OH SEW STYLISH
Take one old frock, a needle and thread and what have you got? A bang-on-trend beauty!
Self-confessed fashion junkies Dani Knapp, 27, and Rachael Grant, 24, have wardrobes stuffed with clothes they've never worn and pieces that have long since passed their style sell-by date. But rather than chuck them away, Fabulous challenged the girls to do their bit for the environment by recycling their old clobber to create cutting-edge trends, with the help of top seamstress Hanne Laitinen.
THE DRESS (above left) This H&M dress cost £14.99 in 2008, but Dani never wore it because the straps were too thin. Channelling Marc Jacobs, big yellow buttons and a belt were added to the bodice. Thicker straps were sewn on, plus a net underskirt gave the dress a '50s prom feel. REVAMP COST: £10
THE SHIRT DRESS (above right) Rachael's shirt-dress, £40 from River Island in 2004, was transformed into the season's must-have: a playsuit. The skirt was cut and hemmed into shorts, larger buttons give added oomph, and the unflattering belt was ditched. Hot, hot, hot! REVAMP COST: £5
THE JACKET
Dani bought this H&M blazer in 2002 for £30.
Hanne transformed it into a Balenciaga-esque tailored jacket with a
trend-ticking nautical twist. The waist was nipped in, blue piping and
stripes were sewn on to the collar and arm, and gold buttons replaced the
black plastic ones. REVAMP COST: £6
Vest, £9.99, River Island; skirt, £25, New
Look; belt, £14.99, ASOS; ring, £8, Accessorize
THE TOP
This long floral top, which Rachael inherited from a
friend in 2002, has been transformed into a festival look Kate Moss would
kill for. Hanne removed a section żof fabric from the back and replaced it
with chiffon. Using the extra material, she added length to the sides,
giving it a flowing, waistcoat feel. The buttons and collar were removed and
voila - flower power is reborn! REVAMP COST: £5
Headband, £6, Accessorize;
top, £110, Goldie; jeans, £18, New Look
IT'S A STITCH UP!
Seamstress Hanne Laitinen from the London
Fitting Rooms reveals how you can recycle your wardrobe...
Learn to sew Even basic sewing skills will help you get creative with old clothes. After a few lessons you'll be able to embroider, put in zips and darts, and tailor pieces to better fit your shape. Visit Hotcourses.com to find out about sewing courses in your area.
Customise Embellish a plain T-shirt with sequins and lace, or make a pair of jeans stand out from the crowd by ripping and slashing them.
Salvage Just because something is damaged, doesn't mean it can't be revamped. Got a cardi or jumper with holes in the sleeves? Shorten them and edge in contrasting wool.
Use add-ons From belts and buttons to piping around collars and cuffs, accessorising can make a humdrum outfit hot!
Seek help Unless you're talented in the sewing department, it may be best to leave big alterations to a tailor or seamstress.
THE LONDON FITTING ROOMS: 020 7431 9993, www.londonfittingrooms.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMANDA MORGAN, PIXELEYESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK HAIR & MAKE-UP: CAROLINE PIASECKI, SARA BOWDEN STYLING: LUCIE CLIFFORD THANKS TO THE LONDON FITTING ROOMS: 020 7431 9993, LONDONFITTINGROOMS.COM STOCKISTS: ACCESSORIZE (0870 412 9000), ASOS (ASOS.COM), DOROTHY PERKINS (0845 121 4515), DUNE (020 7258 3605), FREEDOM AT TOPSHOP (01277 844476), GOLDIE (GOLDIELONDON.COM), MATALAN (0845 330 3330), NEW LOOK (0500 454094), RIVER ISLAND (020 8991 4759)
This article has 2 comments
IF YOUR ARMS NEED EXTRA ROOM CUT THE ARMS SEAM AND MAKE A PYAMID OF DAISES BOUGHT AT A HABERDASHER SHOP PUT THE SMALLEST END TO THE ARMPIT IT IS WELL WORTH THE BOTHER I HAVE DONE IT LOTS OF TIMES AND IVE ALWAYS BEEN PLEASED WITH THE RESULT ALL THE BEST.
By june. Posted August 7 2009 at 7:35 PM.
ooh la la recycling your old clothes into the latest fashion why didnt i think of that!!!! I think its a great idea and more people should try this. Thank you Fabulous i have loads of old clothes that need a bit (well a lot ) of transforming.
By Sarah . Posted July 12 2009 at 6:47 PM.