Sustainability is on everyone’s radar. But is it in your everyday life?
We are the faces of the future and the ones who define sustainability for the next decade. It’s no longer up to the next generation…it’s up to us.
WHAT IS UPCYCLING?
Maybe it’s trendy to choose something sustainable at the checkout line. But what does it really mean? Questions like these buzzed in my head during my time on campus at the London College of Fashion. Why do we give special attention to our organic avocado salad, but not to our wardrobe? Interiors, design, and lifestyles deserve just as much focus. Ethics, upcycling, and recycling may be all the rave right now—but our planet is under some severe changes. And that my friend, is not a trend. During my final year at university I dove headfirst into the world of sustainability. I surrounded myself with countless books as I dug deeper. I went to experts and asked questions. The more I discovered, the more I realised I needed to spread an awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting our God-given planet. I encourage you to start your own sustainable journey, even if it starts with just a small step. I hope you may take something away from these articles I’ve written during university where I’ve included amazing designers, influencers and artists who gave me their best advice. Take a leap of faith with me and let’s decide for a better future for you, your community, and the world around you. Let’s get sustainable!
Mom and I on my favourite hang-out spot on the steps, sharing a yummy snack 
basically the queen of upcycling, My Mom made patchwork quilts and milk cans a strong fashion statement during the 90’s 
once a fashion diva, always a fashion diva 
my fashion day-wear of choice—a fluffy slip, paired with a sweater
Nature is God’s creation and where I feel most at peace. Changing the design world for the better, upcycling is simply adding to the old and making it a little better in an adventurously original and sustainable way. It opens up the world of the whimsical—the kind that allows you to be your true authentic self. I found out that you can take something that’s supposedly ‘broken’ and build it up greater than before. Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder, but it’s all about how you want to construct it. Let your creativity run wild and stretch your imagination to new heights. Read some articles below for inspiration on how to start your own sustainable journey.
Get inspired and uplifted by the power of nature. Select an article below.
Sustainability may be a buzzword of the season, but are brands practicing this notion? In a world choked by fast fashion, the search for ethical fashion continues.
“I am realizing more and more how much our lives are wrapped in plastic. Buy local, carry a tote bag, and cook at home. There is nothing better than chilling at home with a great lamp and chair, or having friends over for a home cooked dinner.”
—Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor USA
Dusting Diamonds: Meet Kurdish-American Jeweler Sayran Barzani
“Fashion revisits old styles—we go from blacks, whites, neutrals, to bolds…and then rich gem tones next season. I try to not follow trends and just do what my gut is telling me.”
—Sayran Barzani, Designer
Beyond Retro: Eyes Open for Gems
“The planet belongs to you in the long term. We believe it’s important for youth to lead in this conversation—in businesses, governmental changes of attitude, mass consumption, and manufacturing. Breathe life and endless creativity, and form something new and loved.”
—Beyond Retro, London
But First, Sustainability: Meet the Artist Creating Masterpieces from Coffee Wastes
“I try not to use plastic in my life. I make my coffee in an aluminium coffee pot and I recycle and use public transport. Every little counts.”
—Xavier Loránd, Designer
Meet Marianna Michael: Writer, Artist, and Sustainability Advocate
“We need nature where nature is void. Now, more than ever, it’s almost a demand or a necessity. Homes are becoming smaller and cities are becoming cramped with boxy apartments. Populations are growing, wages are becoming less…it’s not enough for your desired—or in some cases, non-existent lifestyle.”
—Marianna Michael, Writer
Beautiful Mind: The Connection Between Nature and Wellness
“I totally agree that being surrounded by plants and natural light assists in bringing up people’s moods and overall wellness. The sun makes people happy—plants provide clean air and a comforting environment, too.”
—Amanda DellaPietra, virtual wellness coach
Living Bold: Blogger Beatriz Adrianna Talks Colour Comeback
“My themes are white and gold tones, with some pops of greenery. Less is more when it comes to my work space, because I think we already have lots coming from our laptops.”
—Beatriz Adrianna, Blogger
A Way With Words: Tying Art with Nature
“Don’t fear. Take the leap, and have faith. We tend to have moments of hesitation in this industry. So when we begin to create and go out to accomplish a vision, we hold back for so many reason. I’m learning not to hold back, not to fear, but to make the wave!”
—Chava Carr, Model & Artist
Bringing the Outdoors In: Discover Design Shows for Spring
Plants transport you to another world of tranquility…even without having to do yoga, and going beyond meditation, their beauty takes you far beyond all that. They are relaxing, and soften any room in a home.
Trash to Treasure: Top Flea Market Finds
“I’ve always liked blues and greens—serene, relaxed, but also energizing with inspiration. I like the way these colours make me feel emotionally.”
—Stephanie Loftin, Fitness enthusiast
Perfectly Imperfect: Top 10 Solutions for Sustainable Design
Sustainability is a trend that isn’t going anywhere. Now more than ever, designers are taking note and bringing more awareness to the dangers our environment is currently facing. Here are Top 10 initiatives to get you inspired on your own sustainable journey.
“Stay away from trends and go for quality that lasts…just as recycled clothing is gaining popularity in fashion, interior design should make use of the material culture that already exists.”—Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor USA
Read MORE
WHERE DO I START?
Little red-headed me running wild on the farm 
Dad, brother, and I riding the farm “beep-beep” 
Dad babysitting us on a tractor 
taking my daily calls 
the fridge was where you could find me at most times
You may have asked this question once or twice by now. The fun is you can start anytime, anywhere, basically right now. It doesn’t cost a fortune—and most of the things you have in your cupboard or wardrobe can be upcycled. That old thing can be made chic and sustainable for a fraction of the price. You may be looking for budget and environmentally-friendly lifestyle hacks, or you may simply want to know how to be chic and sustainable. With the joy of sustainable hunting comes an element of surprise, discovery, and encounters with precious pieces of history. I found upcycling allows us to free-flow and be our most authentic self.
A diagram I created during my final year in university to explore possible relationships between fast, slow, and sustainable fashion…
Before going green was ever cool, I grew up in rural Wisconsin. I had the earth as my playground. Growing up I lived and breathed the outdoors. I ran barefoot on the dirt ground or listened to country music banging on the tractors stereo. I worked with my hands as Dad taught me how to saddle horses or Mom taught me how to sew. I’d sweat in the hot July sun bailing hay for the cows or help cut fresh clover. This was life, and all that I knew. I didn’t realise at the time, but my parents were instilling in me an appreciation for cherishing our beautiful environment. Being a farmer is the ultimate recycling process. I mean, if you think about the process, farmers pulverise soil and recycle it year after year. I used to plant soy beans or corn for my Dad and watch a field renew itself over and over again as the splendid rains would wash the soil afresh and new. Way before hipster farmer was a thing, and discovering that life in a big city like London meant we were constantly seeking this daily life of clean eating or living organically. My parents had already taught me this kind of life, and now I hope to share it with you, too. If you’re looking to reduce environmental waste for good, then I hope you find these articles inspiring. Please join in on the movement as we turn trash into treasure, junk into jewels, and rubbish into riches!
xo, Sissey
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