As environmental issues become more and more concerning, we wonder where to place the blame. Unsurprisingly, it’s the fashion industry, which is the second largest polluter just behind oil & gas on the Scale of Bad. With a significant spike in clothing overconsumption and textile waste, sustainable fashion design has become a vital tool in reducing the industry’s waste footprint. In light of this pressing issue, the SCAD Slow Fashion Club partnered up with a Savannah-based sustainable home-goods store, Lite Foot Company, to promote the practice of upcycling through an Upcycling Competition.
Founded in 2018, The SCAD Slow Fashion Club is a student-run organization focused on promoting sustainable fashion practices. Through hosting clothing swaps, partnering with local thrift stores, and educating the student body on how to dress sustainably, the organization plays a vital role in reducing the waste footprint of SCAD students. We had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Murphy, the secretary of the SCAD Slow Fashion Club, who spoke about ways to stay sustainable while staying stylish. “It is really important to take care of what you have instead of just buying new things,” Murphy stated, “whether it’s avoiding the dryer or going longer between wears.”
Upcycling is the practice of taking old clothes or fabric scraps and giving them new life by transforming them into new pieces. The Upcycling Competition hosted eleven talented designers who were challenged to create unique pieces made from recycled materials. The designers picked out scraps and second-hand clothing and had one week to transform them into new garments. As we sat through the runway and presentation of each of the garments, we were in awe of the creativity and innovation of the designers, as they showcased gorgeous garments made completely from second-hand materials. Among eleven designers and nine teams, three finalists were chosen; Annabelle Schefer, Madison Salmonson and Eryn Edwards , and Kleanie Lee-Parker. In a close call, Lee-Parker, a Fashion Marketing graduate from the Art Institute of Charlotte, won the event with a beautiful skirt and top set.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Katie Rogers-Hubbard, the founder of Lite Foot Company, a local business and refillery in the Starland District that offers sustainable alternatives for all kinds of items from hand soap to lotion, detergent, paper products, and more. Rogers-Hubbard expressed that she wanted to make the Upcycling Competition an annual event and expand its reach. “I would like to continue to revamp it,” Rogers stated, “maybe having an art component or having discarded items available to see what other artists can create.”
The partnership between Lite Foot Company and the SCAD Slow Fashion Club has brought an abundance of opportunities for SCAD students to live more sustainable practices not only in fashion, but in every aspect of their lives. We want to congratulate all designers who participated in the event and extend a huge thank you to the SCAD Slow Fashion Club, Lite Foot Company, and everyone who made this spectacular event possible.
Words by Jenna Hood and Charlie Richardson.
Photography by Van Bruckner.
Graphic by Eve Friday.