flattens creativity. As brands chase fast production and mass appeal, clothing starts to look the same everywhere, pushing consumers into an endless loop of buying more to stand out less.
We’re constantly surrounded by choice, but still losing our sense of self.
Upcycling disrupts that cycle. It slows everything down and reminds us that originality doesn’t come from excessive consumption. It comes from intention. When a piece is upcycled it gains layers of personality whether that is through reconstruction, embellishment, or fabric manipulation.
Instead of blending into the trend cycle, they stand apart from it.
The fashion industry contributes millions of tons of waste to landfills each year, and the production of new textiles demands enormous amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. Upcycling reduces the need for brand new materials and keeps already existing garments in circulation longer, transforming what we already have into something new.
I learned to sew when I got my first sewing machine for my 9th birthday. I always had an interest in making art and fashion and learned to combine the two. My early projects were very simple like painting on fabric, embellishing with buttons and beads, and piecing different parts of clothing together. I was like a young fashionable frankenstein.
Jeans turned into shorts with jean scrap star detailing and added pockets
To this day, I still love to sew and experiment with different methods of upcycling. I see so many great creators online sharing their projects and am thankful that the craft of upcycling is not so niche and a growing moment.
The future of fashion will belong to those who can create beauty with responsibility. Upcycling isn’t simply an option. It’s a path forward.
