For Second Hand September we have interviewed 10 experts in the field, delving into the world of vintage and secondhand. Covering categories such such fashion, furniture and watches we spoke with industry leaders about the boom in this ever growing category. Next up is The Marcon Court Project our Upcycled Vintage Expert.
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For those that don’t know you, how would you describe yourself and what you do?
I’m a seamstress and pattern-maker. I make clothing using second hand textiles, end of roll and deadstock fabric.
"The pricing for these one off items is usually quite competitive, and consumers enjoy knowing where their money is going."
Everything started to take form in 2016. I had just quit my job as e-commerce stylist and I was working part time for Traid. Working there I learned so much about waste and it horrified me.
I used to spend hours in the shop floor just tidying up. As a pattern maker, it was the first time since I finished school that I could just look at clothes and their construction, which meant that my brain was also deconstructing garments and starting to see them as materials. So I started to buy clothes and experimenting. There was a lot of trial and error until I came across the idea of doing something with blazers, and that’s how my first collection of reworked vintage came to be.
Why do you think consumers are gravitating towards upcycled vintage?
I think in the last 3 years there’s been a proliferation of very creative people making incredibly cool garments using second hand materials. The pricing for these one off items is usually quite competitive, and consumers enjoy knowing where their money is going.
How does ethics and sustainability affect the way you navigate the brand and how do you implement sustainable practices?
I use second hand materials or deadstock first. When I’m cutting into something, I’m very conscious about fabric waste so I try to use everything.
Everything that can be reused and recycled in my studio will be dealt with accordingly. We make hair accessories with the bigger scraps and patchwork collections once a year.
The freelance seamstresses that work with me are paid above London living wage.
All of the packaging that we use is recyclable or compostable..
What has been your biggest business achievement to date?
Waking up every day and being able to do something I love is an incredible gift. Now I have a few seamstresses helping me fulfil orders so I get to create prototypes and experiment more on a weekly basis.
"I would love to be able to create an after school programme teaching teens basic sewing skills."
What is your hope for the business in the future?
I would love to be able to grow to a point that I can hire someone to help me with social media and customer service. I love chatting with people on instagram and getting their feedback but I’m definitely not very excited or interested in social media.
I want to be able to have paid interns, treat them kindly and teach them skills that they can use in their futures. Fashion is a lot about internships and I don’t have any fond memories from mine.
I would love to be able to create an after school programme teaching teens basic sewing skills.
