This week I want to introduce you to an innovative Korean brand, Re;Code, that is the absolute embodiment of everything that my reset and three questions are about. To say they are inspirational does not quite capture the comprehensive and collaborative mindset and way they have of thinking and creating. Their philosophy, “This is not just fashion” is realized in the deconstruction of the name of the brand: Re; the re-created design inspired by a revolutionary thinking, Code: the new culture beyond the fashion, spreading the value of sharing and environmental concerns. Unlike the “impulsive” new I spoke about in this week’s earlier post, Re;Code designs newness without waste and with thought and care about the process and the people involved.
Based in Seoul South Korea, the eco friendly company accesses and uses discarded clothing and textile waste and reuses and recreates the materials in unique and creative ways. All products are produced in small quantities, and in limited editions, making this modern “couture” and a unique design experience for the new owner. In the piece I am wearing in these photos., it is one of three, because each is artisan crafted there are subtle differences that make it truly unique. There is a small tag with a 3 that marks mine.
Inspired by the kind of material waste, different collections are formed. There are collections that use leftover stocks and used clothing. There is an industrial collection that uses seat covers, airbags and linings that are turned into bags, slippers and pillows as well as jackets and shirts. There is a military collection that uses parachutes, tents and uniforms to create both accessories and a clothing collection. Re;Nano uses fabric waste and scraps from other projects to transform everyday mass produced items such as a sweatshirt into something just a little more special.
Very exciting to me, is a line called Re;Collection, a personalized service where the brand will re-design old fashioned clothes that owners have emotional attachments to and do not wish to throw away. A new, more modern creation comes back allowing the owner to wear their memories in a new way. I am very excited to let you know that I have sent the brand three of my garments and for the next few Wednesdays will be sharing the process here as Re;Code transforms them for me into a new piece.
By their very nature because they are focused on the good of the group, the brand is often found collaborating with artists, performers and other designers around the world. Re:Code also works individually, and in collaboration with NGO’s, with asylum seekers and refugees. Through working in the brands creative studio and marketing team, independence and self-reliance is fostered and supported. The brand ethos and culture that espouses moving beyond fashion to promoting the value of sharing and environmental concerns is manifested in a year long education program for middle and high schoolers that teaches the basics of up cycling and exposes a new generation to what it means to be creative, innovative and eco-friendly.
Stay tuned for the story of my personal Re;Collection experience.
To find out more spend some time on the Re’Code website and let me know what you think.
Thank you for bringing Re;Code to my attention. At first glance I thought it looks like Sacai, with the mix of materials and distribution of volume. I imagine they are inspired by Sacia, but that fact that they’re making a broader statement on waste and ecology while producing beautiful pieces is impressive and inspiring. I recently interviewed woman of style, Beatrice Ost. She grew up in post war Germany and spoke of the creativity that was employed everyday to make something out of what was available and how that scarcity in her formative years still inspires her today. You can see the interview here: http://www.primadarling.com/fashion/beatrice-ost-woman-style/
Beautiful I am going to look into this company. How wonderful what they do.
Fabulous brand and initiatives for the next gen of designers. Lots of forward thinking. That beige and white top is just gorgeous on you too!
This is such an exciting concept and I am looking forward to seeing where your collaboration with Re;Code takes you.
The amount of waste and pollution that is generated by the fashion industry is appalling, and is doing so unchecked .Re;code is spreading awareness and educating young people bringing innovative and imaginative ways to create fashion peices but not at the very high price of harming the environment.. the important thing is that they encourage young people to join them this in turn will In fluence their thinking.
My first and lasting impression of Re;Code is very positive — exciting, imaginative, and doing the right thing by recycling so creatively — ideas many of us have been thinking about lately. However, one disquieting thought keeps popping into my brain. Most of us who read your wonderful blog know that fast, cheaply made clothing is not only terrible for our planet but also rarely satisfying to buy or to wear. But what about people with less disposable income? I don’t think they are going to be as excited about a recycled blazer that costs a lot more than they could afford. My point is that creative recycling can promote an "us" and "them" attitude — and this is something we do NOT need as we face a tax bill and so many other issues that will further alienate the "haves" and the "have-nots." I believe we need to think about creative, positive ways of promoting recycling to people of all income levels. Sewing classes/seminars/fashion shows at Good Will and other shops like it? Trend setters espousing recycling? (Exactly what you are doing.) Of course, that being said, we all want to have and wear things that make us feel special, and I know that fashion is never going to be egalitarian. (Mao suits, anyone?) So I come back to saying thank you for introducing Re;Code and for pursuing clothes recycling and fewer, better-quality clothes. You are on to something meaningful and lasting. And I like your new haircut!
There was an American (?) designer/brand doing the same thing in the late 1990s-early 2000s; I recall reading an article in Vogue about it. It’s an interesting approach — honoring the emotional meaning of a piece while changing its appearance/function.
This is brilliant. Your first look reminds me Chitose Abe’s first Sacai collections–which I adore and regret not investing in more heavily!
Re’code’s concept takes deconstruction and recombination to new more meaningful heights. I love the idea of repurposing existing pieces. I am lucky to have styles my grandmother had made in Hongkong in the 50s and 60s. But old silk brocade tears… covered buttons fall off…stains appear…
Looking forward to seeing how they style your pieces!
I like the fresh design ideas that you have put up out here… but how much can you do with the simple & humble shirt? I have seen some of the best dress/casual shirts I’ve seen in ObeyClothing.com. I’ll be buying all the colors when I have some extra cash.
Oh my God .. you are amazing. You inspire people like me. I have always been skeptical about growing old. But look at you.. you are so graceful. That saying goes true seeing you, “THE OLDER THE WINE BETTER IT TASTES”. Thankyou so much keep inspiring people like me.
In a November ‘17 writing you showed some earrings made of natural Cotten ball when talking about ReCode. Is there site I can go to to purchase those earrings?