Inspired by the likes of Tom Ford, Celine, and Eckhaus Latta, independent Depop designers are making the craft-core look sustainable for Gen Z.

Often, the phrase &ldquo;deadstock fabric&rdquo; <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/deadstock-fabric-fashion-brands" target="_blank">garners</a> an image of a Millennial Los Angelino in flowy linen pants at the farmer&rsquo;s market. However, with the rise of DIY-looks and independent designers, sustainable clothing has become more and more eye-catching.

Growing up in the social media age, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/yoga-pants-flared-leggings-trend-emma-chamberlain-y2k" target="_blank">Gen Z</a> consumers pick clothing that stands out on a smartphone. Those in their teens and early 20s rock rainbow <a href="https://www.nylon.com/fashion/kidcore-is-the-internet-aesthetic-that-takes-us-back-to-childhood" target="_blank">kid-core inspired</a> co-ords, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gen-z-y2k-millennial-90s-fashion-nostalgia" target="_blank">long for Y2K,</a> and wear their parents&rsquo; old band T-shirts. Gen Z consumers have a &ldquo;hunger for newness,&rdquo; a McKinsey <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Retail/Our%20Insights/The%20influence%20of%20woke%20consumers%20on%20fashion/The-State-of-Fashion-2019.pdf" target="_blank">report explains</a>. However, the report continues, they also wear clothing that embraces sustainability. The desire for novelty and garment longevity may not seem initially compatible. But, recent trends show that materials need not be discarded to create new looks.

More and more consumers are using apps like Depop and Poshmark and renting luxury clothing, while designers like Dries Van Noten are reselling their vintage creations, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/dries-van-noten-alaia-archive-shop">helping create these new circular supply chains</a>.&nbsp;

Perhaps more importantly, the look of clothing itself is changing to adapt to these new demands. Amidst a rise of upcycled and vintage-inspired looks, patchwork clothing, garments made from swatches of stitched-together fabrics, is again becoming <a href="https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/v7mgba/exploring-the-sustainable-trend-of-patchwork-in-fashion" target="_blank">increasingly popular</a>.&nbsp;

Independent young designers are turning deadstock fabrics, Nike socks, and discarded tops into corsets, shirts, and bike shorts. Deadstock fabric is fabric that already exists, and younger designers will often purchase it from larger brands who have opted not to use it or have over produced. In doing so, they help reduce the waste created by purchasing new fabric (however, the initial commissioners of the fabric still may not be choosing to lessen their consumption).

Others may source their fabric from thrifting, like Kayla Sade Famurewa, who upcycles sweatshirts into corsets and other pieces. Famurewa&rsquo;s brand <a href="https://www.instagram.com/almost.on.time/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Almost on Time</a> has almost 50,000 followers on Instagram, and <a href="https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/a33566941/upcycle-nike-kayla-sade-jasmine-james-depop/" target="_blank">her pieces often sell out immediately</a>.&nbsp;British fashion student and Depopper <a href="https://www.depop.com/rosayab/" target="_blank">Rosayab</a>&nbsp;uses small squares of deadstock fabrics to create tight tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, and sets that often include colorful, contrasting stitching, and differently textured fabrics.&nbsp;

The DIY-influenced patchwork look traces its roots through the 20th century. During the &lsquo;60s and &lsquo;70s homespun clothing, and subsequent mass produced hippie-inspired clothing, became increasingly popular. Though homemade patches and mixed media garments may not fully resemble today&rsquo;s fun, almost-Frankenstein-esque pieces, the style helped define an era.&nbsp; In the &lsquo;90s, designers like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/maison-margiela-tabi-graffiti-2019">Maison Margiela</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-interview" target="_blank">Vivienne Westwood</a> sent patchwork looks down the runway, alluding to the style&rsquo;s counterculture origins.

Today&rsquo;s young designers also may find inspiration in contemporary high fashion looks. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/eckhaus-latta-winter-2018" target="_blank">Eckhaus Latta</a> has put out patchwork sweaters, pants and dresses, and the brand&rsquo;s tight mesh tops often use high-contrast stitching. Emily Adams Bode&rsquo;s menswear line is known for its patchwork pieces, often created from vintage quilts. Plus, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/celine-spring-summer-2021-hedi-slimane-monaco" target="_blank">Celine</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/tom-ford-fall-2020-runway-show-los-angeles-hollywood" target="_blank">Tom Ford</a>, and Chlo&eacute; have all released looks with patchworks prints in recent seasons. Even if established labels are not necessarily as sustainable as their younger, independent counterparts, their influence is clear.&nbsp;

tom-ford-fall-2020-gigi-hadid.jpg

celine-fallwinter2020-aw20-fw20-patchwork-leatherjacket-snakeskin-runway-hedislimane-patchworktrend.jpg

The power of younger designers and demands of Gen Z have pushed known labels to embrace sustainable practices. Batsheva&rsquo;s surprise holiday store made hair clips from deadstock fabric. Gabriela Hearst, the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gabriela-hearst-creative-director-chloe-fashion-designer" target="_blank">just-named Creative Director of Chlo&eacute;</a>, sources deadstock fabric for her own brand. Recently, Burberry even <a href="https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/z3v38j/burberry-will-be-donating-leftover-fabrics-to-fashion-students" target="_blank">donated leftover fabric to fashion </a>students.&nbsp;

The patchwork look shows not just the increasing popularity and power of young designers in the face of Gen Z&rsquo;s demands for originality and sustainability, but also how the high fashion industry responds to a yearning for changing aesthetics and practices.&nbsp;

Nostalgia-Tinged Patchwork Patterns are the DIY-Inspired Sustainable Trend of 2020

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

Nostalgia-Tinged Patchwork Patterns are the DIY-Inspired Sustainable Trend of 2020

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Are Designers Ready for the Supply Circle?

Fashion

For Donatella Versace, Sustainability and Luxury Go Hand in Hand

Fashion

Gucci Expands its DIY Service to Include Knits

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Call It Quits

Fashion

Eternal Treasures: New Icons From Tiffany & Co. Meet Their Archival Counterparts

Shopping

23 Holiday-Ready Pieces to Nail Your Festive Season Outfits

Shopping

24 Stocking Stuffers They Won't Regift

Pop culture

All the Celebrities Spotted at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

Shopping

35 Gifts Your Fashion-Forward Friend Actually Wants

Shopping

The Ultimate Winter Fragrances to Keep in Rotation

Shopping

27 Splurge Gifts to Treat Yourself This Holiday Season