By Isabel Castrejón Pascacio
The holiday season is here, and while it’s the time for glamorous gatherings, extravagant parties, and festive cheer, it can also be a time of overconsumption in fashion. But what if you could wear stunning, unique outfits for all your holiday parties while being kind to the planet? Upcycling—transforming old, unwanted clothes into new, stylish pieces—is the perfect way to do just that. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have the satisfaction of wearing one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story.
Why Upcycle for Holiday Parties?
Sustainability: Upcycling reduces waste and minimizes your carbon footprint by giving new life to clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Creativity: It encourages you to think outside the box. It’s an opportunity to experiment with fashion, mix textures, and play with different styles to create something entirely new.
Cost-Effective: Holiday outfits can be expensive, especially if you only wear them a few times. Upcycling allows you to reinvent pieces you already own or find affordable items at thrift stores.
Upcycling clothes is an easy, eco-friendly, and fun way to reinvent your wardrobe for the holiday season. Whether you’re crafting your outfit from a vintage find, revamping a tired old sweater, adding some sparkle to a classic dress, or going to one of our local designers that specialize in this process, it allows you to create something new and exciting for your holiday parties. Plus, it’s an opportunity to showcase your unique style while being kind to the environment.
If you’re short on time or prefer to shop, there are plenty of brands that specialize in upcycled clothing, offering everything from festive dresses to statement accessories that will make you shine at your next holiday event.
It was clear during this year’s edition of Fashion Parade that upcycling is here to stay and that established designers are increasingly turning to it as a way to create for several compelling reasons, reflecting broader cultural, environmental, and economic shifts.
Take local designers Alviani | Ando for example, they found in this process that their new pieces are one-of-a-kind, giving them a chance to create truly distinctive and exclusive products that stand out in a saturated market. Working with existing materials pushes them to think outside the box and innovate in ways they might not with traditional processes. They found a new sense of wonder and exploration that they felt that they had lost with new fabric that they could purchase anywhere, and their edgy and avant garde vision has benefited from it.
Designer Belen Gerez created RAD vestidos, a truly magnificent concept where clients can take a piece that they already own and have worn and her and her crew transform it, giving the client a new way to wear it. This works especially great with formal dresses, since it’s hard to rewear the same piece to several events surrounded by the same people. Upcycled items often come with a narrative, where the materials came from and how they were transformed, which adds emotional and cultural value for consumers. Shoppers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices. Upcycled products align with these values, making them more appealing. Belen is riding the wave triumphantly!
You can find the designers Alviani | Ando in their showroom located on Calle Las Moras no. 5A, interior no. 1 and every Saturday at the Los Frailes Bazar. You can also find them on their Instagram @showroom.sma. You can find designer Belen Gerez and her project on Instagram at @radvestidos. Their designs are spectacular but I also encourage you to have a conversation with them about upcycling, they’re truly passionate about making the world a better place, an essential approach to design moving forward.
So, this holiday season and into the new year, skip the fast fashion and embrace the art of upcycling—your wardrobe, wallet, and the planet will thank you!
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