A revival that’s good news for the planet. Indeed, there’s nothing new or innovative about these practices, which were already firmly rooted in the habits of our ancestors.
This is highlighted by an exhibition titled ‘Thirsty for Fashion,’ organised by the National Trust, and running until November 5, 2023, at Killerton House, near Exeter, England.
More than 50 creations for adults and children are showcased in this exhibition, essentially themed on repair, recycling and upcycling. All come from the largest fashion collection of the National Trust, a British organisation dedicated to heritage conservation.
In addition to focusing on these techniques, with pieces dating back to the 18th century, the exhibition highlights the processes used by contemporary designers and manufacturers to try to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Patchwork, upcycling, reuse
The exhibition features a silk brocade child’s dress recycled from an adult dress dating from 1750, and a silk wedding dress from 1840 that was transformed to be worn again a century later, in 1940.
In addition to these garments, visitors will be able to admire two patchwork quilts made from recycled fabrics, and to get an up-close look at the repair work done on garments and accessories dating again from the 18th century.
Shelley Tobin, National Trust Costume Curator at Killerton says: “Recycling and reusing clothing is not a new idea, but something that has been commonplace throughout history. This exhibition asks the question – can we learn lessons from these past practices and reapply forgotten skills to looking after our clothes and make them more sustainable?
“The items exhibited show that we only need look to history to discover ways to ensure that the clothing we buy, make and wear is durable, ethical and avoids waste.”
Vintage films and photographs will complement the exhibition to provide visitors with tips on how to repair clothes. There will also be a program of activities and challenges themed on upcycling to help people learn about one of the practices helping to shape the future of fashion.
This isn’t the first time that the UK has shone the spotlight on such methods, since in 2022, London’s Somerset House held an exhibition titled ‘Eternally Yours’ entirely dedicated to the repairing of clothes and other objects.