Eco-conscious Fashion Design students from Nottingham Trent University have recently teamed up Nottingham’s Goose Gate Oxfam shop in an exciting ‘Up-Cycling’ project. The students have been given a selection of clothes that Oxfam can’t sell due to imperfections. Their task is to turn these items into something new and original, which will eventually be sold back into the store under the new brand name ‘Trashion’. To celebrate and showcase the designs, a fashion show and ‘up-cycling’ workshop event will be held at Escucha at 8pm on the 19th April.
Not all clothes donated to Oxfam are sold, many items are eventually sent to developing countries. Clothes often fail to sell due to missing buttons, stains or simply being out of fashion. ‘Up-cycling’ unwanted clothes could be more profitable for Oxfam. Many items only need small alterations to improve their value and saleability. As Thomas Brindle, Oxfam Goose Gate manager states:
“We are really excited about working with Nottingham Trent University. Oxfam have always made sure things people donate are properly recycled, but it’s fantastic to think that some of this ‘reject’ stock is now going to be converted into lovely things. Each creation is bound to be unique as well as being green and each piece will have a story to tell. I can’t wait to see what the students come up with.”
This collaboration between Nottingham Trent University and Oxfam also gives students a chance to have their designs sold in a commercial environment. This initial project could spark a long-term relationship between Nottingham Trent University and Oxfam, where students continue to ‘Up-Cycle’ for the shop.
Student Siobhan McIntyre commented that the project had changed her perception of clothing.
She said: “The garments you buy don’t have to remain the same way they currently are, they can be reinvented, changed or become something completely new.”
The Oxfam D.I.Y shop is located in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and has so much more than your average charity shop! This is Oxfam’s first collaboration with local students, but it looks like they could be on to something....and all for a good cause!
