Upcycling denim jackets & being more sustainable with your denim fashion – Read on to see how upcycling denim jackets with Katherine from @diviningstyle works; whether you pick one of her own creations or you design something unique for you.
I’ve met Katherine through Instagram a couple of years ago – we’ve yet to meet in person, but that just shows you the power of how relationships can build through social media; in the last six months Katherine has launched a small business in upcycling denim jackets. Denim is such a fun category to play with; embroidery, patches, lettering and diamante is just some of the few things you can do to make a garment your own.
HOW WE GOT STARTED WITH MY DESIGN
Katherine has been sourcing preloved denim jackets and then embellishing them to give them new life. Many instagrammers have been buying her designs and showcasing them on their squares. I love many of Katherine’s designs, from angel wings, to birds to flowers – however I knew I wanted something for myself, something unique to me.
I started exploring designs on Pinterest and Instagram and created my own Pinterest board to save my ideas. Over a number of days I kept adding, I didn’t worry about duplicating photos, by selecting similar designs reinforced to me that this is a feature I love.
After reviewing what I picked, I made contact with Katherine with my design thoughts; it’s important to do this before setting your heart on anything, because the elements have to sourced – and what you see creatively you may not be able to buy.
At this stage of the design process, I knew it was going to be either:
- Birds and bees
- Lettering and diamante and pearls
DON’T FORGET TO REMAIN TRUE TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
You must stay true to your own style; what looks good on others may not necessarily work for you. If you don’t love it, then you will never wear it, and that defeats the point of what you are trying to do, which is be more sustainable.
Katherine and I chatted via Whatsapp – designs, thoughts, costs, timings – I truly loved the process of this. At every stage we were fine-tuning, making the jacket as ‘me’ as possible – and I loved that Katherine had opinions on what she thought was me or not – this really helped.
The more you share about what you love or don’t love, Katherine can support the design process.
ADD FINISHING TOUCHES
I knew before sending my jacket that there were going to be a couple of things I wanted to add.
My bee brooch that I broke whist returning from holiday last year which I didn’t want to just throw away, I love it too much; and another little flower brooch that I saved from a wool beanie hat I had for many years. The hat was no longer in good condition but the brooch was immaculate, so it needed a new home.
I chose not to send these to Katherine, as I wanted to have the jacket on and decide afterwards where to place them, that’s because they were secondary design pieces, meaning if they work fine and if not, then to not add them. If you don’t think you can do that, then send what you have to Katherine BEFORE you finalise the design, as that’s when you need to give it the consideration.
TRY TO HAVE FUN & LET IT EVOLVE OVER TIME
My biggest tip to you, is that you don’t have to get it all done in one go. let the design flow and allow it to evolve. My own jacket is not truly finished, I am sure over time I will find other patches or brooches to add.
Get the basics right first and take it from there.
MEET THE FABULOUS KATHERINE FROM @DIVININGSTYLE
I’ve intentionally selected the photo below, because it was this jacket that Katherine posted which started me thinking I wanted my own creation!
You can get in touch with Katherine via Instagram at @diviningstyle
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All images of Lizzi in this blogpost have been taken by Sarah Rider who owns the copyright. You do not have permission to repurpose or use any of the images without consent of both Lizzi Richardson and Sarah Rider. Please read Privacy Policy for further information.
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Next up, DAY TO NIGHT WITH RADA KIMONO DRESS BY ETHEREAL LONDON (FEATURING MODEL & INFLUENCER ZANNE LEE)
