I’m here to disabuse you of that faulty notion. Trashion fashion isn’t just for kids, and it isn’t just for the runway, either–you, too, can create fashionable garments out of trash for your own wear, and you can look amazing while doing so. The best part of trashion is that it’s totally original and totally you. You’re not meant to make a duplicate of that same Target T-shirt that everybody else is wearing, not when you can rescue something from your own community’s waste stream and upcycle it into a garment that looks outstanding on you and you alone. So jump into trashion fashion your way, but for inspiration, construction tips, and real-life examples, check out these five trashion pieces before you begin: You may have already seen tote bags sewn out of fused plastic bag fabric, but the same characteristics that make fused plastic a terrific fabric for making water-proof, sturdy tote bags also make the fabric terrific for outerwear. Check out this fused plastic coat from Urban Woodswalker, and a clever fused plastic bag fabric tutorial that also shows you how to lay out clothing patterns on the fabric, courtesy of Our Everyday Earth. [This image is the property of Urban Woodswalker.] Next » You like candy, right? Well, do you like it THIS much? If you like a particular candy brand, then it may be time to start saving up wrappers, at least if you want to make yourself a wearable homage like this Skittles prom dress made by Craftster member Theperilouspopsicle. [The image on this page belongs to Theperilouspopsicle.] Next » It was two tips ago, but I can still hear your shrieks of outrage due to the fact that I iron plastic. The toxic fumes! The airborne pollutants! Bad eco-crafter! If ironing plastic freaks you out too much, then check out this plarn tutorial, courtesy of our own Kelly Rand. You can knit with plarn, crochet with it, and weave with it, and you don’t have to heat it up and make it all stinky. [The image on this page is the property of Kelly Rand.] Next » If someone else was getting rid of it, and you rescue it and turn it into something beautiful to wear, then that makes it trashion, even if what was being gotten rid of was a gorgeous circular tablecloth, like this one that Wipster turned into a gorgeous circle skirt (with tutorial!). And just so you know, sheets and dishtowels are also fair game for the eager trashion artist. [The image on this page is the property of Wipster.] Next » Let’s say that your aesthetic is a little more industrial. No problem! How would you like to make yourself some footwear out of tires? For inspiration, tips, and a laudably detailed tutorial for tire sandals, check out the Primitive Living Skills web site. And then go make me a pair of truck tire Dr. Marten’s, ‘kay? [The image on this page was obtained from Primitive Living Skills.]
