Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New Adventures in Fashion Hacktavism



I have just discovered the world of Otto Von Busch and the amazing movement of Fashion Hacktavism
Hackers create, as opposed to 'crackers' who destroy things (like computer systems). Likewise, fashion hacktavism concerns creating or re-creating fashion using fashion. A similar term for it is upcycling- that is using an existing garment to create another garment. But Fashion Hacktavism goes much deeper and is also concerned with the social implications of reuse and the reverse of designers telling the consumer what they want. 



Two pieces here are his designs for Fashion Hacktavism- the (Marcs) jacket is now a waistcoat, with the sleeves as ties at the back. The pants-of similar good quality Australian made design- have been taken apart, pleated down the outside leg, narrowed, taken in at the waist and given elastic cuffs.



Most of us have taken a pair of old jeans in to make them narrower or cut the sleeves of an old t-shirt. This is the same principle- that pair of jeans went from 70's to 80's with a quick sew job. These take thrift shop finds to a whole new level.



Please see more at Self Passage
Interview with Otto Von Busch



Many of his techniques are brilliant and the concepts and projects that Von Busch has been involved in are just so interesting with serious social and political implications.



Video from the Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts...


A new way of thinking, a new way of creating. 

23 comments:

brudeblogg said...

Love the new way of creating!

magdamagda said...

mind-boggling! Thanks for the goodies (links) I'll check them out today when I feel the need for the "cheery on the cake" break:) The tied sleeves - what a wonderful turn of the situation!

Magda

Madame Chic De France said...

Thanks Don to share ! Very interesting ...... Like this "manifesto" . I read his interview , and , surprise , he is from Göteborg , where I live for one year !
Never I can think a guy like him , interested in "fashion" , can be living in this city :D

Regards

Jenny Eve

mokosha said...

amazing.. love the way sleeves are used.. and what a little bit of job can do with pants.. really interesting post.. been working on some thrifted items these days, must apply some of this to them..

Dotty said...

Great ethos- I love the idea of reworking quality clothing and creating something new and exciting!

Bob said...

As a diehard vest man I am loving the waistcoat!

urbandon (Don Pezzano) said...

Brudeblogg- Thanks- a whole new world!
Magdamagda- the links are fascinating and he is a wonderful lecturer.
Jenny- Thanks for dropping by- maybe Goteborg is cool after all.
Dotty- reworking clothing is very rewarding.
Bob- Thanks- hope you sew one up!

Mainelydad said...

you are totally rocking this look! I love the jacket reworked as a vest. Your styling is also amazing. Love the tie and jewelry.

Sidereal Day said...

Very cool! Love the jacket, I think I'll work one up for my husband.

It's great that the idea of re-working items is gaining momentum.

Summerset said...

Love the jacket!!! You do know one of the Belle Amoire publications is looking for menswear stuff, right? Do submit, this is fantastic and accessible - many people would be able to alter up a suit coat with the right inspiration from you.

urbandon (Don Pezzano) said...

Mainelydad- Thanks so much- you could whip one up in a second!
Sidreal- Thanks! Easy peasy- the instructions are there but they just open other possibilities.

Summerset. Thanks and thanks for the tip. I presume you are talking 'Altered Couture'? Thanks, I will check their submission dates.

secret agent woman said...

I bet you walk through places like Goodwill (or whatever the equivalent is there) and see things in a completely different way than most people do.

steufel said...

You look incredibly cool!

Chris said...

Very interesting! Reusing materials really requires creativity and an open mind. LOVE the waistcoat! The pants are way cool too~

Krystal said...

hellooo stylish fellow, the trim on those pants, rock..

Jen Worden said...

Wow! Just wow! Love what YOU've done and was completely stoked upon visiting Self Passage. I've been jonesing for a new look and think you've introduced me to it! Thanks Don! :D

collage whirl said...

The "sleeves as half belt" is brilliant! You are inspiring me to get a whole new wardrobe going by rethinking pieces that are already in existence somewhere.

Great look--as usual!

urbandon (Don Pezzano) said...

Secret Agent- I am the thrift store ninja.
Stufel- Thanks, I actually feel it too in that outfit!
Chris- Indeed the open mind helps!
Krystal- Why thank you kind lady. X
Jen- Thanks. Glad you had a look at Self Passage. Wonderful- and i have only read a quarter of it.
Collage Whirl- Thanks. Glad you are inspired!

Valerie said...

May I borrow the jacket into vest with sleeve ties idea? It's great! p.s. Your washing line must look very interesting ..

Zom said...

I love the whole thing. What you made, the idea of Fashion Hacktavism --thank you!

Cherie said...

WOW, genius at work here ... thrilled to bits, you're onto mega fashion fabularity for sure, applause, applause :~)

grant ashley said...

love the pant concept, they are cool. the vest is fantastic too

Nettie said...

Those pants are really amazing!! And thanks for the refashion idea for a too small blazer. It will make an amazing waistcoat!