Paper Silhouettes - Remade

“Remade” is the second garment in a series inspired by hand-recycled paper. The series, titled Paper Silhouettes, embodies both the process of hand-recycling and the potential that is held in all things, particularly through purposeful deconstruction.  The garment has an underlying theme of unconventional sustainability, speaking to the need for reform throughout the modern fashion industry.  “Remade” is a piece that focuses on the later stages of the paper recycling process. In these stages, shredded and pulverized paper is sifted into sheets using a moulde and deckle, constructed from a series of framed window screens.  This stage is represented in the underskirt of the dress, crafted out of aluminum window screening and copper electrical wiring, giving the dress an artful and structured finish.  The recycled paper itself has been formed into flowers and fastened throughout the skirt, displaying the resolution taking place once the recycling process has been completed.

In highlighting the process and finishing of recycled paper, the garment addresses the complexity and uncertainty involved in purposeful deconstruction as well as the extraordinary outcome.  Concerning the creation of a sustainable fashion environment, the issues are quite murky and often marked with gray areas.  This is much like the pulverized, soggy state of the shredded paper before it is restored.  In displaying the finished, reformed paper on a crisp, structured garment, “Remade” signifies that progress can be delivered through unconventional problem solving and risk-taking.  In addressing fashion sustainability, we must look beyond what exists and redefine the status quo.  This collection is a reminder that limits are few to the visionary and potential-seeking mind.