The RealReal and the Fashion Institute of Technology challenged students to turn unwearable items into luxe upcycled pieces.
Luxury secondhand platform The RealReal (TRR) recently invited students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to participate in a unique design contest to transform unwearable TRR items into a one-of-a-kind coat collection. The result, the Upcycled Collection, showcases the ingenuity and environmental awareness in the next wave of fashion designers.
Legendary supermodel Pat Cleveland, celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, and TRR president and COO Rati Sahi Levesque made up the panel of judges for this event. The competition highlighted the increasing commitment to sustainability that is becoming more prevalent among both designers and consumers.
The judges recognized the impact these emerging designers can have on both the fashion world and the environment. Levesque expressed enthusiasm about introducing these new talents to TRR’s extensive member base. “I’m so excited to introduce these emerging designers to our more than 34 million members—they are truly a testament to the future of fashion,” she said.
While only one designer could claim the top prize, the competition made it clear that the future of fashion is circular; the designers are now at the forefront of a movement that values both style and sustainability. “These students are truly the new leaders of the fashion industry,” Cleveland said. “And endowed with the consciousness of taking care of our planet.”
Benjamin Halunen, the contest’s winner, impressed the judges with his innovative approach and respect for the materials. His winning design, a patchwork-inspired coat, was crafted from scrap materials including wool suiting, Mongolian sheep’s fur, cotton shirting, and taffeta-lined denim.
“For me, textiles are already a piece of art. Upcycling allows us, as designers, to give them a second life,” Halunen said. He further expanded on his design philosophy; “As I selected each garment, I was conscious about each singular textile and how it would all come together. Patchwork is so important because it represents different people and places coming together as one. I was inspired by the life and memories of the original garments before I upcycled them into a new coat.”
Sophia Bonilla, an FIT student and contestant in the design challenge, emphasized the environmental impact of the fashion sector. “The fashion industry plays a leading role in carbon emissions, from making fabrics to contributing to landfill waste,” she said. “There’s an abundance of fabric, and by repurposing this fabric, we’re consciously working towards a solution instead of contributing to the problem.”
The contest also featured designs from its first runner-up, Nadia Phie, and second runner-up, Emily Cha. Phie’s ’50s-inspired coat was a reimagining of white denim and cotton pieces, aiming to create a garment that transcended its upcycled origins. “I wanted something that didn’t look upcycled,” Phie noted.
Other participants like Siew Xin Tian, Kenisha Seth, Hemera Luo, and Nuo Cheng also brought unique perspectives to the contest. They utilized a variety of discarded materials, ranging from plaid button-downs to old jeans, each contributing to the rich tapestry of creativity and sustainability.
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