Oliver Spencer has unveiled one of the UK’s first 360-degree circularity initiatives – to extend the life cycle of a fashion garment by up-cycling, reusing, or re-purposing the garment and its constituent textiles – and is urging other fashion brands to follow suit.
Oliver Spencer has unveiled one of the UK’s first 360-degree circularity initiatives – to extend the life cycle of a fashion garment by up-cycling, reusing, or re-purposing the garment and its constituent textiles – and is urging other fashion brands to follow suit.
“We want to shout about this not to pat ourselves on the backs but to get the word out and encourage other brands to do the same,” said the menswear designer and brand founder, Spencer.
Customers are encouraged to return end-of-life clothing in exchange for credit through the Repurpose campaign. The things’ composition and state will determine how they can be used again.
Single-fibre garments: Clothing made entirely of single fibres, like cotton or wool, is treated by shredding and discolouring the base material to make pulp, which is then spun into fresh yarn that may be used to make more clothing.
Mixed-fibre garments: Oliver Spencer partnered with a social company that is also an academic institution to channel these fabrics into educational programmes where they can be recycled or downsized for clothing made of mixed fibres.
Footwear and accessories: All footwear is sent to a dedicated facility where the uppers and soles are separated. While uppers go through the same process, rubber soles are downcycled into faux leather or entirely recycled into new sole components. Other materials, including metals and plastics, are separated and given new life in furniture and playgrounds, among other things.
