Fashion Upcycling summer camp for kids and teens
Get ready to be inspired as the youngest fashionistas learn to think about sustainability and reducing their carbon foot-print, creatively reusing and re-purposing fabrics and textiles from t-shirts, to jeans, and beyond, transforming them into fashionable products. A must for anyone wanting to be part of the change in our consumer driven world — students develop a pride and appreciation for their resources as they give new life to things that are otherwise destined for the landfill.
responsible Fashion
In this fun session that is all about re-purposing and responsible fashion, campers will learn how to turn-around textile waste collected from the community into stylish accessories. They will use fabrics like used denim, unwanted t-shirts, old belts and swatches from design houses to design and create one-of-a-kind bags, scarves, belts, hair accessories and more.
what will my child learn in fashion up-cycling class?:
They will learn to be creative and resourceful as they re-purpose used fabrics and trims into stylish new fashion items while being empowered about doing their part in reducing our carbon footprint.
They will absorb valuable lessons in geometry, composition, proportion and color theory as they explore creative hand and machine sewing, weaving and jewelry-making techniques.
They will learn how clothing choices impact waterways, ocean life and our natural world.
They will explore making products from materials sourced sustainably helping them grow into responsible consumers and strong stewards of our planet.
What parents and kids are saying about fashion UPCYCLING
Instructor Feature
Whitney Bulmer
A passionate and dedicated teacher in the San Carlos School District has this to say:
“Anything you want to make is possible. DesignX is an amazing program because it lets kids have the freedom to create, make choices and work with others.”
Note: DesignX instructors are often working professionals that are thoughtfully selected to lead our classes. As such, instructors for any given class may change based on their availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is Fashion Upcycling?
Fashion Upcyling is taking a used or unwanted item of clothing or accessory and converting it to something of higher value. Read more about Fashion Upcycling on our blog 'Out with the old and in with the NEW - in a sustainable fashion'.
+ Why do we need to upcycle fashion?
Fashion Industry creates an anormous amount of waste. According to the 2018 Pulse of the Fashion Industry report from Global Fashion Agenda and Boston Consulting Group, only 60% of what is made is actually sold. Can you beleive that? Of the 60% that is sold, a lot of clothing doesn't live its intended lifetime due to misfits, minor defects, or style mismatches. Extending the life of a garment by nine months reduces its total carbon, water and waste footprint by 20-30%. When you upcycle clothing you will be doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint.
+ What are some Fashion upcycling ideas?
If you are in elementary, middle or high school you can learn a myriad of ways to upcylcle clothing in our Fashion Design summer camp in Bay Area, CA, from upcyling denim jeans to doing t-shirt makeovers. Our youngest students have a half day program that is dedicated to Fashion Upcycling. You can read more about the program here.
+ How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
- Consume less -- Pause before you hit that Amazon button. Ask yourself "Do I really need this?" Do I already own something that I can make work? Is it something I can rent instead? If you only need it once -- is it something you can borrow from your community.
- Buy quality clothing that will last longer. You will also be paying fair share wages to the people/makers behind the products so they can also live a dignified life.
- Buy pieces that could be worn multiple different ways, with different pieces and in multiple seasons.
- Buy natural fabrics like cotton, linen, flax, hemp as much as possible. Avoid polyester and nylon based fabrics.
- Before you give away clothing to Goodwill ask yourself if you could upcycle it or even downcycle. A worn t-shirt could be converted to a cleaning rag for example. A bunch T-shirt strips could be assembled to make a mop.
- Don't fall prey to fancy wasteful packaging -- unless you are giving it as a gift.